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While mold and mildew are both fungi that thrive in the same warm, moist conditions, there are significant differences between the two. Having mold testing done by professionals can help identify which you’re dealing with. Here’s everything you need to know when it comes to mold versus mildew.

How Mold & Mildew Differ

Appearance

Mildew has a flat, two-dimensional appearance. When it first begins to grow, it may look powdery but can change colors to brown, yellow, white, or black. Also, you can wipe it away easily.

Mold has a fluffy or sometimes slimy appearance. It can present itself in a variety of different colors, including green, black, brown, or yellow. According to the CDC, mold is widespread and can be found anywhere there is moisture indoors.

Effects

Both mold and mildew can cause allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, coughing, and sneezing. Mold, however, can cause more severe health problems, including fatigue, joint pain, headaches, and generalized aches and pains.

Black mold is considered especially toxic to human health because of the mycotoxins it can release in the air as it colonizes. If you’re unsure which type of mold or mildew you’re dealing with, schedule professional mold testing.

Cleanup

Mold TestingMildew wipes right off of a surface. With a quality cleaner and a sponge or brush, cleaning up mildew is a task you can easily complete yourself. Cleaning up mold, on the other hand, should be left to the experts.

Mold can spread beyond the surface on which you see it, such as inside walls or beneath floors. An expert can perform mold testing, which determines the type and helps a remediation specialist make a plan for removal. Also, since mold is hazardous to human health, experts know the necessary precautions to take.

 

Do you think you have mold in your home? America’s Best Cleaning & Restoration Services can perform mold testing for you, identifying the type and the severity. They have five locations throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin, including Rochester, LaCrosse, Winona, Austin, and Owatonna. Visit their website for more information, or call (608) 782-6995 to schedule an appointment.

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