Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City, TN
Mold and mildew are two different varieties of fungus. Both mold and mildew have some things in common. Both grow in damp, humid areas and can accumulate in your home or business, but the risks involved with each differ.
If you are a home or business owner, it is important to be able to differentiate mold from mildew. Spotless Carpet Cleaners is here to help by providing you with a guide to distinguish the difference between mold and mildew.
Where they grow: Mold and mildew both are drawn to wet, humid areas. Both also need an organic food source to thrive—such as drywall, wood, plant material or soil. However, mold can be more versatile and can accumulate on any organic surface in your home. Left unseen or untreated, the mold infiltrates this material, causing rot and eventually damaging or even destroying the structural components of your dwelling. Mildew is less pervasive; it grows mostly on plants, although mildew can kill plants if not identified or removed. The term mildew also is used to refer to the family of plant diseases that are caused by parasitic fungi.
What they look like: Mold typically has a fuzzy or slimy appearance. It manifests in irregular shapes and can be a variety of colors—white, blue, green, yellow, brown, gray, and black. Any variety of mildew grows in a flat pattern, developing as white, gray, or yellow patches that turn black or brown as time passes.
Health risks: Exposure to mildew poses fewer health risks. Some of the consequences of mildew exposure include coughing, headaches, sore throat, and certain respiratory issues. Mold exposure can have much more serious consequences. Mold can lead to allergic reactions such as sneezing, itchy eyes, a runny nose, coughing, wheezing, throat irritation, and rashes. Mold also can cause respiratory problems, including asthma or difficulty breathing. Left undiscovered or untreated, mold can lead to migraines, depression, and can even exacerbate lung diseases.
How are they prevented or removed: As mentioned, mold and mildew both thrive in humid environments so you can prevent their spread by keeping your property dry. We recommend using a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent, and ventilating appliances. Also, be aware of any standing water, which can be a breeding ground for mold. Inspect your attic, basement or crawlspace regularly to make sure there is no standing water.
Mold and Mildew Control in Johnson City
Removing mold is best done by a professional restoration company like Spotless Carpet Cleaners, especially if it is a larger area—defined as greater than 10 square feet. Consumers can treat any smaller areas of mold exposure by scrubbing them with a solution that combines household detergent and water. Mildew is easier to treat; remove it from plants by gently wiping down leaves with a damp paper towel. Freshen the paper towel after each wipe, and switch to a fresh towel when all parts have touched the area of mold. Trim any leaves that still have visible mold.
Water Restoration in Johnson City
You can trust the water restoration professionals at Spotless Carpet Cleaners to remove any mold or mildew that develops on your property. Call us at (423) 926-9251 to learn more about our services.
Spotless Carpet Cleaners is proud to serve the cleaning, carpet, and restoration needs for customers in the areas of Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol, Tennessee, and has done so since 1975.
