Choosing a Mold Test Kit
A test kit is a great way to begin the battle against household mold. But not all mold test kits are worth the money. The six mentioned here perform well. If you’re serious about dealing with mold, perform a test and let the results guide your remediation efforts.
DIY Mold Test
The Mold Inspection Network test kit is for surface testing of visible mold only, not airborne spores, and it includes everything you need for three tests. The purpose of this kit is to identify the type and concentration of mold organisms. Collect samples, send them off for testing and then wait for the lab results. Consultation with mold experts is included in the price for all U.S. states except Texas.
First Alert Mold Detection Kit
One of a handful of test kits offered by First Alert, this economical kit detects airborne mold spores. It costs $15 for each sample you send to the lab in one of the preprinted envelopes. Expect results in five to seven days.
My Mold Detective Room Test Kit
This high-end Healthful Home test kit comes with an air sampling pump and the supplies needed to complete three tests. Similar to professional mold kits, the pump draws indoor air into the system for sample collection. At $35 to assess three samples, it’s not cheap, but it is accurate.
Mold Armor DIY Mold Test Kit
Complete with a petri dish and mold-growth medium, this Mold Armor kit is suitable for testing indoor air, ventilation systems and surface areas that show visible mold growth. This kit shows the presence of mold after being exposed to the air, but a $40 test fee is required to find out what kind of mold you’ve got.
DIY MoldCheck Mold Test Kit
This economical kit delivers 10 at-home tests for about $5 per test. It determines the presence of mold in the air or on surfaces, but it can’t tell you what kind of mold you’ve got. Still, it’s good for a quick analysis of the mold situation in your home.
Pro-Lab Mold Test Kit
This simple Pro-Lab kit is made for testing airborne, surface and bulk samples. It shows the presence of mold, but you have to pay a $40 lab fee and ship off your sample to find out what kind of mold you’ve got. Sample results are available online in seven days (three if you put a rush on it). The lab analysis service is only available in the U.S. and Canada.