People often confuse mould and mildew. They’re both types of fungi that grow in different parts of the home. They always start as tiny spores that spread to the rest of the house. They do thrive under dirty conditions but they need different circumstances.
What is mould?
It is a type of fungus that forms in and outdoors. There are many different types of mould. Research suggests over 300,000 types exist. Mould reproduces by releasing spores in the air. You can’t prevent spores from spreading. However, you can make it difficult for them to sprout. Mould thrives in warm, damp environments.
The most common type of house mould is Alternaria which occurs in bathrooms and sinks. Aspergillus occurs in flour and powdery building materials. Cladosporium grows on fabric and wood. Penicillium grows anywhere damaged by water. It has a blue or green appearance.
Mould gets in your house through open windows or doors. It can also attach to your pet’s fur, clothes, shoes, or objects outside the house. If your house is kept consistently clean, you won’t have a mould problem. Mould is most likely to appear where there are water leaks, window panes where condensation or raindrops collect, and where there is no circulation.
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What is mildew?
Mildew is also a type of fungus. It’s different from mould because of how it spreads as a flat layer. Mould tends to form clusters or spread from one cluster to form a line. Mildew is also almost always white while mould is black, green, blue, grey, white, or red. It also grows on the surface. It can also be black spots. Mildew loves growing on fabrics such as cotton, rayon, silk, and leather. In addition, it can be found on wood and paper. It grows in damp warm areas with no access to sunlight or ventilation.
Harmful effects of mould and mildew
These fungi can be harmful to you and your pet’s health. At a superficial level, mould and mildew can ruin the appearance of your home. The coloured spots around tiling grout, taps, toilet bowls, or pipes can be off-putting to look at. The clusters can warp and rot fabrics, and floorboards. In addition, mould can have a disturbing odour. When mildew grows on clothes, it can be difficult to remove the smell.
Mould and mildew can damage building materials. Over time, when left unchecked, it compromises the integrity of housing materials. It can cause weaknesses to furniture, piping, fabrics, or papers. When mould gets into the inner nooks of your house, you may need to demolish the infected materials.
Fungi like mould and mildew can cause severe respiratory problems. People with allergies and other conditions can be affected by spores. Mould produces allergens, irritants, and mycotoxins which affect you if you have an allergy. The spores can also irritate the lungs, nose, and throat. This can be sensitive for those with asthma or bronchitis.
Aspergillosis can cause breathing problems for people who are immunocompromised or with lung disease. Fungus balls can lead to bloody coughs. Other mould spores can lead to sinusitis and headaches. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis can lead to weight loss and coughs.
Mould can also trigger the growth of bacteria. This can lead to bronchitis, sinusitis, and lower respiratory tract problems, especially among younger children. Mildew isn’t particularly toxic but it can still cause sensitivity problems.
How to prevent mould and mildew
The best way to prevent mould and mildew from growing in your home is to prevent any lasting dampness. To reduce humidity, instantly clean up spillage or leaks. Using a dehumidifier also reduces excess moisture in a room. Leave your windows open during the day to help with circulation. You can also leave windows open when cooking to remove moisture.
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Avoid performing indoor activities that cause moisture buildup in the house such as hanging wet clothes indoors. Store clothes only when they’re completely dry. If you use a washing machine, ensure you leave the doors open to let the water dry out completely. Empty drawers, clean and expose them to sunlight periodically.
The bathroom is a place that can’t avoid moisture buildup. However, you can prevent the growth of black mould. The shower should be cleaned at least twice a week if it has only one user. A bathroom that serves many people should be cleaned more frequently. Use mould-killing products to clean the shower and toilet bowl. Don’t put carpets in bathrooms or next to the toilet. Bathmats should be made of materials that absorb moisture.
How to remove mould and mildew
To remove mould on hard surfaces, you can use soap and water. A diluted bleach solution can also clear the mould and sanitize the area. Ensure the areas are completely dry before placing any items.
Frequently used items in the kitchen and bathroom such as dish racks, soap dishes, and toothbrush holders also collect moisture. Ensure you rinse and empty them out frequently. The dish rack should be washed at least once a week to get rid of any spores.
Check for mould and mildew regularly. Areas where mould is likely to grow include under the sink, near taps, above the stove, bathrooms, behind toilets, beds, and cabinets. If you find large clusters of mould, find antifungal products to help remove them. If the clusters are too big, hire a professional cleaner.
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