What is the difference between mold and fungus? - Nice house

You may have heard the terms mold and mildew used interchangeably before, but they are not the same thing. To be clear once and for all, although mold and mildew are types of fungi that thrive in damp spaces (and that you want to get rid of as soon as possible), downy mildew is actually a form of mold. . It's not necessarily more harmful, but it looks different.

"The term mold basically refers to the growth of light-colored mold with a powdery texture," says Michael Rubino, mold and air quality expert and founder of HomeCleanse . "These mold colonies can be gray, white, or light green in color and grow in a flat format without much height, meaning they are not as spongy and spongy as other molds."

Other types of mold growth that aren't mold can look like a black spot or appear as black, white, orange, green, or brown spots.

Not only are some molds unsightly and make your home smell musty or musty, but they can also produce potentially toxic byproducts called mycotoxins, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency . More than 200 common mold mycotoxins are known, but there are probably many more. Exposure to mold can cause health problems with symptoms ranging from a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, and burning eyes to a rash, and those with allergies can experience more serious reactions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ).

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According to the CDC , mold and other types of mold are very common in homes. And while a leaky roof, for example, can lead to severe mold growth, it doesn't take major water damage for mold to develop, says Doug Green, owner of Signature Properties , which renovates homes in Philadelphia. "Mold can develop when the pipe condenses in a dark cavity in the wall," says Green, who advises monitoring areas around bathroom fixtures to look for dripping faucets . (If you notice any signs of a problem on your walls, consider calling in a professional.) Also, daily activities that produce moisture, such as washing clothes. Things like showering with water, hanging wet clothes on a clothes rack, and even boiling water can encourage mold growth if you don't take the necessary precautions. Mold can also grow inside your coffee maker, which is why cleaning is so important.

Whether it's mold or mildew, nobody wants it in their home. Read on to learn more about where mold and mildew grow and how you can prevent your home from becoming a breeding ground for both.

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Where does mold grow?

Mold grows in places similar to other mold species, but it particularly likes places that stay moist, Rubino says. Your bathroom is one of your favorites, but it's not the only hospitable place in your home. Mold can be found at:

• shower curtain
• the fountains
• taps
• Toothbrush holder
• window sills and door frames
• bath toys, bottles and drinking cups
• Household appliances (especially washing machine doors and detergent drawers)
• inside plants
• makeup products

Where does mold and mildew grow?

Mold and other types of mold, such as dark, damp areas in your home. Basements are just the beginning: mold can be found in your kitchen cabinets and on your carpets. Other areas to consider are:

• under sink
• roofs
• toilet cisterns
• interior cabinets
• Carpet
• window sills and door frames
• Accesories
• attic or basement
• Crawl spaces (e.g. under an enclosed porch)

How to prevent mold and mildew

Because all types of mold need moisture to thrive, keeping your home dry is a surefire way to prevent your home from growing, says Rubino. She also suggests switching to herbal cleaning products, maintaining 35-50% indoor humidity, and investing in a HEPA vacuum to catch mold and mildew spores. There are other things you can do every day to prevent mold growth:

• Clean up spills and standing water as soon as you spot them.
• Hang damp items, such as bath mats and towels, to dry.
• Avoid leaving wet clothes in the wash.
• Separate the shower curtain and liner to allow them to dry.
• Allow appliances to dry after use (i.e. leave the washing machine or dishwasher door open after you have finished unloading).
• Fix leaks quickly
• Open the bathroom door and run the exhaust fan or open a window when showering to create airflow
• When cooking, turn on the hood or open a window
• Clean and dust thoroughly often.
• Invest in air purifiers, especially a whole house air purifier
• Service the HVAC system
• Fix any structural problems in the house to prevent leaks or flooding.

Bottom line: mold and mildew may not be the same thing, but they are both unwanted guests. If you take the right precautions, you can avoid them.

contributing author

Brittany Anas is a former journalist ( The Denver Post , Boulder Daily Camera ) turned freelance writer. Before starting his own business, he covered just about everything from higher education to crime. Today he writes on food, cocktails, travel and lifestyle for Men's Journal , House Beautiful , Forbes , Simplemost , Shondaland , Livability , Hearst Journals, TripSavvy and more. In her free time, she practices basketball, plays billiards, and enjoys spending time with her sturdy but lovable Boston Terrier, who never knew the breed was nicknamed "America's Gentleman."

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