Have you ever read the back of the bottles of tub and shower cleansers only to notice the terms mold and mildew being used? Does this leave you wondering if they mean the same thing? Actually, there are differences between mold and mildew.
Mold is also known as fungus and grows well on moist grounds as well as rotting surfaces. Mold can be found on food, ceiling tips, clothes and even on leather. Mold is generally black, red, green, black or blue. While a large number of molds can be said to be harmless, many can be toxic and have the potential to cause serious health problems to pets and humans.
Mildew on the other hand is a kind of fungus that is present on moist surfaces. This can typically be found in showers, window sills and even bathtubs. Mildew is usually white or gray in color and is easily identifiable because of its powdery texture. Mildew is not poisonous but can be a problem for people who are allergic to mold.
The most ideal way to get rid of black mold and reduce the growth of this fungus would be to keep potentially moist surfaces dry. This includes fixtures around the house such as joints or even plumbing fixtures. If you already have a problem with mold, you will find that there are many products out there for you to remove the mold. There are even eco-friendly removal products available in the market if you are concerned about the levels of chemicals in these products.
One way of keeping mold and mildew away is to use a dehumidifier in the house. Keep your windows open whenever you can. You may also want to consider installing an exhaust fan in the bathroom and kitchen. All this will prevent moisture from building up. Also, always protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves and mask when working on mold and mildew removal.
