Before moving to Florida, I didn't think much about mold or mildew. But after owning a home in NW Florida for 4+ years, it's always on my mind. As a professional home watcher, I am constantly looking for mold growth in my seasonal client's homes. Stagnant air, high humidity, and high temperatures are optimal conditions for this fungi to breed.
Although mildew and mold are both fungi, they are not the same. The key to clean-up is figuring out which you have. Here are some ways to differentiate between mold and mildew:
Texture: Mildew grows flat on the surface of the host material. Mold can often look fuzzy or slimy and have raised appearance. Mold burrows into what it is growing on, making it harder to eliminate.
Color: Mildew In its early stages, it appears almost white, then often shifts to gray or brown. In its final stages, mildew can appear powdery. Mold presents in darker shades. It can be dark red, forest green, or even inky black.
Smell: Mildew has a mild, musty smell that some compare to damp socks. Mold smells stronger and more pungent.
Growth pattern: Mildew often first appears as a small dot. From there, it grows outward, like a spill pattern. Mildew is a surface fungus, so it’s easy to spot in moist areas, and causes less damage. Mold, on the other hand, can quickly grow inward, burrowing into a wall or surface, which creates more damage to your home and is difficult to remove.
Mold and mildew don't just affect your house, but your health as well. They can both cause mild to severe health issues if left untreated. That’s right: Mold and mildew are more than just unsightly, particularly if you have allergies or asthma. Some mold and mildew species can release toxins into the air which trigger your immune response.
So, how do you reduce mildew and mold growth? Keep your home clean and dry. Utilize fans to circulate the air and open the shades. Mildew hates the light, so keeping it bright and airy will decrease mildew’s chance of growing in your home. Change your HVAC filters often. Check your dryer and HVAC vents to ensure they are not blocked or filled with lint or dust. It is also a good idea to consider investing in an air purifier or dehumidifier to help keep the air clean and breathable.
📞 ✉️ CONTACT ME TODAY to discover how Honesty Guard Homewatch can help you manage your South Walton, FL non-rental vacation home and discuss which of our service plans best suits you.
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