Mold Remediation: Mold versus Mildew

5/29/2021 (Permalink)

An example of growth after water damage seeped behind baseboards.

When a home suffers a water damage event, a mold infestation can quickly arise and spread throughout a home in 48-72 hours. Because mold can produce allergens and irritants, you will want a professional that has training and experience to properly resolve the mold infestation. That's where we come in!

How can you tell the difference between mold and mildew?

Primarily mildew is a plant disease but it can thrive on any organic matter, not just living tissue. It can appear on clothing, leather, paper, walls, ceilings, floor and even on your shower wall. It usually grows in a flat pattern in a white, gray or yellowish color. It will turn brown or black over time.

Mold is usually fuzzy and appears in irregular shaped spots. It also can appear in many different colors – blue, green, yellow, brown, gray, black, or white. Mold grows on organic matter everywhere but is only visible once the colonies grow.

How can you test the affected area to see if it is mildew or mold?

If you are unsure of what the substance is within the affected area, you can easily have it tested. The best course of action is to ask for professional assistance (like us!), but you can also fairly easily identify whether it is mildew or mold with a little bit of household bleach.

1. Apply a few drops of bleach to the affected area.

2. Wait 5 minutes and inspect the spot.

3. If the affected area becomes lighter, you are more than likely dealing with mildew. If the spot remains dark, it is most likely mold.

Who do you call when you think you've got mold?

SERVPRO of Minnetonka, that's who!

If you suspect that your Minnetonka home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect, assess and remediate your property. Call 952-473-4837 with any questions or concerns.