First of all, know that mildew is relatively harmless. It is simple to clean, has a slight but offensive odor, and does not spread as easily as mold. It can also cause allergic symptoms – but mold, on the other hand, tends to be rather dangerous. It is bad news for any property owner to find a lot of mold growing. You see, mold often leads to irritation, allergic reactions, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and many other symptoms that worsen with time. In rare cases, mold can even lead to pneumonia, depression, or even death. Again, such instances are far more rare than irritation or coughing, but they are very real.

In any case, you need to understand both mold and mildew.

Mildew, like mold, is a type of fungus. Unlike mold, mildew does not cause so much trouble. It is noninvasive, found in wet locations, and appears gray-white or occasionally brown over time. Most often, mildew is flat and powdery. You’ve likely spotted a bit of mildew on old bread, for instance.

When it comes to cleanup, mildew is easily tackled with a little elbow grease and vinegar or bleach. However, please note that mildew can lead to allergic reactions similar to those caused by mold, especially in adults or children who are susceptible to mold allergies. Mildew is still less of a threat, though.

Mold, on the other hand, is far worse. If you spot a bit of mold, it’s a sure sign of a growing infestation in your home or business. First, you may notice the odor. It is often musty and pungent. That smell is a good indication that a sizable mold growth is nearby.

Typically, mold appears fuzzy and dark. It grows in a variety of colors, from bright red to black. Most types of mold often appear like nothing more than a patch of dirt, so we can often overlook the growth completely. But even a small portion of mold means more is hidden away. Most often, mold will grow in moist environments. In a property, this means the attic, basement, or crawlspace. Or after a severe water intrusion, mold will begin growing in more visible areas.

If you spot even the smallest sign of mold in your home, don’t reach for the scrub brush and bucket. Pick up the phone instead and call Restoration 1 of Central Maryland. We are available day or night, When you call, we will dispatch a mold expert to assess the situation and begin mold remediation immediately. All it takes is one phone call.