Is It Black Mold or Mildew? How to Tell — And What to Do Next

You spot dark spots on the bathroom wall or a musty smell in the basement. Your mind races: Is it dangerous? Is it black mold?

You’re not alone—and you’re not wrong to worry.

If you’re in Utah County or Salt Lake County and suspect you’re dealing with mold or mildew, this guide will help you quickly tell the difference, avoid health risks, and understand when it’s time to call a professional.

Let’s take the guesswork out of it.

Want peace of mind fast?

Request a Mold Inspection Today

What We’ll Cover

1. Black Mold vs. Mildew: The Quick Differences
2. Why It Matters: Health & Property Risks
3. Can You Test It Yourself? (And Should You?)
4. DIY vs. Professional Mold Removal
5. What to Do Next (Free Mold Inspection Checklist)
6. Why Homeowners Trust Bio Clean of Utah
7. FAQs About Mold vs. Mildew
8. Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Black Mold vs. Mildew: The Quick Differences

Understanding what you’re up against starts here:

Trait	Mildew	Black Mold
Color	White, gray, or yellow	Dark green, brown, or black
Texture	Powdery or fluffy	Slimy, thick, or sticky
Growth Pattern	Surface-level	Deep, structural growth
Smell	Mild musty odor	Strong, pungent, earthy smell
Risk Level	Low to moderate	High — especially with prolonged exposure

Pro Tip: Mildew wipes away easily. Black mold often returns unless treated at the source.

Why It Matters: Health & Property Risks

Black mold is more than unsightly—it’s a serious health hazard:

1. Causes allergy-like symptoms (sneezing, itchy eyes)
2. Triggers asthma or breathing issues
3. Long-term exposure can impact immune health, especially in kids or elderly

At Bio Clean of Utah, we’ve seen how unchecked mold causes:

1. Wood rot and drywall collapse
2. Carpet and insulation contamination
3. Lower property value

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Can You Test It Yourself? (And Should You?)

While home testing kits are available, they’re not always reliable.

Here’s why professional mold testing is better:

⇒ Accurate spore identification

⇒ Moisture mapping

⇒ Air quality assessment

⇒ Certified lab analysis (IICRC-compliant)

 Think of it this way: A home test can tell you mold might be there. We tell you where, why, and how bad.

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DIY vs. Professional Mold Removal

DIY might be okay for mildew on shower tiles.

But when it comes to black mold, here’s the hard truth:

DIY Risks	Professional Advantage
Incomplete removal	Full containment and removal
Spore spread	HEPA-filtered air scrubbers
Hidden mold missed	Moisture meters and infrared scans
Recurrence likely	Guaranteed mold remediation

At Bio Clean of Utah, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners reclaim their homes—safely, quickly, and with zero guesswork.

What to Do Next (Free Mold Inspection Checklist)

Step 1: Inspect

Check common hotspots: bathrooms, basements, kitchens, windows, HVAC vents.

Step 2: Document

Take photos, note smells, and measure moisture if possible.

Step 3: Get Help

Call us at 801-335-3227 for a fast, certified inspection in Utah or Salt Lake County.

 Explore Our Mold Services →

Why Homeowners Trust Bio Clean of Utah

At Bio Clean of Utah, our IICRC-certified team has over a decade of experience in mold remediation and water damage cleanup. We’ve helped hundreds of Utah families breathe easier in clean, safe homes.

FAQs About Mold vs. Mildew

Your Next Steps to a Safer Home

Telling mold from mildew isn’t just about appearances—it’s about safety.Use this guide to act fast, protect your home, and avoid health issues before they escalate.

When in doubt, let Bio Clean of Utah handle it.

Call now or schedule your certified mold inspection →Download

1. Learn more on our Mold Removal Services page.
2. Explore Water Damage Cleanup if you’ve had recent leaks or floods.
3. Read next: 5 Signs of Hidden Mold in Your Home

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