How to Identify Mildew vs Mould

Need to get on top of those gray powdery dots or unsightly patches of black mould that seem to be popping up everywhere?

They grow everywhere from your shower curtain to your walls, so we don’t blame you!

While the services of a damp specialist trained and certified by the Federation of Damp are always recommended, there’s no harm in learning the basics yourself.

In fact, if you know how to prevent mould in the future, you’ll be able to ensure that seemingly harmful things like spillage on wood furniture or a couple of wet towels don’t become breeding grounds for mould and mildew.

Let’s dive into the details so that you can make sure black mould can’t cause health problems and that mildew spores never make their way around your home.

What Is Mold?

First things first, we need to know the difference between mould and mildew because you treat mould in a completely different way than how you would get rid of mildew.

Mould spores come from a type of fungus that is :

• Dark in colour
• Fuzzy and raised
• Comes with a must smell

The problem with black mould is that it grows both on top of the outer surface and penetrates deeper within. This means that simply wiping it down with a damp cloth with some warm water will not be enough.

Mould spores contain potentially harmful toxins that can cause breathing problems and will require anyone cleaning up the mouldy area to wear protective equipment when reaching for a spray bottle of a suitable cleaning solution.

In fact, you will need to wear gloves, a mask, and also protection for your eyes if you want to try and remove black mould yourself. Add in the fact that strains such as stachybotrys chartarum will readily cause allergies if left untreated, even if you open the windows and increase the ventilation, you can see why hiring a professional matters.

We now need to take a look at mildew so we can spot the difference.

What Is Mildew?

Mildew is another species of fungus and is technically a type of mould. While it may turn darker as it ages, it cannot turn into toxic black mould. That said, when mildew grows, it will still damage your property and need to be removed.

Mildew thrives in damp conditions with little or no airflow and can be spotted with reference to the following:

• It will be white or light grey, potentially turning black as it ages
• The texture will be dry and powder-like
• There may be a foul odour that is produced

Mildew will typically grow in very damp environments that have poor ventilation. Common places include the back of the bathroom door, along with grouting and silicone sealant, and on the ceiling directly above the bath or shower unit.

One of the first places you will spot it is on your shower curtain. If you notice it, this is a sign that the surface is remaining too moist for too long and that the mildew is likely to spread sooner rather than later. Think of it as a visible warning for the rest of the room and then take steps to actively remove excess water.

Remove Mildew From Walls

Filling a spray bottle with a solution that is four parts water to one part bleach and then applying it generously to the affected area is the way to go here.

You will want to make sure you are wearing gloves and a mask and that you open windows before you begin the cleaning.

Mildew will typically only be on the surface — whereas black mould penetrates — so in most cases where you catch things in the early stages, you will be able to make good progress.

That said, you will need to contact a professional if the infestation has spread or if you are not confident that you can put in place a solution that will address the root causes.

Once the area has been cleaned, dispose of the brush and sponge used, change into clean clothes, and take a shower to remove any spores from your hair and skin.

Remove Mould from walls

When you need to remove mould you will need something more rigorous and in-depth. We recommend the following approach if you have an infestation that is in its early stages:

• Wear long gloves, DIY clothes, eye protection, and a breathing mask over your mouth
• Combine clean water with a concentrated bleach solution and apply with a spray bottle
• Allow the solution to sit on the affected area for several minutes before scrubbing with a brush or abrasive pad
• Actively remove water at the same time by cracking open windows for more fresh air and better ventilation
• Consider multiple rounds of cleaning to penetrate deeper into the walls — a simple wipe is not enough to remove black mould spores
• Reduce moisture in the room over the next 48 hours with a combination of a dehumidifier and electric heater directed at the damp patch

If you find that the mould won’t budge or that trying to go so triggers your allergies, stop immediately and seek professional help.

Specialist mould sprays can help

You may find it easier to remove mould with a pre-made solution that can be bought at any local hardware or DIY store.

Make sure to wear PPE while applying to the walls and wash any off your skin immediately as they will all contain high concentrations of bleach.

White vinegar is an eco-friendly option

Water mixed with equal parts white vinegar is a more eco-friendly option that could potentially help with mould removal and defeating the spread of spores and other fungus varieties.

While not as impactful as bleach, it will be easier on your respiratory system and typically costs less.

Baking soda can also help

Using baking soda is the way mould used to be dealt with before the advent of chemical bleaches. Some combine it with vinegar, while others simply mix it with tap water. There is no set method here that will definitively work, but it may be worth having a quick spray if you notice a very small amount of growth on a piece of furniture or an isolated patch of wall space.

Get into the surface with an abrasive sponge or brush, and you will be able to pull out most of the fungal roots that have thrived on the excess moisture.

Mould and Mildew Health Concerns

This section is key because you need to know that killing off mould and mildew is not a simple case of a quick spray on the affected surface followed by a speedy wipe.

Black mould, in particular, will release dangerous spores into the air that will rapidly spread around your home.

They become embedded in your lungs, inflame the lining, and can cause chronic breathing issues.

This is a particular problem for kids, elderly people, and those with breathing conditions such as asthma.

Removing mould from bathroom sealant & grout

A small amount of isolated mould in the bathroom and around the shower seals can usually be treated with a DIY approach and some bleach spray.

Use a brush or sponge to work into the surface, making sure to wear a mask and gloves to protect your health.

If you notice that the room always has moist air or that towels or clothes left to hang in there tend to have a musty odour, hire the services of a damp proof specialist.

Now that we’ve covered the basics and recommended a Federation of Damp pro, we’ll leave you with a few common questions we’re often asked.

How do you start removing mould from furniture?

Spray the surface with vinegar (bleach may make the colours run) and then move the furniture to a room with less moisture and damp. If at all possible, leave it outside to air, and the natural ventilation will help you get on top of low-level outbreaks.

Is mildew as harmful as mould?

No, while it will still kill minor health issues, particularly with your breathing, it is not toxic in the way that black mould is.

How long before mildew turns to mould?

While mildew will get darker and look black after time, it will never turn into the far more dangerous strain we commonly think of as ‘black mould’ because they are two distinct species of fungus.

What is the best way to get rid of mildew?

Even a small visible outbreak may have a much more complex underlying cause. That’s why hiring a damp proof specialist is always the faster way to get rid of mildew once and for all.

Can I remove the black mould myself?

In principle, yes, but in practice, it will take more than a little bleach or vinegar and letting some fresh air flow into the room. Hiring a professional will address the underlying causes of the black mould in your bathroom or elsewhere in the home, will protect your health, and will provide a much more time-efficient solution.