Mold and mildew is a constant enemy that many homeowners battle. It can be found anywhere in a home where it is damp and humid, or where water damage is or once was. Many people wonder what the difference between mold and mildew are. If you do any type of research on the differences, some will say one thing, others will say another.
Mildew is sometimes classified as being the substance that grows on clothes, found in showers and bathrooms, seen on fabric or carpeting that contain natural fibers, or by some experts, as being a plant disease. Mold is generally categorized as being the slimy growth found on wood, drywall, or in basements around leaky pipes. Whatever the differences there may be, and no matter how you look at it, YOU JUST DON’T WANT IT IN YOUR HOME!!!
Mold and mildew spores thrive in cool and damp areas. Look for it in bathrooms such as the shower areas, growing on the floor by the shower area, and underneath the sink. In kitchens, in can be in the refrigerator drain pan, if it is not cleaned out regularly, around the exhaust fan by the stove, underneath the sink as well and on the floors and walls. Mildew and mold also love to live and grow in basements and crawlspaces, because those areas normally do not get air that constantly filtrates throughout them.
If you detect mold or mildew, you want to remove it either yourself (very carefully, taking the necessary precautions), or have an expert in mold remediation come in to remove it as soon as possible. If mildew or mold are left after you have found it, with the right conditions, can germinate and grow to encompass a larger area, which in turn can be damaging to the home, and not to mention your families health.