How do you test for mold in your home? It's easy with one of these three mold test kits.
Time Multiple Days
ComplexityBeginner
Cost$10 - $40
Introduction
Uncover hidden household threats with our guide on how to test for mold using a trio of DIY mold testing kits.
Unexplained musty smells, sudden sneezing fits, persistent coughs or unexplained headaches might signal a mold problem in your home. While all homes naturally contain some mold, certain types can proliferate rapidly and potentially cause health issues. What makes mold particularly challenging is the variety – millions of varieties exist, affecting different people differently.
Mold thrives through tiny spores that multiply in environments with moisture and organic materials. These microscopic spores can travel through your home via ventilation systems, wall cracks, and even electrical outlets. Though common molds appear in various colors, it’s worthwhile to note that color alone doesn’t indicate toxicity – for instance, not all black mold is harmful.
Doing a DIY mold test may be the best place to start and help guide you to the next steps. Mold test kits come in a few forms, but these two are the most common:
- Swab Mold Test Kits test physical surfaces by collecting mold samples with a swab. Some kits include mold identification capabilities, helping you understand what type of mold you’re dealing with.
- Petri Dish Mold Test Kits offer two testing methods: capturing airborne spores in a room or collecting surface samples. These kits culture the samples to help identify mold presence and type.
Here, I test these types and allow you to choose which one works best for you. The main goal for any DIY mold test is to capture a sample without disturbing the mold and, in turn, making it airborne.
Safety considerations for dealing with mold
When handling any mold situation – whether testing or removing – proper safety precautions are essential:
- Always wear safety glasses, a respiratory mask, and disposable gloves.
- Avoid disturbing mold areas to prevent releasing airborne spores.
- Follow the test’s manufacturer instructions precisely.
- Consider professional mold remediation if mold is identified, especially in enclosed spaces like wall cavities or HVAC systems.
Tools Required
- Plastic gloves
- Respiratory mask
- Safety glasses
Materials Required
- Mold test kit
Project step-by-step (2)
Step 1
How To Use a Mold Swab Test Kit
- Use the swab included in the test kit to collect your sample by rubbing the cotton swab on the area of concern.
- Insert the swab back into the vial provided. Snap the other end and expose the liquid to the contaminated swab. Shake for 10 seconds.
- Lay test strips flat on work surface. Add 5 drops of the mold sample to both test strips. Allow to soak in for at least 5 minutes.
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions to read the results. Negative result will appear with a single line. Positive result will appear with two lines.
- If you wish further analysis of your mold sample, you may send it to the manufacturer for further information. Fees may apply.
Step 2
How To Use a Petri Dish Mold Test Kit
For a Petri dish sample you may use the test kit two ways. Testing the air in the room or directly from testing a surface with a cotton swab.
For an ambient air room test
- Open the agar plate (petri dish) dish and allow it to sit for an hour in the area being tested. Make sure all doors and windows to the room are closed.
- After one hour of exposure, seal the agar plate (petri dish) with its lid. Use tape to secure it and be sure to label it so you know where
- Allow 24 – 48 hours for the mold to grow. Place the agar plate (petri dish) in a warm, dark place. Ideal temperature for mold to grow is 70 – 80 degrees. If it is colder, it may take longer.
For a surface mold test
- Gently rub the cotton swab over the area to be tested. To avoid spreading the mold spores, do not press hard on the area.
- Open the agar plate/petri dish and gently rub the sample on the agar surface.
- Seal the agar plate/petri dish. Secure with tape and label area for reference. Observe the mold sample and identify it using manufacturer’s images.
FAQ
Where should I look for mold?
Sometimes mold is visible and sometimes it is not. Mold will make itself known via a damp, musty, earthy smell. Looks for stains in wood or ceilings – mold will probably be where stains appear. Common household places for mold are bathroom walls and ceilings, behind baseboards, under sinks, around toilets, attics, crawl spaces, under carpets, around leaky pipes. The list can go on and on. If you suspect you have mold start by doing a home DIY Mold test.
Can I absolutely get rid of mold?
Anyone who tells you they can get rid of all your mold is lying to you. Mold cannot be entirely prevented simply because mold is everywhere! Mold is a necessary part of the world we live in. Therefore, NO! You can’t get rid of mold, but you CAN keep it under control and prevent it from doing costly damage to your home and family’s health. The secret to controlling mold is getting rid of moisture, providing good ventilation and staying on top of small repairs before they become a huge mold problem. Even a small amount of mold spores can quickly multiply and, many times, can’t even be seen. More often than not, you’ll be able to smell it.
