Tag Archives: Mildew

How to Identify Mold Versus Mildew – Part Two

How to Identify Mold Versus Mildew

How to Identify Mold Versus Mildew

When mold or mildew infiltrates your home, it’s important that remediation take place sooner rather than later for two reasons; potential health issues for you and your family and potential damage to your home.

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While mildew presents itself on the surface of areas such as plants, vegetables, and damp clothing, mold penetrates the area it affects. Sometimes, you won’t be aware of a mold problem because it’s in an area that’s not visible, like a crawl space. Other times, the splotchy and discolored areas are clearly visible.

Common Mold Types Household mold can be categorized into five types:

– Alternaria – is visible in damp places such as under sinks and in showers.

– Aspergillus – is the most common indoor mold and is found on paper products.

– Cladosporium – this mold grows in cooler areas such as wood surfaces, floorboards, curtains, and carpets.

– Penicillium – presents itself as a green or blue fungus with a musty odor. It is found on items or in areas in contact with water, which includes insulation, wallpaper, and carpeting.

– Stachybotrys chartarum – is referred to as “black mold” and is the most dangerous due to its production of mycotoxins that cause extreme health problems.

Manhattan mold removal is something we take seriously at Stern Mold. With years of experience and expert technicians, we can remedy your mold or mildew problem efficiently so you can get back to enjoying the comfort of your home. With our free home inspection, we’ll isolate the problem and use our specialized mold treatment process to clear the air.

Don’t let mold or mildew dampen your day; call us for more information and to schedule an appointment.

How to Identify Mold Versus Mildew – Part One

How to Identify Mold Versus Mildew

How to Identify Mold Versus Mildew

Any area of your home that comes in contact with moisture is susceptible to mold or mildew. This can be due to several reasons such as pipes that have burst, leaking pipe connections, a broken water line, and moisture-ridden areas such as a shower, sink drains, and around a washing machine.

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It can be confusing about which fungus is which since both cause discoloration. This is especially evident on drywall where splotches of color are clearly visible.

Both types of fungi can live indoors and thrive, which results in damage to affected areas as well as creating an unhealthy living environment.

Mold and Mildew Differences

Mold presents itself in patches or splotches of green, blue, gray, white, yellow or black. The pattern of the mold is irregular and the fungus penetrates beneath the host material. It may appear to have a fuzzy texture or it may seem slimy. Over time, the material it affects will usually rot.

Mildew remains on the surface of the material, is usually damp, and can be easily removed. Mildew presents itself with a fuzzy or powdery brown or yellow texture on plants and vegetables. Inside the home, think about damp towels in a laundry basket and you’ve created the perfect living conditions for mildew.

Regardless of which fungus has infiltrated your home, you need the help of professionals.

NJ mold removal just got a lot easier with the services available from Stern Mold. With proven techniques and solutions, our remediation process will leave your home environmentally healthy. Our team of specialists is standing by to get “Stern” with harmful unwanted fungus growing in your home. Call today!

Is It Mold or Mildew? Part Two

Is It Mold or Mildew?

Is It Mold or Mildew?

Like bed bugs, mold or mildew can be found anywhere. The fungus isn’t particular about where it grows whether it’s a home, condo, apartment, restaurant, or five-star resort. If moisture is present and unattended, mold and mildew will make its presence known with visible discoloration on walls, ceilings, under sinks, in laundry rooms, around doors and windows, and baseboards.

Manhattan Mold Removal

If you have signs of discoloration but not sure what it is, a simple test will help solve the mystery. In most cases, carefully applying a drop or two of bleach on the affected area will produce the answer. Once the bleach is applied and allowed to sit for about five minutes, the affected area should turn in color. If it becomes lighter, that means mildew is present. If it remains dark, that means mold.

Mold, Mildew and Your Health

Neither mold nor mildew is healthy inside the home as both have aerial spores that are easily inhaled.

Mildew may cause reactions such as having a sore throat, headaches, respiratory problems, and coughing.

Mold causes the same reactions as mildew along with nasal congestion, allergic reactions, dizziness, inflamed and painful joints, extreme fatigue, and depression, to name just a few.

Due to the danger involved in dealing with mold, it’s recommended to use a professional service.

Manhattan mold removal is easily taken care of with help from Stern Mold. We have years of experience in the area of mold remediation and we have the technology and treatments to eliminate the problem. Get your home free and clear of potential health issues by scheduling an appointment for a free inspection at your earliest convenience.

Is There a Difference Between Mold and Mildew?

You probably haven’t read a lot of news stories about lawsuits over unsightly mildew in the showers of newly constructed homes. Mold removal just seems to carry a more ominous connotation. Mentioning it brings up images of large homes sitting vacant due to deadly spores growing in the walls and floors. Mention mildew to most people, and they think of the cartoon mascots of some household cleaner taking care of chores for the happy humans. The two fungi are different.

Mildew

Mildew typically has a white or grey appearance and is powdery or velvety in texture. it can be found on plants like roses and other flowers. Mildew from the oomycota type of fungus grows on produce like grapes and potatoes. Although not a fungus, it was an oomycota species that brought on the 1845 Potato Famine in Ireland. In your home, mildew will likely appear in the bathroom shower, where moisture on the curtain and around the tub makes a convenient environment for growth.

Mold

Mold typically grows thick and may take on the appearance of a plant when it spreads over a surface. It is typically a green, red, black ,or blue color. Without proper mold removal, walls and floors with mold will begin to rot. Molds may have toxins that can cause allergic reactions and serious health issues for people with respiratory problems or compromised immune systems who live in a mold-infested home.

Toxic black mold can make a home uninhabitable for anyone. Don’t take a chance with your family’s health. If you suspect a mold problem, contact the experts at Stern Mold for a free mold inspection.

Is It Mold or Mildew? Is There a Difference?

Mildew Or Mold?

Mildew Or Mold?

Many people think of mold and mildew as being the same type of fungi. However, they are different, and they must be treated differently. Perhaps you have a mold or a mildew problem, but you’re not sure what you’re dealing with, or what to do about it. Read on to find out more about these common household problems and to learn valuable mildew and mold prevention tips.

Mildew

Around your home or office, mildew is most commonly found in the bathroom or in the kitchen. That’s because the moisture in these spaces offers mildew the perfect growth environment. If you leave wet cloths lying around, mildew is likely to grow on them too. The best way to prevent mildew is to make sure to launder everything properly, and if you leave wet cloths in the bathroom or kitchen, spread them out so they have an opportunity to dry.

If mildew isn’t taken care of, it can become mold.

Mold

Mold has a fuzzy or slimy appearance, and can grow on different surfaces. It can begin to look like a plant growing as it spreads, and it spreads quickly. Mold can appear in different colors, including white, green, black or gray. If it’s not taken care of quickly, it can lead to rotting of the surface it’s growing on, as well as many health problems, such as asthma or allergic reactions.

Mold prevention is important, and regular cleaning of household surfaces is recommended to keep areas mold-free. However, no method is bullet-proof, and sometimes mold growth can happen without your knowledge.

If you have a mold problem, it’s important to act quickly. Please contact us today.