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Aug 31, 2023 · One of the first visible signs of mold is peeling paint or wallpaper when mold grows on the wall underneath. Mold infestations often begin in the walls of a home, only becoming visible as the ...
Aug 23, 2024 · While mold and mildew are fungi that need water, oxygen, and food to live and survive, they differ in several ways. Appearance: Mold usually appears as darker colors, such as green, blue, red, or black specks, with a fuzzy raised texture; mildew usually starts as flat, white, or gray powdery dots that eventually turn brown.
- Moisture or Condensation. If there's water on your walls and windows, it's usually the result of humid air coming into contact with a cold surface. If you notice slight condensation (especially in the winter months), that's not an immediate cause for alarm.
- Visible Mold. Sometimes, you can physically see mold, making it one of the easiest indicators that you have a problem. "There are over 100,000 species of mold identified around the world so far, and with so many in existence, mold can come in a variety of colors, shapes, and textures," Hudema explains.
- Leaks. Compared to an impossible-to-miss water issue (like a burst pipe), a small leak may not sound like a big deal. But, a slow leak (like that from a kitchen faucet) can quickly become a bigger problem—and lead to mold.
- Moisture Stains. In addition to leaks, you may see stains on the walls and ceiling leftover from moisture. "If you have a leak from above, this will leave a dark stain on the ceiling, and chances are, there may be mold between the floor above and ceiling below," says Lyle Nearby of AdvantaClean.
Jan 10, 2022 · Mold vs. Musty Smell. The reason why it may be difficult to tell the difference between mold and musty smells in your home is that they're quite similar. Mold and mildew are both part of the fungi family and live off moisture that's in the air. The difference between the two smells, though, is that musty odors aren't as strong as moldy odors.
- Allanah Dykes
- Mary Marlowe Leverette
- Visible Discoloration or Staining. If you see grey, black, green, or bluish specks along grout lines, on walls, or other surfaces, it is most likely mold.
- Musty Odor. If your eyes are the first detector of mold, your nose runs a close second. Any whiff of a musty, earthy, or sour smell indicates that mold is present even if you don't see visible signs.
- Damp Walls, Upholstery, Floor, or Cabinetry. If surfaces feel damp—walls, floors, furniture, cabinetry—the level of humidity in the home is too high. High humidity levels will encourage mold growth in visible and non-visible spots like inside couch cushions, mattresses, or walls.
- Leaky Plumbing. Even a small, slow leak can add enough moisture to encourage mold growth. Check all plumbing connections inside and outside the house regularly, repair leaks as quickly as possible, and take steps to remove the mold.
Nov 27, 2023 · Mildew typically looks powdery. It often appears in flat patches. As it first starts to grow, mildew may look like a series of small dots. Mildew and mold differ in terms of color, too. Mold can come in a rainbow of hues, from green to black while mildew is typically either white or yellow in color. If mildew is left on a surface, it may turn ...
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May 9, 2024 · Dissolve 1.5 Tbsp. per 16 oz. in hot water in a spray bottle. Remove the spray nozzle every so often to let any air out of the bottle so pressure does not build up, and do not leave the sprayer on the bottle. Spray the area you are trying to treat and leave it for 30 minutes. Spray it again with hot water and scrub with a sponge.
