People often mix up mildew with mould when they see a nasty stain on a moist surface in a home. Though both are types of fungi that are commonly harbour in warm areas that have a lot of moisture, they should be treated differently if you want to keep your house look neat and clean.
Since both mould and mildew grow in moist environments and live on various surfaces, make sure you have right strategies to remove both of them using the proper products. These microorganisms can quickly damage large areas of your house, and that’s why landlords inspect every nook and cranny before returning the bond amount.
If you are also living in a rental property and running at the
end of your lease, then hire professionally-trained experts for an affordable end of lease cleaning in Melbourne. From walls to floors, windows to door tracks, hidden areas to moist surfaces, they spruce up everything to help you pass the rental inspection.
However, if there are mould and mildew in your bathroom, kitchen or other areas, then know the difference between the two before treating. Below is a complete guide that will help achieve the best possible results:
What is Mildew?
It is a common white and grey fungus that often looks powdery. Mildew usually grows on damp surfaces, such as moist walls, leather, paper, cardboard boxes, and fabrics. It is one of the most common funguses in bathrooms, kitchens as well as basements. If left untreated, it can give you a musty smell, and you may need to avail infestation control services for that.
What is Mould?
Though some types of moulds may look like mildew, they look darker in colour- dark green or even black. It usually harbours on surfaces are moist or damp. The texture of moulds can be slimy or fuzzy. Some may even look black and hairy, and even grow on food.
Mildew Vs. Mould: Know the Key Difference
The difference between the two is that mildew usually grows in a flat pattern and looks powdery and fluffy. They are in a white, grey and yellowish in colour that is lying in the moist area. They may turn black or brown if not removed on time.
On the other hand, mould is fuzzy and appears as irregularly shaped spots that are in different colours- green, blue, grey, black, yellow and white. Certain types of moulds can cause serious health problems. So, before treating them, make sure you identify the difference.
How to Test Mould and Mildew at Home?
If you are still facing confusion in identifying these two types of fungi, then try this test at home.
You can drip a few drops of household bleach on the affected surface and let it sit for at least 5 minutes.
If the spot has become lighter, then the surfaces are infested with the mildew
If it remains dark, you are dealing with mould.
Quick Tip: It is good to hire professionals who can easily inspect and treat these microorganisms using the best methods. Look for the best mould and mildew removal service provider in Melbourne.
How to Prevent Both the Fungus?
The saying is right ‘Prevention is always better than cure.’ Since both mould and mildew grows on moist and damp surfaces, make sure you regularly keep a check on the water leaks and drainage systems. Keep the areas like bathroom walls, kitchen surfaces and basements moist-free.
Also, maintain a humidity level of about 50 per cent inside the house- you can buy a dehumidifier for better and precise results. Regular cleaning of every nook and cranny also prevent the spread.
Cleaning Tips to Remove Mould and Mildew:
Instead of using store-bought fungal removal,
prepare household cleaners that are cheap and can be harmful to the environment. Here are some great cleaning tips for mould and mildew:
1. White Vinegar
Mix white vinegar and warm water to prepare a solution to kill mould and mildew. Spray it on the affected surface- like bathroom walls and other damp areas. Leave it for a few hours before scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush. To get rid of pungent smell, you can also add a few drops of your favourite essential oil.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide
You can spray around three per cent of
hydrogen peroxide onto the mouldy surface. Leave it for 10 minutes and scrub it off using the damp cloth.
3. Baking Soda
Make a thick paste of baking soda and apply it on the affected surface. Make sure you leave it for a few minutes after spraying the vinegar solution. Let it sit for a while, then scrub and wipe using a clean cloth. Baking soda is a natural disinfectant and can help you achieve the best possible results.
Conclusion
It is always good to know the basic difference between mould and mildew before treating the nasty spores on your bathroom and kitchen walls. Hope, this article has helped you in knowing the difference between the two. If you want to carry out a thorough
end of lease cleaning in Melbourne, hire an experience company that can give you quality service at the most reasonable price.
