Mold Testing Kits: Are They Accurate? Essential Information for All Homeowners

Mold can be a serious issue for homeowners by causing minor health issues, disrupting comfort, destroying property, and even compromising the integrity of the home in some cases. 

For many, the solution is to use mold testing kits designed for at-home use. These kits can detect the most common warning signs of mold,  which can help you determine the next steps for remediation.

But how to interpret the results? Are the mold testing kits accurate, though? Should you be using them? 

Let’s find out. 

Are Mold Testing Kits Accurate? They are, But There’s a Catch

If you’re unsure about a mold testing kit’s reliability, that’s perfectly understandable. Like any product, they come in a variety of types. Some are extremely accurate, and you can even find them being used by professionals in the field because they’re proven to work to professional standards. 

Some, mostly the poorly made and cheap ones, aren’t very accurate and can produce false results that either make you unnecessarily nervous about your home or lead to you ignoring a major issue. 

However, even if you shell out for a great kit, your ability to use that kit properly and read it appropriately plays a big part in whether or not you get accurate results. After all, it’s likely not something that you do often as a homeowner. 

Lab Testing is Always More Accurate

In any case, even if you buy the most reliable mold testing kit, it is always more accurate to have a sample shipped off to a lab and professionally tested by lab technicians.

You simply can’t make a chemical strip that can account for all the variables that a trained lab professional can. 

However, there is a big drawback to sending in samples for testing. Beyond having to collect samples, you also have to pay to have those samples tested and to ship them off, and you have to wait for the results to come back.

This can take days or even weeks, depending on several factors. 

What Do Professionals Use to Test Mold? 

Both mold testing methods are fairly accurate and reliable, and professionals use them regularly. For fast, accurate results, they can utilize in-field test kits to determine what the mold problem is and allow them to provide prompt service, but if a situation requires a bit more examination, lab results might be sought out. 

The method used typically depends on the company, the situation, and whether or not the specialist checking your home needs more information. 

Should You Use Mold Testing Kits? 

Mold comes in many different types and colors, and no matter which one you’re dealing with, its removal is something you should definitely leave to the professionals. 

First, even when using reliable mold testing kits, a professional is going to be able to get more information from the kit than a homeowner who has never checked for mold before. 

On top of that, a professional can determine if another approach is necessary. 

Then, there’s the fact that you’ll need a professional anyway. If you’re testing for mold, it’s because you likely have it. When you hire a professional, they can seamlessly go from testing to resolving the issue. 

You might be able to use a test to determine if you need to call a pro, though. 

So, if you’re struggling with a persistent mold problem in Orange County, Inland Empire, or nearby areas, be sure to get in touch with professionals who offer quality mold removal services to eliminate the problem for good!

Don’t take any chances with your home’s safety. Contact Mold Fix today!