Mold vs Mildew

10/30/2017 (Permalink)

mold vs mildew

Most people lump mold and mildew together as the same thing.  But these fungi do have several key difference that will be helpful to know when you encounter them.

Both mold and mildew are members of the fungi kingdom.  They grow in moist or humid areas, like bathrooms and attics and oftentimes gives off a strong musty odor as they grow.  Mold and mildew both produce and emit spores to reproduce and feed on organic materials.

Mildew is a surface fungi that can easily be identified as a patch of gray or even white fungus that is lying on the surface of a moist area.

Mildew is usually easily treated with a store bought cleaner, a scrubbing brush and some good old fashioned elbow grease.

Mildew has no known beneficial uses.

Mold, on the other hand, can be black or green and is often the result of a much larger infestation.

Some molds, like Penicillium, are used in the production of food and pharmaceutical drugs.