The Difference Between Mold and Mildew

9/14/2021 (Permalink)

The Terms Mold and Mildew are used interchangeably. They are both distinct but different species in the fungi family.

Mildew presents as a down and powdery substance and tends to be flat. It is a parasite that lives off living plants. Thus, to have an active mildew infestation in a building requires that there are living plants in the building. Because mildew requires a living host to grow, mildew is seldom a factor in indoor microbial contamination.

Mold tends to have a higher profile and can even become fuzzy. Mold is one of nature’s chief decomposition mechanisms. Molds that decay dead organic matter that was once alive, such as trees leaves, cotton, leather, wool, etc. Outdoors, molds are part of the natural environment by breaking down organic matter such as toppled trees, fallen leaves, and dead animals. The problem with mold is that it does not know the difference between a dead tree in the forest and a 2x4 wall stud in a home. In the case of mold or mildew, our team of trained professionals can assist you to make it “Like it never even happened.”