You can find mold and mildew in just about any house if you look hard enough. It’s common to see mildew decorating bathroom tiles around showers and bathtubs. And mold is probably hiding in your walls at this very moment. Luckily, you might not have enough or the right type of mold and mildew to make you sick. How much do you know about mold and mildew? Take this quick true or false quiz to find out.

Statement 1. Mold and mildew are fungi.

True – Mold and mildew are fungi that thrive in moist areas. If you have mold or mildew in your home it doesn’t mean the place is dirty. It simple means the area is moist enough to provide a home for the fungi to grow.

Statement 2. Mold serves no purpose and is totally useless.

False – There are thousands of mold species on the planet and they have a variety of uses. Molds serve a number of purposes, such as helping leaves decay and aiding in soil enrichment. Mold is used to produce the medication penicillin, and edible mold is present in blue cheeses. The problem arises when mold gets into the home and starts to destroy organic material.

Statement 3. Mold will only grow on a surface that has been damp for at least 7 days.

False – Mold can begin growing on damp surfaces within 24 to 48 hours. This is why its a good idea to dry the shower stall and tiles following a shower. You should also keep the area around sinks, bathtubs, and toilets dry.

Statement 4. Water damage in the home can cause mold to grow.

True – Water damage is the leading cause of mold in the home. Floods, leaky roofs, plumbing problems, and high humidity can all lead to mold. The problem will worsen until the source of the wetness is fixed, and the mold removed.

Statement 5. Mildew only grows in bathrooms.

False – Mildew often grows on wet towels, clothes, wood, and paper. Fabrics most prone to mildew include cotton, linen, rayon, silk, and wool. Never leave damp clothes or towels in a hamper because mildew can quickly develop.

Mold and mildew can be removed from most surfaces. In some cases the surface will look as good as new once the mold and mildew is removed.

Contact us now for more information. We can identify problem areas, types of mold, and advise you on removal and cleaning options.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tags: true water, mold and mildew, mold in the home, organic material, water damage, moist areas