Water damage can have many harmful consequences, such as mold and/or mildew infestation. These potentially toxic organisms can cause various health issues, damage your property, and reduce its real estate market appeal. Many people think mold and mildew are the same, but that’s not the case.
There are several differences between the two, requiring your Clairemont, CA, mold restoration service to perform a close inspection before remediation. We’ll tell you how to recognize mold and mildew by pointing out the key differences between these fungi.
How do I know if it’s mold or mildew?
Whether you’re dealing with flooding or regular water damage, mold and mildew are an imminent threat. You can expect different kinds of mold and mildew to affect your home if you don’t do anything about it. But before considering your options, you should first learn how to tell the two apart.
On the one hand, mold normally has a raised texture and even turns fuzzy over time. It also has darker colors, like black and green. On the other hand, mildew is generally flat. As for colors, it usually begins as white and turns gray or brown as it ages.
It would be impossible to tell the difference between mold and mildew without inspecting them. Both require food, oxygen, and water to survive. As a result, you can find them in damp environments affected by water damage.
How do you get rid of mildew permanently?
The only way to get rid of mildew permanently is to tackle the source of water damage. Whether it’s a ruptured pipe or leaky toilet, you should hire licensed plumbers to deal with the issue. Removing mildew is also best left to remediation specialists.
DIY solutions are ill-advised, but here are a few options:
Baking soda or hydrogen peroxide
Here’s how you can use baking soda or hydrogen peroxide to eliminate mildew:
- Pour a mixture of 1 part white vinegar, 1 part water, and 2 parts baking soda or 3% hydrogen peroxide into a standard spray bottle.
- Apply the combination onto the affected surface.
- Let it rest for about 10 minutes.
- Scrub the residue with a brush using circular motions.
Undiluted vinegar
Mildew can grow deep into your drywall. Left uncontested, it can come back. Fortunately, there’s an effective way to address the problem using undiluted vinegar:
- Pour undiluted vinegar into your spray bottle.
- Apply a generous amount to the surface.
- Leave your vinegar to air-dry.
- Disinfect the spot with bleach while wearing glasses, masks, and other protective equipment.
Water and dish detergent
Water and dish detergent are a powerful one-two punch for cleaning mildew:
- Mix a couple of drops of dish detergent with some warm water in a plastic bucket.
- Wait for suds to form.
- Dip a soft-bristled brush into the mixture.
- Apply the combination onto the surface affected by mildew.
- Scrub in circular motions to get rid of mildew.
Where in Clairemont, CA, can I find specialists in mold restoration?
Mold and mildew can spread throughout your house or apartment in Clairemont if left unchecked. It can weaken various parts of your home and result in breathing issues, making you postpone your family walk by the coast of Mission Bay.
If you want to fix the problem, turn to Risk Free Serv. We use specialized equipment to address the source of the contamination and keep mold from returning. We can also advise you on how to avoid water damage in your house so you stay protected.
Give us a call whenever you’re dealing with mold or other water damage issues. We offer a fast response and comprehensive remediation services!