Is It Black Mould Or Mildew?

CONTENTS

• What are mould and mildew?
• What's the difference between mould and mildew?
• What are the health risks associated with mould and mildew?
• How can you prevent it?
• What to do if you see mould
• Get in touch

Over a fifth of UK homes suffer from dampness, condensation, and mould. Many do not know how to tackle it, or they mistake mould for mildew and don't treat it. 

Here at ICE Cleaning, our technicians provide fast and effective mould removal services. They are available nationwide, 24/7, 365 days a year. They can be on site in a matter of hours in an emergency. 

Read on to find out the differences between mould and mildew.

What are mould and mildew?

Mildew is a type of mould that grows in damp and warm conditions, often appearing on fabrics and walls. It is a surface fungus which can be easily removed and is often considered to be an early sign of mould growth. 

Black mould is a fungus that similarly thrives in damp areas of buildings where condensation builds up, such as bathrooms or windows. You may see it growing on walls where it can feed on the wallpaper and any other organic material, and then spread to the carpets.

What is the difference between mould and mildew?

Many fail to recognise when mildew has become mould due to some minor similarities in their behaviour. There are a few differences you should watch out for to determine whether it has developed into mould:

Mould

• Black, green, or red appearance
• Can be mistaken for dirt
• Darker shades
• A fuzzy texture

Mildew

• White or grey
• Can turn brown
• Non-textured
• Powdery in appearance
• Appears in small dots

If you spot mildew or notice the odour of rotting vegetables in your home, contact mould remediation services immediately to kill it at the source before it grows out of control.

What are the health risks associated with mould and mildew?

Because mildew is a type of mould, they share the same health risks. The elderly, young, and immunocompromised are particularly vulnerable to the effects of mould. Mould exposure can cause short-term and long-term health problems, including: 

• Allergic reactions
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Skin rashes
• Asthma attacks
• Difficulty breathing
• Headache
• Fatigue

Sometimes black mould produces mycotoxins that can cause disease and even death in humans and animals. After prolonged exposure to these toxins, your symptoms develop into more serious ailments such as an irregular heartbeat and blood clots.

How can you prevent it?

Rooms like the bathroom and kitchen are more at risk than any other area in your home as they can get very steamy and humid. However, every room is a potential breeding ground for mould. There are lots of different ways you can stop mould from growing:

• Let natural light into your home
• Keep humidity low with dehumidifiers
• Have a regular cleaning schedule
• Ventilate your home with fan extractors or open windows
• Dispose of any mouldy furniture or items
• Regularly clean your gutters
• Insulate your home

What to do if you see mould

If you have spotted mould in your home, there is little you can do to stop it from growing. You should continue to follow the steps above to prevent further spread, but you must not attempt to clean the mould yourself.

Interacting with the mould will cause it to release spores, where it might find other places to grow. Inhaling these spores may also irritate your lungs, and could eventually be absorbed into your bloodstream.

Instead, bring in professional mould cleaners, like ICE Cleaning's Dewpoint-accredited technicians, who can remove all traces of mould from the surfaces and the air, and advise on how to stop it coming back. 

Get in touch

At ICE Cleaning, every mould remediation service comes with a lifetime guarantee so you can be sure the mould will not return.*

Call us on 0208 066 0360 or email us at enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk to book our technicians for our mould cleaning services.

*subject to advisories