Mold vs Mildew. What's the difference?

Understand how to spot, prevent, and tackle mold and mildew for a healthier home

When it comes to indoor air quality and home maintenance, the terms mold and mildew are often used interchangeably—but they are not the same. Understanding the difference can help you better protect your home and health.

Mold vs. Mildew: Key Differences.

Mildew is a type of surface fungus that typically appears as a gray or white powdery substance. It grows on damp surfaces, such as bathroom tiles, shower curtains, or windowsills. Mildew is often easier to clean and less harmful compared to mold, but it still thrives in moisture and humidity, signaling potential trouble areas.

Mold, on the other hand, is a more serious problem. It’s a fungus that can penetrate deep into porous surfaces, including wood, drywall, and carpets. Mold appears in various colors, such as black, green, or brown, and often has a fuzzy or slimy texture. Mold growth can cause structural damage to your home and trigger allergies or respiratory issues.

While mildew is often limited to cosmetic damage, mold has the potential to cause significant harm, both to your home and your well-being.

Common Places Mold and Mildew Grow in the Home.

Mold and mildew thrive in areas with high moisture and poor ventilation. Some of the most common areas in your home include:

• Bathrooms: With constant exposure to water and humidity, bathrooms are prime spots for both mold and mildew. Look out for growth around the edges of your shower, sink, or toilet.
• Basements: Basements are prone to dampness, especially in homes with poor drainage or water damage. This makes them an ideal breeding ground for mold.
• Kitchens: Leaky pipes or under-sink areas often harbor mold and mildew, as do refrigerators and dishwashers.
• Windows and Attics: Condensation and roof leaks can lead to mold and mildew in these less-visible areas.

How Puraclenz Can Help.

Puraclenz CORE and Photon purifiers are specifically engineered to combat mold at its source. Unlike conventional air purifiers, Puraclenz’s technology actively cleans the air and surfaces in your home 24/7. Mold doesn’t stand a chance against our advanced purification system, which breaks down mold spores before they can grow and spread.

When it comes to fighting mold, Puraclenz is truly Mold’s #1 Enemy—keeping your home clean, fresh, and free from harmful contaminants. Choose Puraclenz and breathe easier knowing your home is protected.

Recommended Products

Photon

Air & Surface Purifier

Core

Air & Surface Purifier + HEPA

At the heart of all Puraclenz purifiers is our patented Recharge Cell that cleans your space with ions. Laboratory tests against pollutants were conducted with a model P3000 unit that uses the same Recharge Cell that powers all Core and Photon purifiers. Recharge Cell (model R0002) powers all Puraclenz purifiers (models C750, P3000X, P3000, P1500, and P750).

¹ In independent laboratory testing, the Photon purifier was 99.75% effective at reducing Candida albicans from surfaces and 95.1% effective at reducing Aspergillus brasiliensis in the air.

² In independent laboratory testing, the Photon purifier was 99.4% effective at reducing MS2 bacteriophage virus in the air and 58% effective at reducing SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces.

³ In independent laboratory testing, the Photon purifier was 99.7% effective at reducing dangerous bacteria Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis in the air and 95% effective at reducing dangerous bacteria Staphylococcus aureus on surfaces.

⁴ Non-living sources such as pet dander, cockroach matter allergens, dust mite matter allergens.