Mold

• Fuzzy, raised appearance 
• Darker shades of black, green or red
• Often confused for dirt
• Produces allergens that can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks
• Produces potent toxins and/or irritants

Mildew

• White/gray appearance in early stages
• Turns brown
• Flat, powdery 
• Small dots
• Causes minor respiratory issues 

Tips to Prevent Mold and Mildew

Controlling moisture levels is the best way to prevent mold and mildew growth. Moisture meters can help detect moisture hotspots in ceilings, floors and walls. Mildew is a surface fungus that can be cleaned with a disinfectant cleaner, bleach and a scrub brush. Mold is often a sign of a larger issue that may require professional treatment. Unlike mildew that grows on the surface, mold penetrates the objects it lives on and eats away at their cellular integrity. It’s best to invest in prevention up front to help control mold and mildew instead of scrambling to remediate them.  

The following actions can help prevent mold and mildew growth:

• Keeping humidity levels low, between 30-50%
• Using dehumidifiers, fans and opening windows, especially during humid months
• Fixing leaky roofs, windows and pipes
• Ventilating bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, basements and other damp areas
• Drying water-damaged areas within 24 – 48 hours
• Regularly inspecting building exterior for signs of leaks and other issues like cracked masonry, window frames and deteriorating flashing  

Testing for Mold and Mildew

Research by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) suggests that finding and correcting sources of dampness is often more effective at preventing health problems than counting indoor microbes. NIOSH developed a tool to help assess damp building areas and prioritize the remediation of problem areas. However, there are some simple ways to tell if a stain is dirt or a sign of a bigger mold problem:

• It has a strong, musty smell
• A drop of bleach lightens its color within 1-2 minutes
• It’s growing on warping, cracking or peeling material
• A source of moisture without much light is nearby

Cleaning Mold and Mildew

Before cleaning mold and mildew, always wear respiratory protection, chemically-resistant gloves and eye protection.

Removing Mildew

1. Don PPE and clean the area with bleach, mild detergent or a household cleaner.
2. Scrub with a disposable brush, sponge or rag until the mildew is gone.
3. Dispose of contaminated PPE.

Removing Mold

If you find small concentrations of mold on easy-to-clean surfaces like windows, tubs, tiles and sinks, it can usually be cleaned with disinfectants or a bleach and water solution. Larger areas of mold may require professional remediation.

1. Protect yourself: don proper PPE.

2. Remove or dispose of all damp or damaged materials: Start by removing anything that can be easily thrown away, such as wet wallpaper, rotted drywall, wood and fabrics.

3. Mist with clean water: When cleaning mold and mildew, use a squirt bottle to mist the remaining area with clean water to help prevent the spores from being released into the air.

4. Clean with soapy water, bleach solution or disinfectants: Mold can be effectively cleaned from hard surfaces using mild detergents, disinfectants or a bleach solution.

5. Scrub mold away: Use a scrub brush or sponge to clean the mold. Frequently change the water and use fresh sponges. Old water can redeposit mold or mildew spores back in the same area.

6. Thoroughly dry area: Whether you’re cleaning mold or mildew, it’s crucial to thoroughly dry the area for at least 48 hours. Use fans, dehumidifiers and carpet extractors to help remove moisture. The site must be completely dry before using again. Otherwise, the mold or mildew will continue to spread.

Hiring a Specialist

According to the EPA, if you discover mold growing on drywall, studs, subflooring or your HVAC system in an area greater than 10 square feet, it’s best to hire a professional mold removal service. Improperly treating severe infestations can cause cross-contamination to other sites.