Mold vs. Mildew: What’s Growing in Your Basement?

Something’s growing in your basement. You’re not sure what it is, but it’s spreading. It’s musty. It’s dark. And honestly, it’s kind of gross.

If you’re in Mississauga and noticing patches on your walls, corners, or stored boxes, you’re probably wondering:
Is that mold? Or just mildew?

We’ll clear that up — and more importantly, we’ll show you what to do about it.

Mold and mildew get lumped together all the time. And yeah, they’re both types of fungi. But they behave differently — and one is a whole lot nastier than the other.

Mildew is the surface-level stuff. It’s usually grayish-white, powdery, and found in places like tile grout or window ledges. Annoying? Sure. But it’s easy to clean with some elbow grease and the right cleaner.

Mold, on the other hand, is a deeper problem. It’s darker — green, black, or even brown. It grows into materials, not just on top of them. Once it sets into drywall, wood, or insulation, it won’t come off with a spray bottle. It spreads fast, smells musty, and can trigger real health issues — especially for kids, pets, or anyone with allergies.

So if your basement’s got a damp smell, stained walls, or visible fuzz, don’t guess. Don’t just paint over it. And please, don’t try to bleach it into submission. That only handles the surface, while the roots keep spreading underneath.

 What UPR Does in Mississauga

At UPR, we treat mold and mildew the way we treat any plumbing or waterproofing problem — from the root up.

We don’t just wipe it down. We:

• Find the moisture source (because mold always follows water)

• Fix the leak or drainage issue that’s feeding the growth

• Use safe, professional-grade remediation tools

• And seal your basement to stop it from ever coming back

Whether it’s behind a wall, under the stairs, or all over the cold room, we’ll handle it — and show you how to keep it gone.

 Local insight:

Mississauga homes built in the 70s and 80s often have poor ventilation and foundation cracks — prime conditions for long-term mold growth. You’re not alone, and you’re not stuck.

Call 647-833-6743

Contact UPR

If your basement smells dank and it’s creeping out the crew — UPR clears the mold and the mildew too.
Serving Mississauga & the GTA with mold-proof, moisture-proof basement solutions.