Mold and mildew are fungi, which are microscopic organisms that can thrive in any moist environment. Molds are important. They break down dead organic matter and help regenerate soil. This does wonderful things outdoors, but if it is indoors, mold is not a good thing. Mold happens, and it’s almost never the end of the world. Mildew on the other hand, is a mold in the early stages.
Mold creates spores, which are airborne and can land any organic surfaces close to the original source. Mildew is less harmful than mold, but can still cause some health issues, but it’s easier to deal with as compared to mold.
If one is sensitive to molds, they might experience sneezing, coughing, or shortness of breath, but are unlikely to suffer any serious side effects. For people with compromised immune systems, it can be even harder to bear. Mildew can produce less severe instances of these symptoms, but a little bit of mildew in the shower is more of an aesthetic problem than a health threat.
Mold will also ruin the surface it settles upon, eventually, unless it is dealt with ASAP. Mildew, is common in damp environments and just needs to be managed. Once it forms, it can be cleaned and treated to prevent re-growth.
How to clean Mold & Mildew
If you already have a mold issue in your home, don’t panic. We recommend that you call a professional to do this. This job needs specialty protective gear, products, they know how to check mold spores in the air and know exactly how to eliminate the entire problem and not just what your eye can see.
If you have mildew in the house, there are several ways to clean it. Although bleach is known to get rid of mold & mildew, it does not kill mold on porous surfaces and can actually contribute to the mold’s growth. Bleach also loses potency over time, so there is no guarantee of its effectiveness. There are other alternatives which work:
Reminder: clean your cleaning tools after dealing with your mildew problem to ensure that there is no mildew left behind.
Tips to prevent Mold & Mildew
Prevention is better than cure. If your shower is still mold & mildew free or you just got rid of an infestation, here are some tips to prevent mold & mildew.
Mold thrives in moisture, so controlling the moisture is tantamount to controlling the mold. Mold will not grow if moisture isn’t present.