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Mold is a problem that can crop up seemingly out of nowhere, though there are common areas where mold tends to recur, such as bathrooms, kitchens, attics, basements, and cellars. These areas are all prone to high moisture, water leaks, water damage, and humidity levels, which promote mold spores’ growth.
While some people may be able to detect the presence of mold by scent or by sight, using a mold test kit is a much more accurate method and can provide users with detailed results so that they know what type of mold they are dealing with and how to treat the issue. Plus, it is quite a bit less expensive than a professional mold inspector.
The best mold test kit for a home depends on whether users want to test the air quality or if a surface test is more appropriate. Take a look at the top products below to see examples of the various mold test kits available, then read on for more information about how to select the best mold test kit to test for the presence of mold in a home. Some of the models below also went through our hands-on testing to ensure that we selected viable picks for our list.
- BEST OVERALL: Mold Inspection Network DIY Mold Testing Kit
- RUNNER-UP: Seeml Labs DIY Mold Test Kit
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Mold Armor Do It Yourself Mold Test Kit
- BEST LAB-TESTED: ImmunoLytics DIY Mold Test Kit
- BEST PETRI DISH: Evviva Sciences Mold Test Kit
- BEST SWAB TEST: Healthful Home 5-Minute At Home Mold Test
- BEST AIR PUMP: My Mold Detective Mold Test Kit
- BEST MONITOR: Airthings 4200 House Kit Air Quality Monitor
Photo: depositphotos.com
How We Chose the Best Mold Test Kits
When gathering our top picks for mold test kits, we looked at a range of tests on the market to provide options for each type, including tape strips, swabs, petri dishes and air pumps. We made sure that our list of recommendations has an option for every shopper and what they need, including kits with air and surface testing for rooms, HVAC systems, sinks, basements, attics, and even pets.
Our research and hands-on testing found that the time for test results can vary greatly. Therefore, we have provided a wide range of picks that satisfy on-the-spot testing where results need to be instant as well as comprehensive kits that are mailed to professional laboratories for extensive analysis, which can take up to a few weeks.
Our Top Picks
The list of top products below has been selected based on the type of visible mold test, the accuracy of the test, the results from our hands-on evaluations, and overall quality to help shoppers find the best mold test kit to verify the presence of both nontoxic and toxic mold in a home.
Best Overall
Mold Inspection Network DIY Mold Testing Kit
Pros
- Multiple tests included with 1 purchase; ideal for batch or seasonal testing
- Emailed results are expected after testing is complete; comes with a detailed lab report
- No hidden lab fees; all costs are up-front and more convenient
Cons
- Results can take a while; the wait period is not specified on the website
- Tape strips are not made for airborne mold testing
Product Specs
- Type: Tape strip
- Waiting period: Not specified
- Ease of use: Easy
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.
Then, send the samples to the lab and wait for the results. The lab fees are included in the price of the product, except for residents of Texas who will need to pay to have the sample shipped to the lab for testing. When the lab receives and inspects the samples, it will contact the user and provide both a detailed report of its findings and an expert explanation so the user knows what the results mean and how to proceed.
The Mold Inspection Network website does not mention the wait period for results, but some users state that these can take up to 3 weeks after mailing samples. Plus, users can reach out to the manufacturer at any time for an expert consultation regarding their results.
Get the Mold Inspection Network mold test kit at Amazon.
Runner-up
Seeml Labs DIY Mold Test Kit
Pros
- 2 types of tests in the kit; ideal for a variety of testing areas
- Quick lab-result turnaround time; same-day results once received by the lab
- Comes with gloves and a face mask to reduce the risk of any mold exposure
- Tests for all types of mold for peace of mind and reliability
Cons
- Users have to mail the sample to the lab; postage is not included
Product Specs
- Type: Swab and tape strip
- Waiting period: 1 day once the lab receives the test
- Ease of use: Easy
This Seeml Labs mold test kit includes swabs, tape strip tests, gloves, and a face mask, giving users the ability to test their home safely in more than one way with just one test kit. Put on the gloves and mask and 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 tested surface, 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.
After testing, the samples should be sent to the lab. 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.
Get the Seeml Labs mold test kit at Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
Mold Armor Do It Yourself Mold Test Kit
Pros
- Versatile kit comes with 3 testing methods; 2 air tests and 1 surface test
- Complete kit includes swabs, a petri dish, and a testing solution
- Quick turnaround time; results are sent to the user in as little as 48 hours
- Option for mail-in lab analysis to determine the mold type
Cons
- Optional lab analysis cost is not included with the kit’s purchase
Product Specs
- Type: Petri dish
- Waiting period: 48 hours
- Ease of use: Medium
The affordable Mold Armor petri mold test kit takes just 48 hours to provide results, without the need to send away for lab testing, and includes both a swab and petri dish for surface and air testing.
Set up the petri dish to take air samples near the home’s ventilation system, or use the swab to get surface samples from common problem areas for visible mold growth like the shower tile with this inexpensive Mold Armor mold test kit. The kit is easy to use, and the quick turnaround time means users can take immediate action to keep the family safe from harmful mold instead of waiting on the postal service to deliver samples to a lab for testing.
However, if the idea of relying completely on non-professional assessment seems concerning, the manufacturer does offer the option of sending the sample to a lab for more official testing, though there is an associated fee.
Get the Mold Armor mold test kit at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Walmart (2-pack), or DK Hardware.
Best Lab-Tested
ImmunoLytics DIY Mold Test Kit
Pros
- Test up to 5 different areas, including bedrooms, bathrooms, attics, basements, and vehicles—can even test pets
- Users can analyze results themselves with a comprehensive guide; optional lab testing is available
- Clear and detailed instructions allow for ease of use when doing self-analysis
Cons
- Professional lab analysis costs not included in the kit price
Product Specs
- Type: Petri dish
- Waiting period: 5 to 7 days for self-analysis
- Ease of use: Medium
Get professional lab analysis and expert consultation about the results of the test, as well as a full-color laboratory report detailing the exact genus of the mold with this DIY mold test kit. The kit includes five petri dishes, each intended to test bedrooms, bathrooms, attics, basements, vehicles, and even pets. 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.
The mold test kit also includes stickers, labels, and a return shipping box to send the samples for lab testing, though there is an associated lab fee per petri dish. Some users may prefer to do a self-analysis instead of paying the fee. It takes about 5 to 7 days for the mold to develop to the point where a visual self-analysis is possible, and the plates can then be sent for professional testing if the user wants more information about the mold.
Get the ImmunoLytics mold test kit at Amazon, Walmart, or ImmunoLytics.
Best Petri Dish
Pros
- Suitable for testing most areas of the home, including HVAC systems
- Provides surface as well as airborne testing for excellent versatility
- Users can opt for lab testing for more complicated mold inspections
- Comes with a downloadable mold identification guide and a free consultation if desired
Cons
- Profession lab analysis not included; individual lab tests can become quite pricey
Product Specs
- Type: Petri dish
- Waiting period: 48 hours
- Ease of use: Medium
This Evviva Sciences mold test kit relies on the user to properly use the petri dish test in the desired living space and review the results themselves. The kit includes a downloadable mold information guide for a more simplified way to identify mold found in the home. For more complicated mold issues, you can opt for a lab test (at an additional fee).
The kit comes with 10 petri dishes to be placed around the home. Not all petri dishes need to be used, but by using more petri dishes, the results can help to track high mold content back to the source of the growth, like a bathroom or a kitchen. This kit is suitable for testing all areas of the home, including walls, showers, HVAC systems, cars, sinks, room air, as well as most physical surfaces.
Get the Evviva Sciences mold test kit at Amazon, Walmart, or Evviva Sciences.
Best Swab Test
Healthful Home 5-Minute At Home Mold Test
Pros
- Very fast results in just 5 minutes; simply swab, wet the bulb, and test
- Easy to use compared to more complicated petri dish options
- Made in the U.S. and featured on several media outlets
- Expert consultation included for added convenience
Cons
- Only tests for 3 types of mold; can be quite limited
Product Specs
- Type: Swab
- Waiting period: Results within 5 minutes
- Ease of use: Easy
The Healthful Home mold test kit comes with a test for Stachybotrys mold and a test for both aspergillus and penicillium mold. Just use the included all-in-one swab to swab the surface that is being tested, and then bend the bulb of the all-in-one swab to add moisture. Allow the solution to mix with the sample, then place a drop of the solution on the Stachybotrys test and a drop on the aspergillus and penicillium test. The results should appear within 5 minutes.
The Stachybotrys test will display a single line if an unhealthy amount of mold is detected in the sample, while the aspergillus and penicillium test will display two lines if unhealthy amounts of mold are found. Users also have the option to use the three included standard swabs to take additional samples and send them to the lab for confirmation with the lab request card using the postage-paid mailer. The manufacturer also includes a consultation with the price of the test for those who have any additional questions about their results.
Get the Healthful Home mold test kit at Amazon, Walmart, Menards, or Healthful Home.
Best Air Pump
My Mold Detective Mold Test Kit
Pros
- Samples take just 5 minutes to collect; simply place the unit in a testing area and turn on
- A seasonal testing schedule with suggested testing areas is written on the inside of the box
- Provides detailed mold concentration levels; the lab results and analysis reports are highly detailed
Cons
- Can become quite pricey if sending multiple samples to the lab
Product Specs
- Type: Air pump
- Waiting period: Within 3 business days of the lab receiving the sample, or 24 hours for express turnaround at an additional fee
- Ease of use: Easy
Don’t wait on a petri dish to slowly collect a sample when the My Mold Detective mold test kit comes with an air sampling pump to take quick, 5-minute air quality samples of both indoor and outdoor locations. Just attach the air sampling pump to one of four sample cassettes and draw in nearby air and mold spores (if present). Collect the sample cassette and pack it into the included mailing envelope to send to the laboratory for testing.
This kit also comes with detailed instructions written right on the inside of the box so users can always have them on hand. Plus, there is a seasonal testing schedule with suggestions as to where users should be testing surfaces as well as air quality.
Test results come back in 3 business days after the sample is received by the lab, and they include color-coded lab reports, an analysis of the results, recommendations for treatment, and any additional next steps for the user based on the levels of mold present. However, if the outcome of the test is needed promptly, there are options for expediting the process for a faster turnaround.
Get the My Mold Detective mold test kit at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or My Mold Detective.
Best Monitor
Airthings 4200 House Kit Air Quality Monitor
Pros
- Monitors the air quality, pollen levels, temperature, humidity, radon, total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), and levels of mold
- Comes with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for monitoring and adjusting
- The wave of a hand triggers colored lights that indicate the current air quality
- Small and lightweight monitors are capable of blending into a space and won’t take up too much room
Cons
- Does not monitor carbon monoxide or particulate matter levels
- Colored indicator lights do not remain on all the time; users must wave their hand to activate the lights
Product Specs
- Type: Monitor
- Waiting period: Immediate
- Ease of use: Easy
While mold testing kits are helpful when mold is suspected, preventing mold from growing and monitoring for it also provides some peace of mind. The Airthings 4200 kit comes with the Wave Radon, Wave Mini, and Airthings Hub, which all work in tandem to detect radon, temperature, humidity, pollen, TVOCs, and mold growth.
Made with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, this option allows for remote monitoring and control from anywhere through the Airthings app and connects to smart-home systems such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
When in use, the simple wave of a hand over the Wave Mini will display a red, yellow, or green light, indicating that the mold risk is low, medium, or high. This monitoring kit is also compact and lightweight, meaning that it won’t take up a lot of space or draw the eye to it.
What our tester says: Glenda Taylor, Bob Vila writer and product tester, notes in The Best Air Quality Monitors that “we downloaded the Airthings app to our smartphone and followed the steps to set up the monitors via Bluetooth. We easily connected the Wave Hub to sync the Wave Mini with our Wi-Fi network. Then we used voice commands, such as ‘Alexa, open Airthings,’ to hear an air quality report on our Alexa Echo Dot. That was simple; the app detected and automatically synced with the monitors. We found the Airthings monitors to be easy to set up, and they offered fairly accurate readings.”
Get the Airthings 4200 mold test kit at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Airthings.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Mold Test Kit
Don’t decide on a mold test kit without understanding the various types of test kits, and then consider the accuracy of the test, the waiting period for results, and how easy or difficult the test kit is to use. These factors can help users decide on the best mold test kit to verify the presence of mold in a home.
Types of Mold Testing Methods
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.
- Swabs are a straightforward method of testing surfaces in the home for the presence of mold. These tests consist of one or more cotton swabs that need to be rolled over the surface to be tested. Swab tests provide results in just a few minutes. Other products require the user to send the test tube to a lab in order to test the sample.
- Tape strips are another type of common surface mold test kit. These tests are typically sent to a lab for analysis, so users will need to wait for results.
- Air pumps are made to sit on a table or countertop to test the air in the home. The pump collects air and mold particles. After testing, the kit must be sent to a lab for results.
- Petri dish tests provide a surface that’s 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.
Accuracy
When conducting a test for the presence of mold, mildew, lead, radon, or any other potentially harmful contaminants in a home, the tests need to be accurate; otherwise, there really isn’t a point. An inaccurate test is about as helpful as guessing. Swabs and tape strips are a good choice that can quickly gather a sample from the floor, walls, or any other surface in the home; however, these tests can be susceptible to contamination and false results if there are other substances on the tested surface.
Petri dishes keep the test isolated from the surface of the table or counter, but if they are left open for too long, airborne contaminants can affect the results. The most accurate test is an air pump because it pulls the air in without having to wait and it never comes in contact with potentially contaminated surfaces in the home. Sending each test to a lab will achieve more accurate results than users would be able to discern at home.
Waiting Period for Results
After testing for mold using a swab or a petri dish test, users may be able to get results in just a few days. The kit can give identification instructions for determining whether mold is growing in the home, but this isn’t the most accurate way to test for mold unless you or someone you know has professional lab experience and explicit knowledge about how to detect and identify mold and mold spores.
Air pump and tape strip mold test kits typically need to be sent to a lab, and even if the DIY user has personal knowledge and expertise, a professional lab likely has better equipment, so it’s best to send swab and petri dish samples away for the most accurate results. However, it can take between 3 days and 4 weeks to be contacted with the outcome of the test, depending on mail delivery options, location of the lab, and processing times.
Ease of Use
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.
- Swab tests are performed by rolling the cotton swab over the surface of a table, wall, floor, or any other surface to be tested. The swab goes in a test tube and it’s then sent to the lab or checked at home.
- Tape strips need to be applied to the surface that is to be tested. Then, the strip is removed and is applied to the test board. This sample is then sent to the lab and there is a wait period before receiving the results.
- Air pumps require little effort. The pump pulls in air for a specified amount of time, based on the individual product. When the test is done, it is sent to the lab for the results. These options are typically used by those who are trying to fight respiratory issues.
- Petri dish tests need to be left out on a table or a counter. The dish collects spores and other particles from the air and then it is treated with a microbial culture to promote mold growth. After sealing the petri dish and allowing the contents to grow for at least 24 hours, the results are either checked at home or the sample is sent to a lab for a more accurate outcome to the test.
FAQs
Keep the home safe from lingering and spreading mold spores by testing and treating mold problems. For more information on mold test kits, such as how they work and whether these kits expire, read below to get answers to these questions and several additional commonly asked questions about the best mold test kits.
In general, mold test kits collect samples from either the air or a surface in the home. The sample is then checked by the user or sent to a lab for results that will be emailed within a period of 3 days to 4 weeks, depending on several different factors, such as the location of the lab and the mail transit timeline.
Most mold test kits don’t have an expiration date; however, it’s advised to use new test kits to reduce the chance of contaminated results because the chemicals in test strips, swabs, and petri dishes can degrade over time.
Settling plates or petri dishes are good for identifying the presence of mold, but not the type or severity of the issue. After using a petri dish mold test and finding mold on the dish, consider getting an on-site assessment from a professional mold removal company before treating mold.
After cleaning up mold growth and making infrastructure repairs to prevent recurring mold issues, use a home mold test kit to determine if it worked and that the home is now free of mold. If you still aren’t confident after using this method, you may want to have an on-site assessment from a professional mold removal company.
