How to Test for Mold

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Mold is a type of fungus that grows in moist environments and reproduces by microscopic seeds called spores. Even if you're healthy, you can suffer from respiratory issues, skin irritation, and headaches if you're exposed to dangerous forms of mold. [1] If you share your home with children, elderly loved ones, or anyone with respiratory problems, they're at an even greater risk. Therefore, it's very important to learn how to find, test for, and treat mold. This knowledge could improve your health and even save your life.

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Checking for Visible Mold

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    Mold often has a fuzzy appearance but can also look like a stain if it's growing on a wall or furniture. Its most common colors are black green, brown, or white. Mold can feel like cotton, leather, velvet, or sand paper. It usually gives off a musty or earthy odor. Also look for visible signs of possible water damage such as stains or paint bubbling. This could mean there is mold growth within the wall cavity.
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    This should be the first place you look. Its underground location makes it especially vulnerable to moisture and humidity buildup. After each heavy rain, look for and immediately treat any water seepage. [2] Check the following spots:
    • Baseboards
    • Walls, especially where they meet the ceiling
    • Behind and under appliances, especially the washer and dryer
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    Look in and around the clothes dryer duct for mold growth. If it's not properly ventilated, it can trigger a build-up in humidity in the room. Make sure the duct is vented toward the exterior of the house. [3]
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    Darkness and moisture create ideal conditions for the spread of mold. [4] You should check:
    • Under sinks, especially if they sit on top of cabinets
    • Closets, especially if they don't receive proper ventilation. [5]
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    If your house isn't properly insulated, windows could accumulate condensation year-round. Look for mold growth around each individual pane and along the frames. [6]
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    Inspect the baseboards in the basement and first/ground floor if your house recently flooded. Tear out all carpeting in these areas. If you recently experienced heavy rain, look for water stains in the attic and on the upper-story living areas. [7]
    • If a pipe recently burst, treat all water-damaged areas as if they had been flooded.
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    Dirt and grime that washes off your body has a tendency to mix with shampoo and soap residue. This mixture ultimately collects on shower curtains. Make sure the bathroom is well lit. Spread out the shower curtain to check the entire surface. Use a magnifying glass to check for small patches of mold that you could otherwise miss.
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    The corners where your walls meet the ceiling are prime locations for mold growth because they trap water from roof leaks. Check for growth and accumulation in all four corners of each room. If your wallpaper is peeling at the ceiling juncture, check behind it for mold growth. [8]
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    Fluctuations between heating and air conditioning cause moisture buildup on cooling coils and in drain pans. Remove the vent plate from the duct and inspect it closely. Turn on the lights or use a strong LED flashlight to easily catch mold clusters. Check the duct for as far as your eye can see.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Testing for Hidden or Airborne Mold

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    In-home testing kits come equipped with their own instruments and instructions. Follow the kit's directions. Submit the sampling to a local lab.
    • If you see mold in a visual inspection, a testing kit isn't necessary. [9]
    • These kits can be difficult to use, and their results can be unreliable. Use them only as a last resort if other options aren't available.
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    A borescope can be helpful for inspecting spaces between walls. [10] Drill a small hole into a wall recently affected by water or moisture. Slowly insert the fiber optic cable end through the hole. Check the monitor for signs of mold. Continue to move slowly as you probe deeper into the area.
    • Borescopes distort the size and color of mold on the monitor. If you find areas of discoloration inside the wall, contact a professional for a second opinion.
    • You can also use a borescope to inspect air ducts, but there are drawbacks. The instrument only lets you see so far into a duct. If the duct makes a sudden 90-degree turn, you won't be able to see beyond that turn.
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    They have instruments for mold detection that aren't available to the general public. Get estimates from several inspectors to make sure you get a fair deal. Contact former customers for reviews and possible complaints. Consult your state's contractor licensing board to ensure your potential inspector is licensed. Make sure the inspector works with a lab accredited by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). [11]
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Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Treating the Affected Areas

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    Cover your mouth and nose with an N-95 respirator to avoid breathing in spores. Wear elbow-length rubber or latex gloves to protect your hands from mold and cleaning materials. Cover your eyes with goggles to protect them from airborne spores. [12]
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    Mix equal parts water and detergent or bleach. Dip a scrub brush into the mixture and remove the mold. Dry the area completely when you're finished. [13]
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    If you noticed any leaking pipes or water seepage in your inspection, deal with it immediately. Call a professional plumber to repair leaking or sweating pipes. Fill in any spaces between pipes and walls with caulk or Icynene insulation.
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    Use caulk to seal cracks around your windows, doors, and at critical junctures where the walls meet the floor and the ceiling. Apply caulk or weather stripping to your windows, especially between the frames and panes. Dry the area completely. [14]
    • Don't caulk or paint any surfaces until the mold is completely removed.
    • If you're not comfortable doing these repairs, hire a professional.
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    Unless you're trained to remove mold from air ducts, call a professional. This is especially crucial if you notice mold growth in more than one room or if your mold problem keeps recurring despite your best efforts. Search online for local professionals or ask your local health department for a recommendation. [15]
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    If you notice mold on carpeting, ceiling tiles, and other porous surfaces, remove and discard them. The mold makes them unfit for recycling. Ask your local waste management whether they consider it hazardous waste. [16]
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    [17] If you find black mold growing in your home, it may be best to consult a professional so that the problem can be dealt with completely. Search online for mold removal specialists in your area. [18]
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Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Preventing Future Growth

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    Keep the humidity level in your home between 30 and 50 percent. Open the windows on days when it's not humid. This will allow fresh air to circulate and inhibit mold growth. If you live in a humid climate, run a dehumidifier in the rooms most prone to moisture. [19]
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    These areas are already prone to humidity. Carpets can trap moisture under their surface, even without flooding or water seepage. If your basement or bathroom isn't carpeted, leave the floors bare. Use removable, washable mats to avoid slip hazards. [20]
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    This is a great investment if you live in a flood-prone area. Water that seeps into the basement collects in a sump basin and is pumped outside. Unless you are a licensed home improvement contractor, call a professional to install one. Choose a sump pump with the following specs:
    • Cast iron core
    • Alarm that sounds when the water level gets too high
    • Mechanical switch
    • Submersible pump
    • No-screen intake design
    • Impeller that can deal with objects of 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in diameter. [21]
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    When you cook, turn on the exhaust fan over the stove to catch water vapor. Use the fan in the bathroom as you shower to reduce condensation cause by steam. Even if you take cooler showers, run the exhaust fan for good measure. Let the fans in each room run until all steam has been eliminated. [22]
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    Install them in the basement and in closets. Clean each dehumidifier regularly. Follow the manufacturer's instructions closely for best results. [23]
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    Use a clean dry towel or a squeegee to remove any leftover water droplets. Make sure the curtain is completely dry. Do this after the last shower of the day to prevent moisture buildup. [24]
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    Water can pond around the foundation of your house and push moisture into the interior. Landscape the area around the foundation to slope downward and away from the foundation. Add extensions to downspouts to direct rainwater at least 5 feet (1.5 m) away from the foundation.
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    Apply spray-on Icynene foam to the ceiling of your attic. The foam forms a water-tight seal as it dries. Avoid fiberglass and hard foam insulation. They can separate from their surfaces and allow moisture to seep in. Wet spray-applied cellulose insulation is also prone to mold. [25]
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    Check all problem areas or potential problem areas for mold (re)growth. Monitor all sealed leaks and cracks after heavy rains or floods. Otherwise, recheck your home thoroughly every six months.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How hard is it to get rid of mold?
    Bridgett Price
    House Cleaning Professional
    Bridgett Price is a House Cleaning Professional based in Phoenix, Arizona. She has over 8 years of experience in the industry and is the Co-Owner of Maid Easy, a maid service company servicing the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area witih over 17k professional cleanings under its belt. Maid Easy was featured on CNBC's 'Made It!' program and was voted as The Best of The Desert - Residential Cleaning Service by AZCentral. She holds a Master of Management from the University of Phoenix, specializing in digital and traditional marketing.
    Bridgett Price
    House Cleaning Professional
    Expert Answer
    You can use a bleach solution, or use a mixture of vinegar and water. Be sure to never mix vinegar and bleach, though, as it creates a toxic solution.
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      Tips

      • If mold infestation extends beyond an area of 10 square feet (3 square meters), consult the EPA guide Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. [26]
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      • Remove all forms of mold you find in your home. It's not necessary to identify each strain. [27]
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      Things You'll Need

      • LED flashlight
      • Borescope (optional)
      • Mold testing kit (optional)
      • Bleach or detergent
      • Bucket
      • Scrub brush
      • Latex or rubber gloves
      • Dehumidifier
      • Icynene foam insulation


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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm#affect
      2. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm#where
      3. ↑ http://www.epa.gov/mold/interactive-mold-house-tour
      4. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm#where
      5. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/interactive-mold-house-tour
      6. ↑ http://www.epa.gov/mold/interactive-mold-house-tour
      7. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/interactive-mold-house-tour
      8. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/interactive-mold-house-tour
      9. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-testing-or-sampling
      1. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-course-chapter-3#Chapter3Lesson2
      2. ↑ https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/mold/hiringguide.htm
      3. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home#tab-4
      4. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-your-home#TipsandTechniques
      5. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-your-home#TipsandTechniques
      6. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/should-you-have-air-ducts-your-home-cleaned
      7. ↑ https://www.fema.gov/pdf/rebuild/recover/fema_mold_brochure_english.pdf
      8. ↑ Bridgett Price. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 23 May 2019.
      9. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-your-home#TipsandTechniques
      10. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/interactive-mold-house-tour
      11. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/about/index.html
      12. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/some-advice-about-sump-pumps/
      13. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/interactive-mold-house-tour
      14. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/interactive-mold-house-tour
      15. ↑ http://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-prevent-mold-and-mildew/
      16. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16499151
      17. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-remediation-schools-and-commercial-buildings-guide
      18. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/about/index.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To test for mold, start by looking for signs of visible mold in your home in places where there is a lot of moisture and humidity, like the basement or utility room. Also, look under sinks and in the corners of ceilings for spots of fuzzy black, green, or brown mold that give off a musty odor. If you still can’t find mold, but suspect it’s hidden in your walls or ceiling, try using an in-home mold testing kit and send in a sample to the lab according to the directions. For tips on how to get rid of mold in your home and keep it from coming back, read on!

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