Mold vs Mildew: How to Tell the Difference

How they look

Mildew tends to look flat, powdery or white to gray, and often grows on bathroom surfaces. Mold can be black, green, blue or other colors and can appear fuzzy or slimy. You cannot identify a species by color alone.

Where each tends to grow

Mildew: shower walls, windowsills, grout and other surface areas
Mold: behind walls, in insulation, under carpet, in basements, attics and crawl spaces

When to clean it yourself and when to call a pro

Small surface spots on non-porous materials can often be cleaned with detergent and water while wearing protection. Call a professional if growth covers a large area, keeps returning, is inside walls or comes with a persistent musty odor.

How to prevent both

Control humidity, use bathroom fans that vent outdoors, fix leaks quickly and keep air moving. Moisture is the common factor.

Next steps and related help

If you would rather have a professional handle it, these are the services that apply:

Emergency Bathroom Mold Removal in Littleton, CO: Remediation for mold behind tile, under vanities and around tubs and showers.
Emergency Mold Removal in Littleton, CO: Safe, contained removal of mold and affected materials, plus drying and moisture-source guidance.
Emergency Black Mold Removal in Littleton, CO: Safe removal of dark, greenish-black mold from walls, ceilings and framing.

Keep reading:

We help homeowners in Littleton, Southeast Littleton and Centennial, Columbine, Columbine Valley and Bow Mar, Ken Caryl, Highlands Ranch, Roxborough. Call (303) 555-0142 or request a free estimate, or go back to the ZoneGuard home page to see everything we do. We do mold remediation only, so any testing or clearance sampling is done by an independent assessor.

Frequently asked questions

Is mildew harmful?

It can irritate some people. Clean it and fix the moisture source. If anyone has symptoms, talk to a doctor.

Does vinegar kill mold?

It may help on some hard surfaces, but it does not fix hidden growth or the moisture source.

Should I paint over mold?

No. Paint does not stop mold. Clean or remove it first and fix the moisture issue.

How do I clean mold and mildew?

Scrub hard surfaces with detergent and water, dry completely and fix the humidity or leak behind it. See home remedies for mold for what to know first.

Can I remove mildew myself?

Usually yes for small hard-surface areas. The EPA says areas under about 10 square feet can generally be handled by the homeowner.