Mildew vs mold can be confusing because people often use them interchangeably. However, they’re not the same.

Mildew is a type of mold or fungus. People often use the word “mildew” to describe mold that grows flat and spreads on surfaces.

Mold refers to all types of tiny fungi that grow as thread-like structures called hyphae. Mold can grow on almost anything, including clothes, leather, paper, and even the walls, ceilings, and floors of buildings with moisture problems.

Mildew is commonly found in damp places like shower walls or windowsills where moisture is high.

However, mold can create a strong, musty smell in places with poor ventilation, like basements.

How are Mold and Mildew similar and different?

Mold and mildew are like siblings—they’re both fungi, but they have clear differences in how they look and affect your home and health. Ideally, you can prevent mold and mildew by keeping your home dry and well-ventilated.

But if they do appear, it’s important to act quickly to manage them before they cause bigger problems.

What do They Have in Common?

Both are fungi that no one wants in their home.
Both grow in damp, warm areas.
Both can appear on surfaces like food, showers, or paper.
Both can cause health problems, especially for people with respiratory issues.

What is the difference between mold and mildew?

Mildew is a surface fungus that looks like gray or white patches on moist areas. It is easy to clean with a store-bought cleaner and a scrub brush.
Mold is often more serious. It can appear black, green, or other colors and often indicates a bigger problem.
Mold can look fuzzy (especially on food) or slimy. Toxic mold can cause symptoms like allergies, wheezing, irritated eyes, headaches, and even lung problems.

How to Handle Mold and Mildew?

Managing mold and mildew is crucial for keeping your home safe. If you’ve had water damage, watch for signs of mold.

Remove mold and mildew completely to prevent them from spreading. Mold, in particular, may require professional help if it has spread widely.

What Does Mold and Mildew Look Like?

It’s important to know black mold vs mildew, even though the terms are often used interchangeably.

Mildew is a specific mold that grows on the surface of damp areas like walls, doors, or shower grout. It looks like small, flat black spots and sometimes feels powdery.

Mold is a broader term that includes many different types of mold. It can appear in various colors like green, black, or even red and often has a slimy texture. Unlike mildew, mold usually requires more than just surface cleaning to remove it.

Cleaning and Removal

Mildew can be scrubbed off easily with a cleaning brush and a store-bought mold remover.
Mold is harder to clean and may resist regular cleaning products. Its spores can spread quickly, so you might need to put in extra effort or hire a professional for complete removal.

What Does Black Mold Look Like?

Regular black mold (Cladosporium) looks like small black spots and can grow inside or outside the house. It’s not as dangerous as toxic black mold and is less musty. However, it can still cause allergic reactions in sensitive people and is easier to clean.
Toxic black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) is more serious and can cause sickness, especially if you have mold allergies. People with weakened immune systems may develop fungal infections in their airways or other parts of their body.

What Does Mold on Clothes Look Like?

Mold or mildew on clothes often appears as white or greenish-black spots. Even if you don’t see it, you might notice a strong, musty smell.
Mold grows on clothes when they stay damp for too long, such as when gym clothes are left in a bag overnight or when laundry is forgotten to move from the washer to the dryer.

You can usually clean moldy clothes by washing them again. Adding an extra-long presoak before running the laundry cycle can help remove the mold completely.

Signs to Look For –

The best way to avoid mold and mildew is to prevent them before they start. However, knowing the signs of their growth is just as important. If you suspect water damage, look for these clues:

Musty Smell: Your home or belongings might develop a strong, musty odor.
Visible Mold: You may see mold growing in unexpected places, like on baseboards, under windowsills, or other damp spots.
Health Issues: Sudden allergic reactions, unexplained illnesses, or ongoing health problems could be a sign of mold in your environment.
Damage to Materials: Mold causes materials to rot and break down. Look for warped floorboards, stained walls, rippled carpets, or other signs of damage.

Acting quickly when you notice these signs can help you prevent more serious problems.

How Can Mold and Mildew Harm You and Your Home?

Mold and mildew can harm your health and damage your surroundings. Here’s how:

Health Problems:

People with allergies, asthma, or sensitivities may experience coughing, wheezing, stuffy noses, and throat irritation.
It can also cause skin problems like rashes or hives, nosebleeds, and migraines.
In severe cases, mold can lead to respiratory infections or even poisoning from harmful mold toxins.

Damage to Buildings:

Mold and mildew grow in damp, humid areas and can cause serious damage to homes.
If left untreated, they can ruin materials like wood and drywall, which may need expensive repairs or even complete replacement.
In extreme cases, entire areas of a building may require renovation or demolition.

Bad Smells and Ugly Stains:

Mold and mildew produce a strong, musty odor that’s hard to get rid of unless the mold itself is removed.
Mold stains fabrics and surfaces, making them look unpleasant and often requiring extra cleaning or repair work.
Acting quickly to address mold and mildew can help protect both your health and your home.

How to Prevent Mold and Mildew?

Here are some of the mold prevention tips you can follow –

Keep your space clean.
Use exhaust fans to improve airflow in damp areas.
Reduce humidity with a dehumidifier.
Open windows for natural ventilation whenever possible.
Make sure HVAC vents are open and not blocked.
Check your dryer vents to ensure they’re clean and securely attached.

What Is the Difference Between Mold and Mildew?