Differences of Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew create musty smells and introduce unwanted bacteria into your home. We often use these two words together, but do they mean the same thing? Here’s what you need to know about these intruders.

What Is Mold?

A mold is a naturally occurring growth that thrives in a dark, damp environment. Molds feed on any organic material, including wood, paper, leather, and fabric. Molds are everywhere in nature. In fact, mushrooms and the blue parts of blue cheese are examples of molds many people enjoy eating.

There are over 100,000 species of mold. Some are completely safe and even good for you, like the foods we mentioned, but others can damage your health. It’s impossible to be totally mold-free, but you can control the amount of mold in your home and lessen its effects on your family.

How Can Mold Hurt You?

There are three types of harmful mold:

• Allergenic molds: These cause increased reactions in people who suffer from allergies.
• Pathogenic molds: These molds carry various infections. People with weak immune systems are most at risk of contracting an infection.
• Toxic molds: These molds contain mycotoxins, which are some of the deadliest poisons in the world.

What Symptoms Does Mold Cause?

Some people are unaffected by mold, but others have a strong reaction to the spores. Children, people with allergies and those with weak immune systems can experience a range of mold-related symptoms, including:

• Headaches and congestion.
• Red, watery eyes.
• Chronic coughing.
• Scratchy throat.
• Asthma attacks.

Your pets can suffer reactions to molds, too. Controlling excess mold growth keeps everyone safe.

What Is Mildew?

Mildew is a type of mold. It’s the type you’re more likely to see in homes.

Mildew is almost always white. It usually appears in a flat growth pattern. Other household molds appear black, green, red or yellow.

What Causes Mold and Mildew?

Uncontrolled moisture levels are the chief cause of mold growth. It’s not possible or healthy to keep all the moisture out of your home, but you can prevent mold growth with regular cleaning and airing.

What’s the Best Way To Remove Mold and Mildew?

Take these steps to enjoy a healthy, mold-free home:

• If there’s a leak in your house, fix it.
• Use dehumidifiers in high-humidity areas like the basement.
• Vent bathrooms and dryers to the exterior of your house.
• Use bathroom and kitchen fans when you cook or clean.
• Use detergent and water to clean mold from hard surfaces and clothing.
• Immediately clean and dry wet carpeting or upholstery. Mold only takes one day to grow on a damp carpet.
• Use a carpet and upholstery cleaning method that doesn’t leave moisture in your carpets.

Keep Your Family Safe with Our Help

Carpet Keepers can help your home stay mold-free. Our PureScience cleaning technology pulls mold, allergens, stains, and musty smells from your carpet and upholstery. Our method requires no drying time. We remove all the dampness to leave carpeting that’s dry, fresh, and clean.

If you want to remove toxic mold from your home, talk to Carpet Keepers about regular carpet cleanings. We’ll help you keep your family safe.