The Myth: Many people think mildew is harmless, but it is actually an early stage of mold growth that can spread and lead to bigger problems if ignored.

The Truth: Mildew is often seen as a minor nuisance—just a surface-level issue that can be wiped away. However, mildew is simply a lighter, early-stage mold growth that thrives in damp environments. If conditions remain favorable, mildew can spread, penetrate porous materials, and develop into larger, more damaging mold colonies.

Like mold, mildew thrives in moist, humid areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and around windows. While it starts as a powdery white or gray film on surfaces, it can gradually turn darker and embed itself deeper into materials, making removal more difficult over time.

Aside from material damage, mildew can also contribute to poor indoor air quality, triggering allergic reactions and respiratory issues in sensitive individuals. Ignoring mildew allows it to expand into a full-blown mold problem, which may require professional remediation if it spreads into walls, ceilings, or HVAC systems.

The best approach is to treat mildew as soon as it appears by cleaning affected surfaces with proper mold-removal solutions and addressing the moisture issue that allowed it to grow. Preventing humidity buildup and improving ventilation are key steps to stopping mildew from turning into a larger mold infestation.