Mould and mildew are the two most common microbes or funguses that can make your house look dirty and unhygienic. The worst part is that the growth of these nasty spores can trigger various health concerns, such as allergies, asthma, and other diseases. It is important to treat them as soon as possible. If you are moving out of a rental property, make sure you remove mould and mildew before
the final rental inspection.
However, people often get confused between mould and mildew. Of course, these two have a lot of things in common, and mildew is a specific type of mould, but both are different in many ways, and so is the treatment.
Both tend to grow in a damp and humid environment, such as bathroom walls, the area under the sink, tiles, the basement, etc. For a
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If you want to know the difference between mould and mildew before removing them, have a look at the following guide:
Different Types of Mould
The most common types of mould you can encounter in your home are classified into three categories:
Alternaria
It usually grows on walls, windows, sinks and damp surfaces. It can appear grey, black and brown. It can cause allergic reactions, such as asthma.
Aspergillus
One of the most common types of mould is found on paper, clothing and walls. It looks grey, green, and back. It can cause respiratory infections and allergies.
Penicillium
It can be found on surfaces like wallpaper, carpets, and mattresses and looks green and blue. It can also cause allergic reactions.
Difference between Mould and Mildew
The unpleasant spores love to thrive on dark and moist surfaces and can eat up the entire surface. Both the fungi spread quickly and cause various health hazards. Here are some of the key highlights that will help you identify the difference between mould and mildew:
1. Mould Looks Fussy, and Mildew is quite Powdery
Knowing whether you are tackling mould or mildew is important because it can pollute the indoor environment. The best thing is that both look different- making it easier to identify them.
Mould stains are green, black and red and look fussy or slimy. On the other hand, mildew appears white and grey and holds a powdery texture.
2. Mould has a strong smell while mildew has a milder one
You can also identify the difference between the two by smell. Mould tends to be pungent or strong, while mildew has a milder or light smell. Make sure you thoroughly check your bathrooms, kitchen areas, and basement and tackle the fungi as quickly as possible.
3. Mould Burrows, but mildew thrives on surfaces
There is no denying that both the microbes appear on surfaces like wood, leather, paper and other natural materials. That’s why it is
good to wash windows like pro or clean other surfaces to prevent the spread of mould.
However, the mildew grows in humidity (between 62 and 93 per cent) and can be found in the shower, window sills and under the sink.
4. Difference in the Effects
Both the microbes need to be taken care of as quickly as possible to improve the indoor environment.
Mould:
Prolonged exposure can damage the surface and cause a variety of health hazards, such as skin irritations, sneezing, nasal congestion, and respiratory problems. The black spores are particularly harmful, and you must treat them as soon as possible.
Mildew:
It affects crops and plants. In case it thrives indoors, it can pose health problems. Inhaling mildew spores can cause headache, coughing, respiratory issues and sore throat.
How to Test Mould and Mildew at Home?
If you don’t identify the difference between these two types of fungi, try this home testing hack:
Pour a few drops of household bleach on the affected surface. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes and check.
If the stain remains dark, it is mould.
If it has become light in colour, you need to treat the mildew.
How to Treat Mould and Mildew Using Natural Cleaning Products?
There are various
DIY homemade cleaners that are safe for pets, kids and the environment. You can use them to remove stubborn stains like mould and mildew with ease.
1. White Vinegar Solution
You can use white vinegar, warm water and dishwashing soap to remove mould and mildew stains from your home. Prepare a homemade solution and spray it on the affected surface. Leave it for a few minutes before scrubbing using a brush.
2. Baking Soda Paste
Mix 50 per cent baking soda and 50 per cent warm water in the bowl. Apply the paste and let it dry. Scrub the surface using a brush and rinse away. Do not forget to dry the surface.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
It is also a non-toxic and effective cleaning solution that can help you eliminate mould and mildew easily. Take three per cent of hydrogen peroxide and water. Spray the solution and leave it for 15 minutes and wipe off with a damp cloth.
Conclusion
It is important to know the difference between the two and treats them to achieve a healthy and hygienic home environment. You can consider these tips and treat using
safe and sound products that won’t cause any harm to the environment. If you are at the end of your tenancy, hire professionals for a detailed vacate cleaning Perth and get the full bond back.
