MOULD VS MILDEW

MOULD

Colour and Texture: Mould can appear in various colours, including black, green, blue, or grey. It often has a fuzzy or slimy texture, especially when it’s actively growing.

Growth Pattern: Mould grows in irregular patches and can spread rapidly if not addressed. It may appear in colonies or clumps.

MILDEW

Colour and Texture: Mildew is usually white, grey, or yellow. It has a powdery or downy texture and appears as a flat, often powdery film.

Growth Pattern: Mildew grows in a more uniform, flat pattern and is less aggressive in spreading compared to mould.

MOULD

Preferred Surfaces: Mould thrives on porous surfaces like wood, plastics, drywall/plaster, soft furnishings and carpet, where it can penetrate and grow deep into the material.

Moisture Needs: Mould requires a high level of moisture and warmth to grow. It can develop from leaks, high humidity, or inadequate ventilation.

MILDEW

Preferred Surfaces: Mildew generally grows on non-porous surfaces such as tiles, glass, tin roofing and vinyl, though it can also be found on more porous surfaces if moisture is not managed.

Moisture Needs: Mildew prefers warm, damp environments but usually thrives in less extreme conditions compared to mould.

MOULD

Health Effects: Mould exposure can lead to a range of health issues, particularly in people with allergies, asthma, or compromised immune systems. Common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion, throat irritation, and skin rashes. Long-term exposure can contribute to chronic respiratory issues and more severe health problems.

Toxic Mould: Certain types of mould, such as Stachybotrys chartarum (black mould), produce mycotoxins that can be particularly harmful and require professional remediation.

MILDEW

Health Effects: Mildew can also cause respiratory issues, particularly if it’s been growing for an extended period. People with allergies and asthma may experience symptoms similar to those caused by mould, such as coughing and sneezing. Mildew is generally less likely to cause severe health problems compared to mould.

Assessment and Safety: Identify the extent of the mould problem and locate the source of moisture. Common sources include leaks, high humidity, and poor ventilation.

Bathrooms, air conditioning, closed-in areas and rooms away from the sun and furniture against walls like beds, bookcases and draws are the most common places to find mould.

Wiping with vinegar helps but a product like Forcefield Mould Killer actually kills the mould spores and the roots that grow into the porous surface and is essential to prevent the return of the mould colony.

Bleach does not kill mould; it simply removes the visual mould but does not kill the roots and spores in and on the surface. This is why you start to see mould returning in a month or two to the same spot.

 

Safety: Always use PPE to protect your lungs and skin. Contact a professional who can properly treat and remove the mould and sanitise the surface to help prevent it from returning.

Professional Help: For extensive mould issues, consider hiring a professional mould remediation service to ensure thorough removal and safety.

 

 

Moisture: Prevention is always better than cure. Address any sources of moisture, such as leaks or high humidity. Use dehumidifiers and ensure proper ventilation, especially in areas prone to moisture like bathrooms and basements.

Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain your home to identify and address potential mould growth early. In the right conditions, mould can get away and out of control very quickly and before you know it you can have a very bad mould infestation and some serious health issues.

Assessment: Determine the extent of mildew growth and check for sources of moisture. Mildew is often easier to treat but still requires proper attention.

Safety: Use gloves and a mask to protect yourself from inhaling mildew spores or coming into contact with it.

Cleaning: Surface Cleaning: Clean mildew from non-porous surfaces using a mixture of water and white vinegar or baking soda. You can also use Forcefield Mould Killer. Apply the solution, scrub with a brush or sponge, and rinse and dry.

Commercial Cleaners: For stubborn mildew, use commercial mildew/mould cleaners such as Forcefield Mould Killer, per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Drying: After cleaning, ensure the area is thoroughly dried. Use fans or dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process and prevent mildew from returning.

Improve Ventilation: Enhance airflow in areas prone to mildew growth by using exhaust fans, opening windows, and ensuring proper ventilation.

Regular Cleaning: Clean surfaces regularly to prevent mildew build-up. Pay special attention to areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements where moisture levels are higher.

Regular Inspections: Periodically check for signs of mould or mildew and address any issues promptly.

Preventive Measures: Consider using mould-resistant materials in construction or renovation projects, and regularly clean areas susceptible to moisture.