With the recent rainy days and the upcoming spring cleaning craze, you may soon have an encounter with mold or mildew. Unfortunately, there is a lengthy list of places where these could be residing in your household. The realization or suspicion that you have mold or mildew is always concerning, especially if it is your first experience. Fortunately, Downtown Walnut Creek Ace Hardware is happy to help. In this guide we will cover the difference between mold and mildew, where they could be hiding in your home, and how to resolve the issue.
Mold vs. Mildew
Mold and mildew are frequently used interchangeably, but the two are not entirely the same. Mildew actually refers to certain types of fungus, which can include some mold variants. The two are fairly easy to differentiate. Mildew has a flat appearance, sometimes described as powdery, and is typically light in color. Mold is often raised, fuzzy, and dark in color. Additionally, mold spores accumulate quickly and will spread faster than mildew.
Finding Mold and Mildew
The aforementioned descriptions could be unhelpful if you have yet to find mold or mildew. If you have suspicions you have likely either smelled something or felt the effects. The scent is a distinct, musty odor that many people find unmistakable. The effects, however, can be easier to confuse. The symptoms are often similar to the common cold. Signs can include a stuffy nose, coughing, fever, wheezing, and itchy eyes and skin. Incidentally, some people are completely unaffected. There is a long list of places where mold and mildew could be hiding in your home. The most common locations are bathrooms, kitchens, attics, and basements. Check sinks, showers, shower curtains, trash cans, window sills, underneath refrigerators, and inside small kitchen appliances.
Getting Rid Of Mold and Mildew
The first step is determining if professional help is required. That call will be necessary if the mold or mildew has grown beyond ten feet. Mold removal professionals vastly range in pricing, so if the area is manageable it is best to take action quickly. Regardless of the size, you will still need to protect yourself like a professional. A respirator mask, gloves, and goggles are all necessary to ensure your safety. When it comes to products there is a variety of viable solutions and preventative options:
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a safe, natural treatment. Simply add ¼ tablespoon to a large spray bottle filled with water, then wait for it to dissolve. Spray the affected surface and then remove it with a sponge, rag, or cleaning brush. You may need to repeat this process.
Baking soda is a safe, natural treatment. Simply add ¼ tablespoon to a large spray bottle filled with water, then wait for it to dissolve. Spray the affected surface and then remove it with a sponge, rag, or cleaning brush. You may need to repeat this process.
Bleach
Bleach is a common recommendation for mold and mildew removal. Mix 1 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water to dilute it. Please note that bleach should never be mixed with any other cleaning solutions. Spray the affected surface, wait for it to set in, and then scrub it off. A bleach solution is only for non-porous surfaces like tubs and sinks. It is not recommended for walls and furniture.
Bleach is a common recommendation for mold and mildew removal. Mix 1 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water to dilute it. Please note that bleach should never be mixed with any other cleaning solutions. Spray the affected surface, wait for it to set in, and then scrub it off. A bleach solution is only for non-porous surfaces like tubs and sinks. It is not recommended for walls and furniture.
Concrobium
Concrobium Mold Control is favored for its lack of bleach, ammonia, alcohol, and harmful chemicals. It’s an innovative, market-leading product that effectively eliminates existing mold, prevents mold re-growth and eliminates musty odors. Simply spray the affected area and then scrub. Monitor the area and apply Concrobium again if mold or mildew reappears.
Concrobium Mold Control is favored for its lack of bleach, ammonia, alcohol, and harmful chemicals. It’s an innovative, market-leading product that effectively eliminates existing mold, prevents mold re-growth and eliminates musty odors. Simply spray the affected area and then scrub. Monitor the area and apply Concrobium again if mold or mildew reappears.
DampRid
DampRid will remove moisture from the air, disabling the growth of mold and mildew. While it is best used as a preventative measure, it can still aid in the removal process of mold and mildew.
Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers are a great preventative measure. They will also remove moisture from the air, but the circulation feature makes them more efficient than DampRid. Dehumidifiers will be the best choice in large spaces, whereas DampRid would require multiple bags.
Mold Armor
Mold Armor works similar to the other sprays. Spray the affected area, wait a few minutes, and then wipe the mold or mildew off. It is important to note that some people find the scent similar to bleach.
Mold Armor works similar to the other sprays. Spray the affected area, wait a few minutes, and then wipe the mold or mildew off. It is important to note that some people find the scent similar to bleach.
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