what is the best home mold test kit

Best mold test kits 2022

Full Answer

What are the best mold testing kits?

• MYMOLD DETECTIVE - When you purchase MyMold Detective you are taking the first step towards putting quality back in your air. ...
• MOLD TEST KIT - The MyMold Detective mold testing kit includes everything you need to test one room for elevated mold in your air and on surfaces.
• PROFESSIONAL RESULTS - Not another petri dish! ...

More items...

Do mold test kits really work?

Viable mold testing (also known as “settle plate” or “gravity sample” testing) is not a reliable mold testing method. Scientific and Government studies support the use of the type of viable mold testing kits offered by Home Mold Laboratory.

What is the best mold detection kit?

• BEST OVERALL: Mold Inspection Network DIY Mold Testing Kit
• RUNNER UP: Seeml Labs DIY Mold 3 Test Kit (Same Day Results)
• BEST LAB-TESTED: ImmunoLytics DIY Mold Test Kit for Home
• BEST PETRI DISH: Home Health Science MoldCheck DIY Mold Test Kit
• BEST SWAB TEST: Healthful Home 5-Minute Mold Test
• BEST AIR PUMP: My Mold Detective MMD103 Mold Test Kit

What are the best mold tests?

Types of Mold Testing Methods

• Swabs are a straightforward method of testing surfaces in the home for the presence of mold. ...
• Tape strips are another type of common surface mold test kit. ...
• Air pumps are made to sit on a table or countertop to test the air in the home. ...
• Petri dish tests provide a surface that’s treated with a microbial culture to help promote the growth of mold. ...

Are home mold test kits reliable?

But home-test kit results are unreliable. Here's why: – Mold is naturally occurring and present in almost every environment. Home mold test kits that use 'settle plate applications' (set the dish out for 24 – 48 hours and spores are supposed to fall into the dish) generally do not measure airborne particles accurately.

What is the most accurate mold test?

Air sampling is the most accurate method for determining exposure. While a tape lift may accurately determine if mold growth is present on a particular surface, it will not tell you whether that mold growth has actually affected the indoor air quality. Only an air sample can accomplish this.

What is the best way to test for mold in your home?

A quick test for mold can be done when you dip a swab in diluted bleach (1 part bleach, 16 parts water) and dab it on the wall. If the spot quickly lightens (or keeps coming back after cleaning), assume it's mold.

Is there a device that can detect mold in your house?

To test for mold spores in the air you're breathing, you'll need to purchase a viable mold detection kit such as Seeml Labs' Mold Inspector in a Box. Most quality mold tests cost between $20 and $45. The entire testing process will take a few days.

What are signs of mold sickness?

Signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis caused by a mold allergy can include:Sneezing.Runny or stuffy nose.Cough and postnasal drip.Itchy eyes, nose and throat.Watery eyes.Dry, scaly skin.

What are the signs of mold toxicity?

Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions.

Do air purifiers help with mold?

Air purifiers help capture mold spores from the air, preventing them from reproducing and spreading throughout your home. While air purifiers won't help treat active mold that's already present on surfaces, they are a great way to control the spread of airborne mold particles.

How do you check for mold behind walls?

0:532:47How Can Consumers Detect Mold Inside Their Walls - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOkay the first approach for a layperson to determine if there's mold inside the wall is to cut aMoreOkay the first approach for a layperson to determine if there's mold inside the wall is to cut a large hole in the drywall with a drywall saw.

How do you tell if you have mold in your walls?

Five most common signsOdor – you smell something but just can't see anything.You don't feel good when your home and you feel better when your away.Constantly itchy nose, red eyes and sneezing.Staining on interior wall and base molding.Wall appears to be wet and damp.

What do professionals use to detect mold?

When testing the air for mold, the best option is typically an air pump that collects samples for evaluation in a laboratory. However, some mold test kits use collection film or petri dishes exposed to the air as a means of testing for mold.

How do professionals detect mold?

Broadly speaking, most mold testing involves taking a sample of either the air or a surface. Essentially, a mold inspector "tests" the air or surface to find out what kind of mold exists and/or if the mold found is able to grow in the area tested.

How do you test for mold if you can't see it?

0:507:43How To Test For Black Mold In 5 Minutes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you were to hire a mold inspector like myself to come out to your house and test for mold. ThereMoreIf you were to hire a mold inspector like myself to come out to your house and test for mold. There would be a couple different ways that they would test. Now the first way a mold inspector might test

Is there a blood test for mold exposure?

Blood test. A blood test, sometimes called the radioallergosorbent test, can measure your immune system's response to mold by measuring the amount of certain antibodies in your bloodstream known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.

How do you check for mold behind walls?

0:532:47How Can Consumers Detect Mold Inside Their Walls - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOkay the first approach for a layperson to determine if there's mold inside the wall is to cut aMoreOkay the first approach for a layperson to determine if there's mold inside the wall is to cut a large hole in the drywall with a drywall saw.

How can I tell if there's mold in my walls?

Five most common signsOdor – you smell something but just can't see anything.You don't feel good when your home and you feel better when your away.Constantly itchy nose, red eyes and sneezing.Staining on interior wall and base molding.Wall appears to be wet and damp.

How do you test for toxic mold?

0:557:43How To Test For Black Mold In 5 Minutes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow the first way a mold inspector might test your home for mold would be by taking an air sampleMoreNow the first way a mold inspector might test your home for mold would be by taking an air sample now an air sample will tell you how much mold is present within the air.

I used a viable plate sample collector to test for mold and several types of mold grew in the petri ...

A home mold test kit should be seen as just the first step in detecting possible mold. Always follow up with a professional contractor who speciali...

How do chemical test strips work?

Once a sample is collected — either by using a swab on a damp surface or a plate-type collector, such as a petri dish or film —;the sample is mixed...

How do I know if my home is free of mold once repairs have been made?

After fixing the problem that caused the mold, you can use a mold test kit to test for the presence of mold. Again, always follow up with a profess...

What is the purpose of a mold test kit?

The purpose of an at-home mold test kit is to allow the average person to test their home for mold with a simple, intuitive kit that isn’t difficult to use. Typically, a mold test consists of taking a surface or an air sample, then either checking the results yourself or sending the sample to a professional lab for testing, which then mails the results back.

What is the best way to test for mold?

An in-home mold testing kit can test for mold in the air or on the surface of furniture, floors, or walls. Surface tests consist of swabs and tape strips, while air tests are done with an air pump or a petri dish.

How many petri dishes are needed for mold testing?

The kit includes five petri dishes, each intended to test the air quality in a room of the house. They can all be used for a widespread test of the home or the user may only need to test one or two rooms, saving the other three petri dishes for retesting.

How many swab tests are there for Seeml?

This Seeml Labs mold test kit includes one swab test and two tape strip tests, giving users the ability to test their home in more than one way with just one test kit. Gently roll the cotton swab on the surface to be tested, then place the swab into the test tube and seal it. The test strips need to be applied to the surface being tested, then removed and placed onto the test board. This traps the collected sample between the board and the strip. Place the board into the sample collection container and seal it.

Why do you need a Petri dish for mold testing?

Petri dish tests are treated with a microbial culture to help promote the growth of mold. When mold lands on a dish, it grows quickly, leaving the user with clear results. However, for the most accurate results about the severity of the air quality and the type of mold, it’s recommended to send the sample to a lab for testing.

How many tape strips to use for mold testing?

This DIY mold test kit comes with three tape-strip mold tests and three sample containers to seal the samples for transportation to the lab where they will be tested. Use the three test strips on surfaces around the home that either are, or are close to, suspected problem areas. After taking a sample from the surface, apply it to the test board then place the entire board in a sample container, ensuring that the sample is properly labeled before sealing the container.

How long does it take to get mold test results?

There are no lab fees, though users may need to pay to mail the test kit. Once received, the lab can process the results in just 1 day , contacting the user through email with a detailed lab report and expert consultation to help understand the results and the next steps for dealing with a potential mold problem.

What to consider when selecting a mold test kit?

These include the types of supplies that are included and the customer support that's available. Here are the main factors to think about to make sure you choose the best mold test kit for your situation.

How much does a mold test kit cost?

The DIY Mold Test kit from Mold Inspection Network allows you to test for all different types of mold. Priced at around $30, you’ll find three surface sample tests, a quick start guide (so you know how to use it), and a mold inspection booklet.

How common is mold in homes?

Unfortunately, mold is very common in homes because it grows in areas with lots of moisture or where there has been flooding. According to advice from the CDC, most building materials are ‘particularly conducive’ for the growth of some molds especially on wet materials like paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles and wood. But other common household materials like paint, wallpaper, carpet, clothes and upholstery also support mold growth.

What are the most common symptoms of black mold exposure?

Usually dark green or black in appearance, black mold is a type of fungus and refers to several species of mold. Whenever you spot mold, it should be removed as soon as possible. That’s because mold can multiply rapidly and cause a range of different health problems.

What is an EMSL test kit?

EMSL has a broad range of testing kits for all kinds of spores, microbes, and other environmental impacts on (and around) your home. The swab mold test kit it makes is among the most accurate you can buy, and we like this one because the emphasis is put squarely on the lab report.

How long does it take to get mold test results?

The Healthful Home 5-Minute Home Mold Test is the perfect test for anyone who needs fast results. As the name states, it only takes five minutes to get results, which is good if you're concerned that you might have black mold growth. Most other test kits require that you wait two to three days for results.

How long does it take for mold to grow in a mold kit?

The kits themselves are very easy to set-up and they will grow spores within a few hours once placed correctly. They aren't as good for HVAC testing as our top choice, but handle all other rooms with ease. Overall, highly recommended if you need to know exactly what mold you're dealing with.

What is a mold test kit?

This mold testing kit can be used in three ways to test different areas of your home. Mold can grow anywhere it finds moisture and moderate temperatures, and if it begins to grow in your home, the spores can be detrimental to your family’s health, as well as to the structure of the building. There are several types of mold you may encounter in your ...

How do mold testing kits work?

Mold testing kits help you detect and even identify growing spores in your home, through samples collected via the air or from the surface in question. Some give you results right away, while others ask you to package the samples and send them back to a lab for professional examination. With the resulting information, you can get the peace-of-mind that you're looking for while making all of the necessary arrangements to remove the harmful fungi, or know your cleaning efforts were effective.

How many samples can you get from a mold inspection?

One of the top-rated options you can buy is the Mold Inspection Network DIY Mold Test, which allows you to collect up to three samples for analysis. This kit includes three tape lift samples, a quick-start guide, and a mold inspection booklet.

How long does it take to test for mold in your home?

This kit comes with an air sampling pump, four air sample cassettes, and one surface sample, and it takes just five minutes to collect a sample from your home. This mold testing kit is straightforward ...

How to get mold test results?

First, use the air sampling pump to collect three indoor air samples and one outdoor “control” sample. Then, mail the cassettes back to the company after paying the cost of shipping, and they’ll analyze each sample, identify what types of mold are present, and let you know whether the concentration levels are normal. My Mold Detective charges a $35 lab fee per sample, but you’ll receive a color-coded report that includes your results and treatment recommendations.

What is black mold?

Stachybotrys chartarum, commonly known as black mold, can occur where there’s moisture from water damage, water leaks, or condensation, and it can cause a variety of health issues, including coughing, rashes, and more . If you think there may be black mold in your home, the Pro Lab Professional Mold Test can help you determine whether you need to call in a professional for remediation .

Where do you mail samples to for testing?

You mail samples from your home to the company's accredited lab for quick and easy testing.

Amazon Prime - Get access to free shipping for the best home mold test kit

Amazon Prime is the best way to get free shipping. Amazon Prime has many benefits, including unlimited access to music and video streaming, unlimited photo storage with cloud service, free Kindle books for loan library members, and more.

Azon registered and saved - get discounts on the best home mold test kit that you use regularly

According to 2017, 2018, and 2019 research, signing up and saving on Amazon is a great way to get discounts and enhance your shopping experience. The best of the first ten deals will get $2 off, $5 off 11-20 sales, $10 off 21-30, and more.

Create a wishlist of the best home mold test kit outside your price range to avoid the temptation to browse other sites

Keep it on your wish list and start saving money with our affordable items you can afford. Create a profile for yourself, and we'll show you the best home mold test kit in the price range you find appealing.

Conclusion

The more products you have, the better; it is easier to find them. We hope that this article gave you some insight into picking out high-quality items on Amazon.

5. Sources

Thespruce.com; Amazon.com; Reddit.com; ConsumerReports.org; Cnet.com; NYtimes.com

1. Research reviews of products on sites like Amazon or Consumer Reports seeing what other consumers think about them

Consumer reviews are a great way to vet products before purchase. What you're looking for, though, is an answer that's not someone's opinion but instead called "facts." Have you seen the phrase "not all customer reviews are created equal"? Review websites can be poor in quality when they don't verify if their reviewers are legit.

2. Use the best deal comparison site to compare the best mold test kit among different retailers

To see what prices are available for a specific product, you can enter your ZIP code in the search field and click the magnifying glass button. This will lead you to a "Refine Your Results" page where you can input any number of criteria to find the best price for that product in your area.

3. Consider whether an extended warranty is worth the extra cost is given how quickly technology changes and how often products break down

An extended warranty is typically sold for an additional fee at checkout on some sites, while other stores may automatically offer it when you buy a product.

4. If possible, buy from a retailer that will allow you to return the product for a practical reason

Are you trying to buy expensive items from a retailer that has traditionally been difficult to return? If so, try buying inexpensive items under $200 or $500 from 2017 to 2020.

5. Looking for a reputable place to buy the best mold test kit

A respectable place to buy the best items is hard to find in person and difficult to find online. For example, when it comes to electronics, many scamming companies advertise fake specifications for their products.

6. Use social media websites to see what other consumers think about the best mold test kit

It's possible to glean a lot of information from social media. Reviews can be beneficial, but it's essential to pay attention to comments on the other side of the scale - what people weren't happy with and why they weren't happy about it.

Conclusion

These factors can help you stay informed and productive when deciding which options suit your unique requirements, so don't let yourself get fooled by salespeople who want to sell you the best mold test kit in 2022. If you have questions or related comments about our blog, please feel free to send them our way, and we would be glad to help! cb65

What is the best mold test kit?

For those looking for a mold test kit that is as close to what the professionals use, get the My Mold Detective MMD103 Mold Test Kit. It provides the most accurate and the most comprehensive results. It’s also the most expensive, so if you are not willing to spend that much money, look for something else. But it is the best choice out of the three if you are looking for not just accuracy and concrete results but also for fast testing.

Why is the mold test kit the best?

The reason why we think this is the best overall mold test kit is because it tests for all types of molds, not just one or two. Because of this, it is easier what kind of mold lurks in the corners of your home. It is an inexpensive mold test kit that contain 3 tape lifts to be used for your surface test.

What humidity level is a good place to test for mold?

Are you suspecting a mold infestation in your home? Molds like to grow in damp places. When indoor humidity level is above 60% , this is when molds start appearing. Before you call an expert to get rid of the molds, do a home mold test first using a mold test kit.

How long does it take to test for mold?

Unlike the previous one where you will have to leave the mold test kit inside the room for 48 hours, this one is done in as fast as 5 minutes. That means you can send your samples fast.

How to stop mold growth?

One way to battle mold growth is to use a dehumidifier. Visit our homepage to find out which of the dehumidifiers out there are the best ones when it comes to your personal needs.

How long to wait to send mold samples?

You just open the container and then leave it in the part of your home you suspect has an infestation. Wait for about 2 days before sending your samples.

Is the First Alert MT1 a good mold test?

The First Alert MT1 Mold Detection Kit is the least expensive one, perfect for people on a tight budget. It does come with a few caveats such as waiting for days to collect samples and results but it is a fairly good option and does a good job in testing for molds.

Research the product before buying it

The first thing to do before buying something is research the item you are potentially interested in purchasing. This will give you a better idea of what you need or want and if any downsides would make it not worth your time or money.

Check customer reviews to see what other people think about the product

Many factors should be considered when choosing any product, including best friends or family members with similar needs. The information provided at the top of every Amazon page is beneficial in deciding if a specific product would meet your needs. Still, there are other ways to research outcomes as well.

Compare the product's features to the needs you have

Choosing the best airborne mold test kit to buy can be confusing and difficult because so many different products and features are available. When making this decision, you must research your options and compare the product's characteristics to your needs.

Look at your budget and figure out if this product fits within that range

Another thing to consider when wanting to purchase the product is your budget. Budget gives you an idea of just how much money you have to spend on a specific item and what quality you can get for that budget.

Conclusion

Choosing the best airborne mold test kit in 2022 can be difficult. You want to meet your needs and desires as well. We recommend using our website's guide on selecting a product by following four tips: choose what you know is best for your needs - so you do not waste time or money with products that are less than ideal.

How much does it cost to test for mold?

To test for mold spores in the air you’re breathing, you’ll need to purchase a viable mold test kit, which costs $20 to $45 ( view example on Amazon ). The entire testing process will take a few days, and if the test you perform determines that mold spores are present in ...

How long does it take to get a mold test?

Allow three to eight weeks to receive your results. Meanwhile, you may wish to continue testing for mold throughout the house. While a variable mold test can tell you if mold spores are present in a specific room, you’ll need to use additional kits if you want to test other rooms in your house.

How long does it take for mold to grow in a petri dish?

Check the petri dish in two days for signs of mold growth within the dish. If mold is present, it will look similar to the mold you’d find growing on old food in the fridge.

Can mold grow in damp areas?

In order to grow, mold requires moisture, so mold is naturally found in areas that are damp and humid. Plumbing leaks, for example, often trigger mold growth and should be repaired as soon as one is noticed. Visible mold anywhere in the home should be removed promptly by following safe mold removal methods. But, what about that mold growth that you can’t see? In instances of a musty smell unaccompanied by visible signs of mold (black, white, or brownish coating), it’s likely that you’ve got mold growing in a hidden spot.

Is mold a health risk?

That said, any species of mold can become a health risk if it’s allowed to grow out of control. To be on the safe side, all mold growth identified by a viable mold test should be discouraged and removed quickly. Delay and anyone can suffer from breathing air contaminated by mold spores.

Do it yourself kits for mold?

Rather, it recommends that homeowners have their homes professionally tested if they are concerned about the presence of mold. So, use these do-it-yourself kits with a grain of salt: They can be helpful in confirming suspicions if you’re on the fence about whether or not you have a mold problem.

Can mold inspections be done without a commitment?

Professional mold inspection may be the answer. Get free, no-commitment estimates from licensed service providers near you.