Homeowners often ask us about the differences between mold and mildew. Both are common even in the cleanest house, and they can resemble each other. Unless it spreads over large areas, mildew doesn’t usually pose the same health risks as mold. Try this simple test to determine if you have a mold or mildew problem. 1. Using a cotton swab, dab a little bleach on the affected area. 2. Wait a few minutes, and then check for a change in color. 3. If the area turns lighter, you’re looking at mildew cleanup. 4. If the treated surface remains dark, that’s a sure sign that it’s mold. Mildew is easily removed with a bleach solution or household cleaners, but always be very cautious about attempting mold cleanup until you know exactly what you’re dealing with. In addition, black mold does have distinctive characteristics: • It grows in areas that stay wet like crawl spaces with leaky pipes. • The mold is especially prevalent after a home or business suffers water damage. • Its growth pattern spreads through materials underneath the surface mold. • Toxic mold is often slimy with a dark, greenish-black coloration. • The mycotoxins in black mold give off a strong, unpleasant musty odor.