Professional Mold Tests play an important role to make breathing healthy. Last summer, my Aunt Lisa decided to check for mold in her basement. She had been coughing a lot and thought maybe something was wrong down there. Instead of calling a professional, she ordered one of those home mold test kits online. She was so proud of herself for “saving money.”
But here’s where it gets kind of tragic and kind of hilarious. She stuck the little test plate in her laundry room, left it there for a few days, and then panicked when it showed a big dark spot. She freaked out, thinking her house was full of deadly mold. Even she made her dog sleep in the garage for a week! It turns out that it was just regular dust and some harmless mold spores that weren’t even dangerous.
Later, she had a professional mold test done, so guess what? The real mold problem was inside her bathroom walls the whole time!
That’s when I realized that professional mold tests are more reliable than home kits.Here, I’ll tell you why calling the pros is often the best (and safest!) choice when it comes to mold in your home.
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What Are Home Mold Testing Kits?
Home mold test kits are small tools you can buy from the store or online. These kits help you collect samples from your home to check for mold. Typically, you use a swab or a dish to take a sample of the air or surfaces. Then, you either send it to a lab or look at the results yourself.
People like home kits because they’re:
- Cheap: Home kits usually cost less than professional tests.
- Easy to use: They come with instructions and are simple to follow.
- Quick to buy: You can pick one up at the store or order one online.
But are home test kits truly the best way to check for mold? Let’s explore why professional mold tests might offer a more reliable solution.
Why Home Kits Might Not Work Well
Although home kits are easy, there are some problems with them. Here are a few reasons why they might not be the best way to check for mold:
1. They Might Not Be Accurate
If you don’t collect the sample the right way, the test won’t work properly. You could accidentally touch the swab with dirty hands, or maybe you didn’t collect the sample from the right place. Also, some home kits test the air, but they might pick up harmless mold that doesn’t need fixing. This can make it harder to figure out if you have a severe mold problem.
2. They Can Miss Hidden Mold
Mold doesn’t always grow where you can see it. It might hide inside walls, under carpets, or in places you don’t expect, like air ducts. Home test kits can’t reach these hidden areas, so they might miss mold hiding out of sight.
3. You Have to Guess What It Means
The results from home kits can be hard to understand. They might say “mold found,” but don’t tell you how dangerous it is or what type of mold it is. Without an expert’s help, it’s difficult to know what to do next.
Read Also: Condensation Mold: Best Ways to Prevent It in Long-Term Trailer Storage
What Are Professional Mold Tests?
Professional mold tests are done by experts who know all about mold. These professionals, called mold inspectors or environmental testers, are trained to find and test mold in your home.
When you call a professional, here’s what they’ll do:
- Look for signs of mold: They’ll check all areas of your home where mold might be hiding.
- Use special tools: Experts have tools like moisture meters and thermal cameras to find hidden mold.
- Take samples: They collect air and surface samples to send to a lab for testing.
- Explain the results: Once the lab tests the samples, the expert will tell you exactly what they found and what you should do next.
Why Professional Mold Tests Are Better
Now, let’s compare home kits and professional mold tests. Here’s why professionals are the better choice for mold testing.
1. They Find Hidden Mold
Mold often hides inside walls, under floors, or in other hidden spaces. Professional mold tests can find this hidden mold. Experts know where to look and even use special tools, like infrared cameras, to see behind walls. Home kits can’t do that!
2. They Know What to Look For
Not all mold is the same. Some types of mold are dangerous and can hurt your health. Professional mold tests can tell you what kind of mold you have and if it’s harmful. Home kits usually can’t tell the difference between dangerous mold and harmless mold.
3. They Explain the Results Clearly
When you get your results from a professional mold test, an expert will explain what the results mean. They’ll tell you if the mold is a big problem or something small. With home kits, you usually don’t get any advice on what to do next.
4. They Help You Fix the Problem
After the test, a professional can help you figure out how to remove the mold. They might even connect you with a mold removal company to clean it up safely. With a home kit, you’re on your own and might not know who to call for help.
What About the Cost?
Yes, professional mold tests do cost more than home kits. A home kit might only cost $30 to $50, while a professional test can cost $300 or more. But think about it—if you miss mold or don’t fix it correctly, it could cause even bigger problems.
Mold can:
- Damage your walls and floors: Mold can rot wood and ruin paint.
- Make people sick: Breathing in mold can cause coughing, allergies, and other health problems.
- Lower your home’s value: Mold can make your house harder to sell.
In the end, paying for a professional mold test could save you money by stopping bigger problems from happening later.
When Should You Get a Professional Mold Test?
You don’t need to call an expert every time you see a tiny bit of mold. But there are some times when it’s smart to call a professional:
- If you smell a musty odor and can’t find the source
- If someone in your home is always sick or coughing
- you see mold in more than one room
- If your home had a flood or water leak
- If you’re buying or selling a house
- If you tried a home kit but still aren’t sure about the results
What Happens After the Test?
Once the test is done, the expert will give you a report. The report will include:
- Where the mold is: Where the mold was found in your home.
- What kind of mold it is: The type of mold and if it is dangerous.
- How much mold was found: Whether it’s a small or large problem.
- What steps to take next: What you should do to fix the mold problem.
Sometimes, the expert might suggest calling a mold removal company to clean up the mold. They can help you safely get rid of the mold and stop it from coming back.
It’s tempting to buy a cheap home mold test kit, but when it comes to mold, it’s best to trust the experts. Professional mold tests are more accurate, can find hidden mold, and help you figure out what kind of mold you have. They also explain the results clearly and can help you take the right steps to fix the problem.
If you think you have mold, don’t wait to call a professional. Your health and your home are too important to take chances with mold. A professional mold test will give you peace of mind and make sure your home is safe.