How to Test for Mold in Your Home in 6 Steps—(Even If You Can’t See It)
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about How to Test for Mold in Your Home in 6 Steps—(Even If You Can’t See It) and hope the blog can help you.
If you suspect that mold spores are polluting your indoor air quality and aggravating allergies or making you sick, testing your environment is the best option. Here’s how to test for mold and get an accurate reading.
Editor’s Note: If you are experiencing the symptoms of mold exposure, which includes coughing, sneezing, congestion, and shortness of breath per the CDC, it’s best to consult a medical professional.
Damp rooms, such as a bathroom, are prime breeding grounds for mold and mildew. Some of the most common signs of a mold problem include discolored spots on walls and floors, the development of respiratory problems in residents, and noticeable humidity. If a homeowner spots any of these signs, or otherwise suspects that there’s mold in their home, they can learn how to test for mold to confirm their suspicions
Testing can as simple as purchasing one of the best mold test kits and collecting samples in strategic locations. If the results could come back negative, the musty smell is likely a temporary, easily remedied issue. If the results are positive for mold spores, the best course of action is for the homeower to send the test to a lab to determine what type of mold it is and how to effectively treat it.
The Most Common Types of Household Mold
While there are thousands of species of mold in existence, most homeowners are concerned about Stachybotrys chartarum, commonly known as “toxic mold” or “black mold.” This species of mold is actually quite rare, but it’s one of a number of molds that produce a high level of mycotoxins (dangerous mold-based chemicals) that can create a hazardous home environment. That said, any species of mold can become a health risk if it’s allowed to grow out of control.
“All molds have the potential to cause reactions in those individuals who are susceptible to mold [such as those who have allergies or respiratory disorders],” says Karen Peissinger, industrial hygiene generalist at the University at Buffalo. “Also, that susceptibility can range from no reaction to a severe reaction, just like with dog and cat allergies. Thus, cleaning up any mold using proper methods is important.”
To be on the safe side, homeowners will want to have mold growth identified, treated, and removed quickly. Below are some of the more common types of mold that can be found in a home.
- Mucormycetes: Mucormycetes fungi, including Cunninghamella bertholletiae, Rhizomucor species, and Syncephalastrum species, are most commonly found in the soil during the summer and fall. It is difficult to avoid these molds completely, but they are generally harmless to most individuals.
- Alternaria: Alternaria alternata is an allergy-causing mold that is prevalent in the environment and may be brought into a home from the outdoors. It is dark in color and has a velvety texture. Once inside, it can spread quickly through the home, so prompt removal using a cleanser with bleach is important.
- Aspergillus: While most prevalent in the air, Aspergillus can also be found in soil, compost piles, stored grains, and decaying plants. Once brought inside a home, it can grow and spread over surfaces such as clothing, leather, or building materials, particularly in moist areas.
Mold is hazardous to your heath: take care of it ASAP
A professional mold inspector may have the answers and solutions for a mold problem. Get free, no-commitment estimates from licensed service providers near you.
Where to Look for Signs of Mold in Your Home
In many cases, the location of the mold can provide clues as to its cause. For example, mold on a window sill may be an indication that the window is not sealed properly, leading to leaks. There are several common spots for mold to grow undetected, offering a starting location for homeowners to test for mold.
- Behind the refrigerator
- Under stacks of newspapers or cardboard
- Behind the drywall in wall stud spaces that contain plumbing lines
- Under sinks
- Behind the wallboard around leaking windows
- In ventilation ducts
- Under carpeting that was wet at one time (flooding, carpet cleaning)
- On the back side of acoustic ceiling tiles (if roof leaked)
- Behind any drywall that has been affected by a home flood
How to Test for Mold Using a Test Kit
Home mold test kits are widely available from home improvement stores and from online retailers, but not all test kits are the same. Some are designed to only determine whether mold is present on surfaces. If a homeowner wants to test for mold spores in the air, they’ll need to purchase a viable mold detection kit such as Seeml Labs’ Mold Inspector in a Box; most quality mold tests cost between $10 and $40. The entire testing process will take a few days. If the mold test comes back positive, the homeowner can send the testing materials to a lab to determine what type of mold is present, which can have an additional cost.
Homeowners will want to note that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not endorse any brand of home mold test kit. Rather, it recommends that homeowners pay for professional mold inspection costs if they are concerned about the presence of mold. “If it is a large amount of mold, then the homeowner should contract with experienced assessment and remediation professionals. Ideally these professionals would hold valid credentials for mold assessment and mold remediation,” says Peissinger. “Also, some states have their own mold certification or licensing program. One more thing, to avoid conflict of interest, the mold assessor should be independent of the mold remediation company.”
Of course, if the symptoms are visible and dire, it’s best for a homeowner to call in the pros to test for mold and remove colonies from their home right away. Homeowners can search for “mold testing near me” to find a professional in their area who can detect and remove mold from the home.
Tools & Materials
Bobvila.com may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.