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What is Mould?
Mould is a type of fungus that thrives in damp, humid, and warm environments. It grows in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae and reproduces through spores that travel through the air. Mould comes in various colors, including black, green, blue, and white, and often appears as fuzzy or slimy patches on surfaces.
Mould appears as fuzzy or slimy texture, with a strong, musty odour. Colours can include green, black, blue, or yellow. They typically grow on walls, ceilings, wood, fabrics, and organic materials like food. Mould can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and exacerbate asthma symptoms. Some moulds, like Stachybotrys chartarum (black mould), produce mycotoxins, which can be harmful.
What is Mildew?
Mildew is also a type of fungus, but it is a specific kind of mould. It typically appears as a flat, powdery growth on surfaces and is more common in less severe damp conditions than mould. Mildew is often found in showers, on windowsills, or on fabrics.
Mildew appears as flat and powdery, often white, gray, or yellowish - with a slightly musty smell, less intense than mould. They typically grow on surfaces like shower walls, bathroom tiles, and fabric. Mildew’s health implications are less severe than mould, though prolonged exposure can still cause mild respiratory irritation and allergies.
Mould vs Mildew
| Mould | Mildew | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Fuzzy, slimy, or thick; varied colors (black, green, etc.). | Flat, powdery; usually white, gray, or yellow. |
| Growth Areas | Walls, ceilings, wood, food, organic materials. | Shower walls, windowsills, fabrics. |
| Health Risks | Can cause severe respiratory issues and release toxic spores. | Mild respiratory irritation or allergies. |
| Smell | Strong, musty odour. | Light, musty odour. |
| Severity | Indicates significant moisture problems and potential structural damage. | Typically signals surface-level moisture issues. |
| Removal Difficulty | More challenging to remove; may require professional intervention. | Easier to clean with household cleaners. |
No one wants their home infested with mould and mildew, so check out how you can prevent or get rid of them!
How to Prevent Mould & Mildew?
1. Remove water
Mould and mildew thrive in moisture-rich environments, so safeguard potential danger spots by wiping the shower walls and kitchen sinks dry after use.
2. Ventilate your house
On a hot day, open the windows wide to let in as much air into your home as possible, to get rid of the moisture.
3. Use a dehumidifier
Place dehumidifiers in dark, difficult-to-air places.
4. Keep fabrics dry
Air your mattresses at least once a month and make sure your clothes are completely dry before you hang them in your closet.
How to Remove Mould & Mildew?
Mould and mildew are common problems in Singapore’s humid climate, but they can be effectively managed with the right products and techniques.
For mould removal, strong cleaning agents like Dettol Mould & Mildew Remover Spray are widely available in supermarkets such as NTUC FairPrice and Cold Storage, as well as on online platforms like Lazada and Shopee. This spray is ideal for cleaning mould from walls, ceilings, and bathroom tiles. Simply spray it on the affected surface, leave it for 5–10 minutes, scrub lightly with a brush, and rinse thoroughly.
For tougher mould stains, Clorox Bleach is a highly effective option. Mix one part bleach with ten parts water, apply the solution to the mouldy area, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then scrub and rinse. Remember to use gloves and ensure proper ventilation when working with bleach to avoid irritation.
For eco-friendly options, household white vinegar works well on non-porous surfaces like tiles and glass. Spray undiluted vinegar onto the mould, let it sit for an hour, and then scrub lightly before wiping clean.
Mildew, being less severe than mould, can often be removed with milder cleaning agents. Mr Muscle Bathroom Cleaner is an excellent choice for removing mildew from bathroom tiles and surfaces. Spray it directly onto the mildew, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
For a natural approach, baking soda mixed with water into a paste can tackle mildew on grout, tiles, and fabrics. Apply the paste, scrub gently, and rinse off to leave the area clean and fresh. Products like Cif Easy Clean Spray are also widely available and effective for quick mildew cleanup.
To maintain a mould- and mildew-free home, prevention is key. Consider investing in dehumidifiers from brands like Xiaomi or Novita to control humidity levels. Anti-mould paints, such as Nippon Paint Anti-Mould Ceiling White or Dulux EasyClean, can provide an added layer of protection in vulnerable areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Additionally, ensure good ventilation by installing exhaust fans or keeping windows open to improve airflow and reduce moisture buildup.
3 Natural Ways to Remove Mould
You usually don’t need expert help to get rid of a mould problem – there are plenty of trusted remedies right there in your kitchen.
1. Tea tree oil or grapefruit seed extract
Make a spray with either of these ingredients by adding one tablespoon of oil or extract to a cup of water. Mix well and spray directly onto the mouldy areas. Do not rinse, but allow them to dry naturally.
2. Baking soda and vinegar
Prepare a mixture of two tablespoons of baking soda and one cup of water. Pour into a spray bottle. In another spray bottle, prepare a solution of vinegar. Spray the baking soda mixture liberally onto the affected area, followed by vinegar solution. Leave for a few minutes, then wipe and leave to dry.
3. Lemon juice and salt
Wipe off the loose mould and mildew. Dampen the affected object with a mixture of lemon juice and salt, and leave it to dry in the sun. Give it a final rinse, and let it dry naturally.