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You see something strange and unsightly on the surfaces in your home and immediately your mind starts questioning what it is and how to get rid of it. Is it mold? Is it mildew? What is mold anyway and how is it different than mildew? How does one clean or get rid of mold or mildew? Are mold and mildew the same thing?
Both mildew and mold are types of fungi, and they are both known to be found in the home. They both thrive when there is moisture in the environment and can be difficult to get rid of. Both mold and mildew can be sneaky and spread quickly without homeowners ever knowing they exist. They also each grow on a variety of surfaces from food to your shower and even a single sheet of paper.
And it goes without saying that neither mold nor mildew is a welcoming sight to a homeowner.
So, yes … mold and mildew share a lot of commonalities. In many ways, they are similar. However, mold and mildew are different. They have different sizes, shapes and colors as well as risk factors, and there are different ways of dealing with each.
A homeowner should understand the answer to the question “What is mold?” as well as to the question “What is mildew?” so that when one or both of these fungi are noticed, they can be dealt with properly and promptly.
You may think mold and mildew are one and the same, but there are many differences between the two. You can think of mildew as a type of mold.
Mold is a type of fungus that grows in the form of black or green patches and easily penetrates the surface of whatever it is growing on. Mold can even appear as fuzzy or slimy in texture. Mold is typically the result of larger infestation than mildew.
Mildew typically grows flat and doesn’t penetrate the surface, making it easier to clean and get rid of. It is typically a patch of gray or white fungus.
Mold and mildew can cause damage around your home. Neither mold nor mildew should be left untreated. Once you identify either one, you should remove it to minimize damage and further growth.
Mold is well known for causing structural damage to homes. It can also cause severe health problems including allergic reactions, migraine headaches, respiratory problems, inflammation and mental issues. There are over 10,000 different types of mold so the effects on your home and health will vary greatly depending on which type is in your house. Because of the numerous types of mold, you must know the answer to both “what is mold?” and “what type of mold is this?” when you find mold in your home.
Mildew isn’t associated with a high degree of structural damage but it can damage plants and crops. It can also cause some health problems including headaches and respiratory problems.
Prevention is always worth its weight in gold, and this holds true when it comes to mold and mildew. It is much easier to prevent mold and mildew than it is to get rid of it once you have a big problem.
Mold and mildew need moisture to grow so the first step in mold and mildew prevention is to keep excess moisture out of your home. Use a demudifier to keep the humidity in your house low (40-50%). Always have your heating and cooling systems inspected annually to make sure they are working properly as good air circulation can help prevent moisture build up. If you find any leaks in your home, you should fix them right away. Inspect your attic, basement and perimeter of your home in addition to your roof so that you can find leaks quickly and deal with them promptly. If water does get in your home, dry it out as quickly as possible and follow other mold remediation and prevention guidelines.
Once you discover mold or mildew in your home, it must be cleaned up and remediated. If left untreated, the problem will continue to get worse. Mold especially is a serious condition. If you’ve seen some or suspect it in your home, you may be wondering what the best method is to remove it. No matter what, mold is definitely different than your typical home maintenance project. When it comes to mold remediation in your home, should you try to DIY or should you call in the professionals?
Clean up depends on how much mold is in your home, how deep the infestation is and what type of mold it is. This is why most professionals who are knowledgeable about mold recommend you at least have a professional inspection completed before attempting to remove mold yourself. There are also mold test kits that you can buy and use yourself.
Mildew is an easier problem to deal with if you can contain it. Because it doesn’t penetrate surfaces, it can usually be wiped down with special anti fungal cleaners. The key is complete removal because any mildew left behind can multiply and quickly become a problem again.
While mold and mildew may not be at the top of your favorite topic list, they are a subject that cannot be ignored once spotted in your home. Hopefully, you now have a better idea of the question “what is mold and how is it different than mildew?” It is especially important to know the facts on mold and mildew if you are a homeowner. You need to know how to prevent it and what to do if you find some in your home. If you want to know more, there are lots of resources available to you online. There are also mold professionals who specialize in inspection and remediation. These professionals will be able to answer all of your questions and provide recommendations on the best way to get rid of the mold or mildew in your home. If you have any doubt, please reach out.
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Borax, or sodium tetraborate, is a natural white mineral and salt powder compound derived from boron, a non-metal element which is mined from the ground (generally from dried-up lake beds).
Boron is an essential mineral that plants need to grow and the human body utilizes for bone, immune, and brain function.
Aptly named, Boron, California maintains the largest borax mine in the world, which has quite the reputation for being one of the most ecologically-benign and environmentally-sustainable mines in the United States. This same mine just happens to be the source for one of the most popular borax brands: 20 Mule Team. While the source of each brand may vary, it’s a good bet that the majority of American-based borax products are sourced from this same mine.
Contrary to misleading opinions based on the misinterpretation of scholarly articles, borax is not boric acid. Boric acid (sodium borate) is a potentially-harmful substance that results when borax reacts with another acid, such as sulfuric or hydrochloric acid.
The Material Safety Data Sheet considers borax a health hazard level 1, which ranks it alongside baking soda and salt.
Unlike boric acid, borox is extremely alkaline (9.3 pH) and, as it is with most substances that go beyond the pH range of human skin, it can cause mild irritation to already damaged skin and is a mild irritant to mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, lungs, genitals, other innards). However, it does not penetrate skin easily and its bio-accumulative effect is reportedly non-existent. (Meaning: repetitive topical use does not cause a build-up of borax in the system.)
Borax has also been ruled out as a carcinogen.
The only perceived danger is from high-quantity ingestion. Several studies conducted on rats concluded that 1. Moderate ingestion causes gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea and diarrhea, and 2. Incredibly high-quantity ingestion causes systematic toxicity. (Note: A disruption of the sexual reproductive system from high levels of long-term ingestion is reported in these same studies on rats.)
In short, don’t eat it, rub it in your eyes, or include it in your bedroom activities.
Borax is a common ingredient in detergents and cosmetics. It is prized for its effectiveness as a cleanser and deodorizer.
And then some. Borax is helpful as a mold killer. The main purpose it is being mentioned here on MoldBlogger is because of its natural anti-fungal properties. Borax is a formidable foe when it comes to fungi, as well as bacteria and insects.
*If you prefer, the borax and water solution can be poured into a glass spray bottle. Or, to avoid supplying excess moisture to the more porous materials affected by mold, such as dry wall or unfinished wood, a paste can be made by adding less water to the mixture.
About the Author: Amanda Demsky is the mother and personal chef of two boys, the domestic technician of a three-bedroom desert home, and occasionally, a freelance writer and editor. Feel free to follow her on Twitter @fullquiver777
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There are numerous aromas our olfactory organs are subjected to each day. Whether it be the smell of food cooking or baking, the distinct aroma of herbs or essential oils, or the unpleasant reek of yesterday’s trash, our nose encounters a host of various scents, both appealing and unappealing. While our sense of smell has many purposes, it is often overlooked as an alarm system. In fact, when it comes to personal safety, our nose is an excellent source for warnings against danger—not just burnt toast. Are there smells that can alert us to potential health hazards or signal that the environment we are in is not safe? Certainly. Aside from the distinct smell of smoke or gas, mold’s pungent odor is a helpful indicator that your health, as well as the health of those living with you, is at risk.
You may have experienced a musty smell in basements or in older homes. That scent is often the result of hidden mold growing in the home. If there is a moisture problem or previous water damage, mold will take advantage of the situation and start proliferating. Homes in dense trees, or with trees too close to the structure that do not allow for enough sunlight to penetrate, can also create an environment for mold growth. Once you smell the mold, it has likely grown enough to become quite a substantial issue.
The smell of mold is often noticed before its presence is made visually evident. But even though mold may not be visible to the naked eye, your nose is on the case. It may be hiding in walls or cabinets, in flooring or furniture, which makes your nose the very first line of defense and, therefore, an invaluable resource for mold detection. The key is recognizing the smell for what it is.
Mold can smell different from person to person, but many report a musty or unpleasant odor as the main indication of mold’s presence. Other possible descriptions of the smell of mold are: an earthy or a fetid stench similar to the smell of rotting organic matter, such as wood. Mold most often grows as the result of water damage or a moisture issue, so another possible indication of mold would be a “damp” scent, much like the smells that follow a heavy rainfall.
The smell associated with mold derives from gasses, which are called microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOC). Not all of these gasses produce the odor associated with mold, but some do. When you notice a moldy aroma, you are inhaling compounds from the mold and possibly toxic mold spores. It is important not to ignore the smell of mold for this reason, as mold spores can be potentially hazardous to your health. You should try to find the source of the smell and investigate the area for visible signs of mold and its cause (leaky pipes, for example). This may require some deep investigation as mold often hides in walls, under carpet, behind wall paper, or even in air-conditioning ducts.
Mold is attracted to moisture. Any water leaks, flooding, or high humidity levels will invite mold growth in the home. It is important to check for leaks in the roof, plumbing, or in basements and other areas prone to let water in a house. Monitor the amount of humidity in the home, especially in basements and bathrooms as these rooms tend to be areas of abundant moisture levels.
It is a good idea for every home to have a hygrometer to measure the humidity. The ideal humidity level for a healthy home is 40–50%. You may want to invest in a dehumidifier to have better control of the moisture in your house.
Air-conditioning ducts should also be checked for mold growth or condensation issues. Prevention is the best way to deal with mold. If you have windows that allow a lot of condensation, stay on top of keeping them dry and use a dehumidifier to help prevent them from developing moisture and mold.
So, what do you do when you notice the smell of mold in your home? The first thing you want to be aware of is that mold is potentially very harmful to your health. Do not simply cover up the smell with fragrances. Air fresheners and disinfectant sprays will not kill the mold or solve the issue. Even opening a window or diffusing essential oils will not be effective, though they could help reduce the mold spores indoors for a short-term until you can get the mold removed. If you can relocate until the mold is gone, that would be advisable. If you can’t locate the mold, then next step is to find a local mold professional to detect the mold’s exact location, evaluate the severity of the situation, and advise you accordingly.
If you have noticed the smell of mold in your home, but do not see mold, you should still get your home tested for mold. Mold is excellent at hiding, so don’t brush off a persistent odor in your house, even if it doesn’t smell “moldy” to you.
In the case that you do find mold, be aware that just because it was easy to locate because of how strong the smell was, that doesn’t mean it is the only mold hiding in your home. Chances are, if mold is growing in one place, it could be growing elsewhere without putting off such a strong odor as the one you found. There are home test kits for mold, however those can be inaccurate if not done properly. A professional mold tester will be able to make a thorough investigation to uncover any mold lurking in your home. (For a list of local mold professionals in your area, check out this directory of mold experts.)
Once you know where the mold is and how bad the damage is, you can work out a strategy for successful mold remediation.
Always consult a professional before attempting to remediate a mold problem yourself. If you don’t have experience with mold remediation, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that any mold problem larger than 10 square feet be examined by an expert. Gloves and respirator masks are suggested to ensure that you do not come in dangerous contact with the mold by touch or with the mold spores by inhalation. In addition, any items that do come in contact with the mold need to be disposed of properly. Sponges, rags, scrub brushes and any preventative attire should be bagged and placed in the exterior garbage bin immediately upon completion of mold removal. Showering afterward and using a natural anti-fungal soap is also wise.
Don’t treat mold with bleach on porous surfaces such as wood and drywall. In fact, contrary to popular opinion, bleach won’t kill the mold. It simply changes the mold’s natural coloring and only temporarily hinders its growth. After the initial shock of the harsh chemicals, the mold will continue to grow as if nothing ever happened.
Because mold is so versatile, it can withstand a variety of chemicals and environments. Even if it is damaged or goes through a period without the optimal nutrients needed for growth, mold can lie dormant until conditions improve. This is why mold can be seen returning in areas that were already treated. In reality, the mold was never destroyed to begin with. Often, mold needs to be cut out completely and the damaged materials removed from the house before being disposed of in a safe manner.
Mold remediators are professionals who are trained to deal with mold safely and effectively. You will want to do your research on which remediation company you would like to hire. Look for reviews and other indicators that they are honest and thorough. Do not hire the same company that tested for mold in your home. Make sure they are certified and insured. Ask what remediation methods they use. Do not be bullied into a hiring a service you are not fully informed on and confident of. (For more information, check out this list of other questions to ask when hiring a mold remediation company.)
If you think you smell mold, do not ignore the situation. Find where the mold is hiding and safely remove it or hire a professional to conduct the mold remediation for you. Do not compromise your health. Make sure your home is a healthy place to live with no mold and no musty or unhealthy odors. Your life and the lives of those you love depend on it.
Under many common conditions mold can be serious, and given time could possibly lead to severe health complications. In this five part series I hope to tackle and explain some of the biggest misconceptions about mold.
Misconception 1 – Mold is everywhere and in everything, so there is no need for concern.
Yes, this is true – mold is everywhere. Mold is a fungus and in fact, fungus is estimated to make up 25% of the earth’s biomass. Most of the air we breathe is filled with microscopic mold spores. However, mold can become a danger to your health, depending on the location of growth and exposure. The key is to avoid inhaling large quantities of mold spores, along with specific types of spores. If you are taking a walk in the woods, especially after a recent rain, you are probably walking among quite a bit of mold, but there is plenty of fresh, moving air that dilutes the spore counts, so the mold exposure is minimal. On the other hand, if a building has water damage that hasn’t been repaired, mold will begin to grow on any organic matter that doesn’t have a chance to dry. This is a problem because even in the best ventilated buildings, air doesn’t circulate like it would outdoors and mold spore counts will reach dangerous levels if water damage isn’t repaired.
It is important to be informed about the type of mold damage you may have, as well as the full extent of the growth. While bleach may get rid of mold in a few situations, it is a dangerous misconception to think that bleach is a safe and effective mold cleaner. I will be covering this topic in the next part of this series.
Misconception 2 of 5 – If you have a mold problem bleach will get rid of it, always and forever.
Brian Reeves co directs MoldBlogger.com with his wife Krystle. As an intern architect living in the Pacific Northwest he often encounters the damage mold can cause in buildings not properly constructed to prevent mold growth.
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