What causes mildew in the home

Mildew, like mould, thrives in specific environmental conditions. Mildew grows best under the following conditions which are often found in homes:

1. High humidity levels: Mildew prefers areas with humidity levels ranging from 60% to 90%. When the air is damp, mildew finds a welcoming environment to flourish.
2. Warm temperatures: While mildew grows fastest in warmer temperatures, it can also persist in cooler spaces. For instance, cupboards with limited airflow provide an ideal breeding ground for mildew.
3. Poor ventilation: Lack of proper ventilation exacerbates mildew problems. Wet rooms like bathrooms and kitchens, without extractor fans, allow steam to permeate other parts of the house, creating damp areas conducive to mildew growth.

Appearance of Mildew

While they are closely related, it is reasonably easy to distinguish mildew from mould based on its appearance and where it is growing.

• Filamentous Patches: Mildew manifests as patches of fine, delicate filaments. These may be white or pale green and spread across surfaces quickly.
• Hidden Growth: Unlike mould, which often grows out in the open on walls and ceilings, mildew tends to hide in quieter areas. It might lurk behind cupboards, on furniture, or even clothing stored in poorly ventilated wardrobes.
• Musty Odor: The first sign of mildew may be a musty smell around affected areas. By the time you notice the odour, mildew might have already spread.

Preventing mildew

To prevent mildew, consider the following measures:

1. Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in wet rooms by using extractor fans. This helps dissipate steam and prevents dampness from spreading.
2. Monitor Humidity: Use a hygrometer to monitor indoor humidity levels. If they consistently fall within the 60-90% range, take preventive steps.
3. Regular Cleaning: Regularly clean and inspect hidden areas like cupboards, furniture, and corners. Address any signs of dampness promptly.
4. Sunlight: Sunlight is a natural mildew deterrent. Allow sunlight to reach damp areas whenever possible.

Improving the ventilation in your home is the most effective way to reduce both mould and mildew. Extractor fans in your bathroom and kitchen help to reduce the amount of moisture in the air and should be used regularly when cooking or bathing.

If you have discovered mildew growing in a room without an obvious source of water vapour, it may be that air is not circulating well around your home, and a whole house ventilation system may be more effective. Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) systems are highly efficient and run continuously to replace stale or humid air in your home with fresh and filtered air from outside.

Air is drawn into the property at roof level to prevent the intake of street level pollution and then gently dispersed around the property. This pushes the humid air out of the home taking mould and milder spores with it and helps to provide long term prevention of mildew.

Find out more

Remember, tackling mildew early is crucial to prevent it from spreading and causing damage. By understanding its causes and appearance, you can take proactive steps to maintain a mildew-free home.

If you are concerned about the health risks of mildew and mould, or the damage that that Mildew can do to your belongings if it is allowed to spread, contact us today and book your free home survey.  Our local ventilation specialists will visit your home to identify the causes of your mildew problem and provide helpful advice and guidance about the best solution for your needs.