5 Mold Tests You can Do with Household Items

There are a number of mold tests that you can do at home without having to hire for services, this will save you from paying for a mold inspection until you know there is a problem. It would help to know that there many different types of mold that can grow, and each has its own preferred environment. The most common molds however, thrive in damp, dark areas. Let it be known, that the only way to check for mold, is to look for it.

The Basement

In most mold tests an inspector would start by checking the basement for growth and leakage. Mold enjoys cool, damp environments and nearly all old basements are victim to mold growth to some degree. Furnished basements generally do not have this problem as they have been insulted and sealed to prevent this from happening. You will want to look around all potential openings or cracks near the inside foundation walls. Look for dark green patches of growth, it may look syrupy and black, or fluffy and green like moss.

Pipes and Under Sinks

Move your search to the upper floors of your home during your mold tests, inspecting under all sinks and cabinets that may contain piping or access to the outdoors, such as washer and dryer hookups or even around your toilet. Anywhere that moisture can build should be checked carefully, as this "liquid" type of mold, is some of the most hazardous found domestically.

Outdoor Foundation

Then take the search to the outside perimeter of your basement in your yard, where the foundation meets the lawn and connects to the underside of your home. Moisture can build up there to eat at your foundation. Most mold tests will reveal it growing under the edge of your siding where it meets the foundation. Be sure to check around the spigot for your garden hose as well.

Attic and Crawl Space

There is dry mold found in old books and stored clothes. Most people that have smelled these types of mold identify it as a mildewy or "musty" smell. Chemical mold tests on the material would reveal that it too is mold, and the smell is that of what could only be considered "dried up" or dead mold spores. You will want to check your attic and crawl spaces for this "dry" mold that may be white or yellow in color. Be sure to check around rafters and beams from top to bottom, and any old stored boxes.

Inside Walls

In the case of flooding simple mold tests will not help you all that well. As in a situation where an entire area of a home has been subjected to being submersed in water for a long period, the mold may not be visible, but instead living in the dark on the "inside" of your walls. This is an extreme health hazard and if you suspect you have this problem, you should contact professionals to come do tests to ensure the safety of all that live in the home. In many of these cases, the only way to check for "hidden mold" is to remove parts of walls to see if there is growth on the inside. Hidden mold is invisible to the naked eye, and if left unchecked could create serious air quality issues in the home.