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Mold is an all-too-common problem that can cause structural damage to your home, and health issues to your body. It’s a silent, harmful, and in some cases even fatal fungus (often misclassified as a bacteria) that can cause awful respiratory issues that people assume are some externally contracted sickness, and don’t realize it’s coming from inside their house. But detecting mold early can help prevent it from spreading and causing further damage. And mold detection kits are more prevalent than ever, available online easily and affordably. These mold testing kits can help you track down mold in your home and alert you to the problem, catching this nasty growth early and stopping it in its tracks.
Mold Testing Kit Buying Guide
Type of Kit: There are two main types of mold detection kits: air sampling and surface sampling. Air sampling kits test the air for mold spores, while surface sampling kits test surfaces for mold growth. Surface sampling kits are typically more accurate than air sampling kits, but they can be more expensive, so try to have a general idea of where you suspect mold might be hiding.
Accuracy: The best mold detection kits are easy to use and require minimal setup. Look for kits that include clear instructions and all the necessary equipment. Some kits require sending samples to a lab, while others provide instant results. The tradeoff here is that lab results can provide a more thorough analysis, but home kits are superior if you need to get rid of mold immediately. Look for kits that have been certified by reputable organizations such as the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) or the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).
Sensitivity: Mold detection kits can vary pretty widely when it comes to sensitivity. Some kits can detect low levels of spores, while others can only detect high levels of mold. If you have a known mold problem in your home, especially one that you’ve been working to get rid of, you may want to choose a kit with high sensitivity to detect any remaining mold and make sure you’ve eliminated the last holdouts, otherwise it can all grow right back.
Price and Additional Features: Mold detection kits can vary in price from under $10 to over $200. Consider your budget when choosing a kit, but keep in mind that expensive kits may be more accurate and sensitive. Some mold detection kits may also come with additional features, such as the ability to test for specific types of mold or the ability to test multiple areas in your home, so consider your specific needs when choosing.
What Are the Best Mold Testing Kits?
Here are the best mold detection kits our product editors recommend to use on your own at home. Keep in mind you may want to consult a professional inspector depending on your situation. It’s also always a good idea to wear gloves and a mask if you’re planning to conduct your own mold tests before calling in an expert.
1. Mold Armor Mold Test Kit
We’ve used Mold Armor products before to quickly kill growth on surfaces and had the best results we could hope for. This Mold Armor FG500 Do It Yourself Mold Test Kit includes everything you need to collect and analyze mold samples, including a petri dish, swab, and a detailed instruction booklet to make sure you get the process right from start to finish.
A primary feature of this kit is its accuracy. The company uses a reliable and proven method for detecting mold, with accurate results, even for those who don’t have any experience with mold testing.
It’s also much, much cheaper than hiring a professional to come in and conduct a mold inspection, and you can save even more money by buying multiple kits at once.
Though accurate, be aware that it does take a few days to get results.
2. ProLab Mold Test Kit
This all-inclusive kit comes with everything you need to collect, analyze, and test mold samples correctly – including three different testing methods (surface, bulk, and air). Having three varying methods lets you make sure you’re testing thoroughly so you can knock out the problem. It’s accurate, easy to use, and includes postage for mailing samples to the lab. It’s less budget-friendly than the others, but is a reliable and comprehensive source of information when mold-hunting around the house.
3. Healthful Home 5-Minute Mold Test
Speed is the standout feature here for sure. The five-minute test delivers fast results, with a built-in air pump to help collect samples, with no hidden fees or need to send it out to a lab. Though it’s accurate, the scope of mold types it detects are limited. Still, it’s a great place to start when you’re doing general testing, and it’s much more affordable than others here too.
4. ImmunoLytics DIY Mold Test Kit
Everything that you need is included in this handy kit, which can detect even trace amounts of mold. It’s extremely sensitive, which is a good thing, as it uses advanced ImmunoLytics technology to detect even low levels of mold – something that often can be missed by other test kits. Plus, the kit includes both a surface and an air test, which allows you to thoroughly assess your home for the gross growth.
5. Supreme Mold Test Kit
If mold-testing can seem overwhelming, simplicity is key with this Supreme kit. It includes the essentials to collect and send in your samples, with no additional fees for lab analysis or shipping. Plus, the kit comes with detailed instructions, which can help ensure even more so that you get accurate results.
It’s budget-friendly, and can be used to test for mold on surfaces, in the air, and even in HVAC systems, making it a vital tool for identifying mold problems in a wide range of home environments.
And while sensitivity is a good thing, there’s also a downside: It may not detect low levels of mold that other test kits can pick up, which could be a concern for those who want a thorough assessment of their home. However, for most users, the kit’s accuracy and versatility should be more than sufficient.
