The growth of mold and mildew in your bathrooms is almost unavoidable. This is because your bathroom serves as the perfect haven for fungi to grow and thrive because of the room’s temperatures and moisture levels.  

Areas in your bathroom and plumbing are often where mold and mildew start to generate and form. Sadly, if you don’t control their growth, it may spread through the walls, vents, and other parts of your home. This may cause damage to your plumbing, leading you to ask for assistance from a licensed plumber. Besides damaged pipes, mold and mildew can trigger severe health conditions as well. 

If you’re concerned about mildew and mold in your home, keep reading. We’ve compiled everything you need to know about them, such as their differences, prevention tips, how they grow, and how to get rid of them.

What’s the difference between mold and mildew?

Mold and mildew are both fungi; however, mildew is a type of mold. Compared to mildew, mold is more invasive and can penetrate and survive inside walls and floors, as long as there are food and moisture. Meanwhile, mildew can only stay on the surface and is much easier to clean. 

Physically, mold and mildew can look quite different. Mildew is usually white, grey, or yellow with a fluffy texture. On the other hand, mold is typically green or black with a slimy or sometimes fuzzy texture. 

The major difference between these two is the damage that can do to your homes. Mildew doesn’t cause great damage to the surface, while mold can even trigger serious health issues. 

How do I get rid of mold and mildew?

Before you start cleaning and disinfecting your surfaces, make sure you know what type of fungi you’re dealing with. Do a spot check by applying a few drops of regular bleach on the affected surface. After a few minutes, if the bleach spot has become lighter, you’re dealing with mildew. However, if it remains black and green, you’re working with mold. 

After knowing what fungi you’re working with, it’s time to take proper action. Mildew can easily be cleaned by cleaning agents and home remedies, such as bleach and vinegar. 

When you’re dealing with mold, it’s much more complex since it’s attaching itself to porous surfaces. Sadly, mold can sometimes be undetectable until the problem is too large and developed. However, if you’re dealing with a small area, you can clean it out using vinegar. 

When mold has started to take over parts of your home and is affecting your health, it’s best to call in licensed plumbers to help you remove and deal with your mold problems professionally and safely. 

How do I prevent mold and mildew?

Mold and mildew travel through the air and land on surfaces where they know they’ll thrive. Even if this is a common household problem, there are different actions that you can do to help prevent their growth and stop them from spreading. 

First, you want to ensure that you have an adequate air supply and airflow in your home since they are airborne. Having a vent in your bathrooms or areas with high condensation levels is ideal. 

Second, you want to control the moisture climate in your bathroom. You can do this by opening your windows and doors and by keeping the exhaust on after you’ve used the bathroom for a shower. 

Another important thing you should do is to track your humidity levels. The ideal humidity level in homes is between 35% to 50%. When it’s over 70%, there are higher chances that mold will form. 

Lastly, regularly inspecting your bathroom and keeping track of your health will help you spot mold and mildew problems.

Conclusion

Mold and mildew are common bathroom and plumbing problems; however, you shouldn’t take this issue lightly. Make sure you remember this information and take the necessary action to prevent mold and mildew from growing. Should you be dealing with severe mold conditions in your home, it’s best to ask for assistance from licensed plumbers, so they can deal with the damage and keep you and your family safe.

Are you looking for a licensed plumber in Fort Worth, TX? Look no further because Lasiter Plumbing is here to help you with your needs. We are plumbing contractors who have over 40 years of experience in plumbing repairs and emergencies. Our 24/7 emergency plumbing service will help you rest easy at night, knowing your pipes are in their best shape. Check out our services today!