How to Test for Basement Black Mold

Basement black mold has become a problem in many  areas. Testing for it has become easy and convenient with kits that are specially made for this type of mold. 

Step 1 - Finding the Mold

Always wear protective gloves and or a mask. You should look for mold in several places in the basement. Any place that is damp or humid. The duct work of your air or heating units. Woodwork. Walls. Ceilings. Corners. Any of these places are potential areas for black mold growth. The appearance of black mold is usually a slimy dark, greenish-brown color with a very wet musty smell. If it is growing behind paper or Sheetrock it may have pinkish or purplish tints to it. Once you find the mold you need to test it to see what kind it is.

Step 2 - Testing the Mold

Using the test kit you have, carefully read the instructions. For this article we will use a test kit which utilizes a cotton swab. It is the least invasive and destructive to your home. With this test you swab an area that you think has the mold spores on it. You have a tube of media that you will break the tip of the swab off in and seal up. There will be a mailing kit for you to mail the media to be tested. In a short while you will receive the results from that lab. It is all included in the price of the kit.