The Best Mold Tests to Use Around Your Home, After You've Called a Pro (2024)

Updated on 04/24/24

Warning

Mold testing kits tests do not take the place of a professional assessment, and can give you incomplete or inconclusive results.To that end, we're cautioning users to clarify expectations about what mold test kits do and don't reveal. Below, our FAQ section gives further guidance and recommendations, too.

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An air pump can be an efficient way to test for the presence of airborne mold spores. However, it usually requires special equipment and professional services. My Mold Detective offers an at-home mold testing kit specifically designed for air testing that includes a small, user-friendly air pump and collection cassettes.It also comes with tape for surface testing, giving you the ability to perform two different types of tests.

After following the kit’s instructions for use—and taking safety precautions to collect your samples, including wearing a mask, gloves, and protective eyewear—you’ll need to send in the samples for professional laboratory evaluation. Keep in mind that the testing fee for each sample is $39, and you’ll also pay the cost of shipping the samples to the AIHA-accredited (American Industrial Hygiene Association) lab. You will receive color-coded lab results indicating which types of mold are present in the samples, along with their relative concentration levels (normal, slightly elevated, or elevated). Notably, you can reuse the air pump for future mold testing, as well. The separate sample cassettes are also available for purchase.

_{Test Type: Air pump, surface | Result Type: Lab report | Analysis Fees: Yes | Expert Consultation: Via additional step of helpline | Number of Samples: 3 indoor and 1 outdoor}

The DIY Mold Test Kit from Seeml Labs is an easy-to-use option to assess whether you have mold growing in or around your home, with results from an AIHA-accredited lab. This test is designed for surface testing, with an included swab and two tape lifts to submit up to three samples. If you have more surfaces to test, the kit also includes instructions for submitting additional samples.

Described as a "mold inspector in a box," each DIY Mold Test Kit includes the lab analysis fees for three samples and provides the genus (biological taxonomy) and concentration of any growing mold spores. You will receive a testing report, along with the option for a free consultation to better understand the results.As with any mold test kit, plan to take the necessary safety precautions when collecting your sample. Seeml Labs offers customer service for any questions you have. You are required to pay for shipping the samples to their lab.

_{Test Type: Tape | Result Type: Lab report | Analysis Fees: No, but shipping costs | Expert Consultation: Yes | Number of Samples: 3}

One of the best defenses against the development of mold and mildew is preventing the conditions that are conducive to the growth of fungus, such as warm, damp environments. The Airthings Indoor Air Quality Monitoring System includes the Airthings Wave, Wave Mini, and Hub to keep tabs on your home’s humidity, temperature, radon levels, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Using the Airthings app, you’ll have this information readily available.

The mold risk indicator alerts you if conditions put your home at risk for mold growth. Even when you’re away from home, this system can provide you with the insight you need to be on guard against rising levels of humidity and warm air. "When moisture levels become too high, it creates a ripe environment for mold infestation," says Elías Rodríguez, M.P.A. Deputy Director of Public Affairs at the EPA, Region 2. "The key to mold control is moisture control. Moisture can be controlled indoors by reducing humidity, increasing ventilation, and fixing any water leaks or other sources of moisture."

With the help of the Airthings Hub, you can also use smart home assistants like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or IFTTT technology to adjust your home’s thermostat, humidifier, and other appliances to minimize the chances of mold growth.To be clear, this at-home mold test kit does not test for the presence of mold—just the climate in your home that could or could not contribute to mold.

_{Test Type: Monitoring system | Result Type: Risk indication in app | Analysis Fees: No | Expert Consultation: No | Number of Samples: Not applicable}

Final Verdict

FAQ

• What are the most common types of mold found in homes?

  "Common types of mold include aspergillus, cladosporium, and stachybotrys atra (also known as black mold). That said, there are many different types of mold," says John Balmes, M.D., professor of medicine at UC San Franciscoand of environmental health sciences at the School of Public Health at UC Berkeley.

  He adds that most mold growth is visible, but can also occur under carpets or inside walls, making it important to consult a mold removal professional if you're in doubt about how to proceed with testing or removal.

  Ultimately, mold can grow anywhere it finds moisture and organic nutrients to feed on. "Household mold primarily thrives in damp, humid areas, such as basements, showers, and areas around heating and cooling appliances," he adds. It can also grow in your ventilation ducts or crawlspaces.
  

• Are at-home mold tests accurate?

  While at-home mold test kits can provide you with some insight into the mold that may be growing in your home, there are also a variety of factors that can undermine the accuracy of these tests—including collection errors, inability to properly read the test results, and improper storage or handling of the sample. At-home mold tests also do not typically factor in regional or local environmental factors that can be relevant to the results.

  When using an at-home mold test kit for basic evaluation, be sure to follow all of the manufacturer's instructions for testing, and necessary safety precautions, too. If you choose a test kit that includes lab evaluation, ensure that the lab has been accredited by the AIHA.
  

• Can you test for mold yourself in your home?

  You can technically perform an at-home mold test yourself, and it may provide you with an indication of whether or not there is mold present. However, since there are no federal or regulatory guidelines specifying a "safe" level of mold, any visible mold growth requires attention for cleaning and removal, regardless of what type it may be according to test results.

  It should be noted that the EPA’s stance on mold sampling is that it should be conducted by professionals with experience in the collection and interpretation of results related to mold testing.
  

• How do you know your home is free of mold after repairs have been made?

  According to the EPA, “visible mold and moldy odors should not be present.” In addition, you should be able to occupy the area without any health complaints or physical symptoms connected to mold exposure.
  

  "Mold growth can give off an uncomfortable odor, but more importantly can trigger allergic responses in someone who is sensitized to spores of a specific mold," says Dr. Balmes.
  

• How do you know if mold is behind drywall?

  After a leak, various types of mold can begin growing within 24 hours. Signs of visible damage on the outside of the wall, such as obvious water stains, discoloration, or a change in the surface texture, could be cause for concern. You may also be able to sniff out signs of mold, which has a damp and musty smell. You can use a mold test kit to send a test sample of your drywall for lab evaluation, but the EPA recommends that sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals.

• Should mold be removed immediately?

  The CDC recommends removing every type of mold as soon as it's spotted, since you don't know how it'll affect you or anyone else in your household. There is no acceptable amount of any type of mold 404, and you should prioritize cleaning up spores—whether it be with the proper cleaning products or help from a mold remediation company if there's 10 square feet or more of the affected area.

• Are there certain standards an at-home mold test must meet?

  Yes. Check that the testing follows methods from the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and other professional organizations, as noted by the EPA.

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