Mold is a latent health danger lying in wait in all types of buildings. From commercial premises to residential homes, mold exposure continues to trigger various allergic reactions like itchy eyes and breathing difficulties. Most home occupants continue to suffer from these warning signs but do not relate them to the molds in the house. Whether you are experiencing any of these symptoms or not, mold testing is a simple health measure to follow. Keep in mind that if you do not handle your mold issue well, it might cost you more in treating a myriad of health implications. That’s why you need an expert to detect and eradicate them safely for you. Here are five simple steps to help you identify molds in your home.
Step 1- Thorough Visual assessment
Even if you can see and smell mold growths on your walls and floors, they can also hide beneath carpets and in cracks. Bear in mind that molds flourish in damp areas. So, check any black marks around the pipes, bathrooms, and kitchen and on roof gutters. Sometimes, you may not smell or see molds in your house but might experience health issues related to mold exposure. In such an instance, it is wise to consult a professional for a proper analysis.
Step 2- Invest in a Reliable Test Kit
If you want to confirm your home is mold-free, get a reliable DIY mold test kit. Several mold testing kits are coming up in the market. Some require additional lab testing for a deeper analysis while others give results on the spot. If you only want to confirm the presence of molds without further analysis, get the one that gives instant results. Nevertheless, an expert analysis would be a better idea to confirm the exact mold species and professional tips on how to keep them away.
Step 3 – Prepare Your Sample
Most DIY mold testing kits provide Petri dishes to collect the sample. If you want to check mold presence in your air, you can place the dish on a surface and cover it for about an hour. Another faster way of testing molds is through the HVAC system. Tape the Petri dish to one of the air ducts and check for molds within ten minutes. If you manage to capture visible molds, the next step will be less complicated.
Step 4 – Analyze your Petri dish
Molds take hours to grow. Within 48 hours, you can observe some mold formation on your Petri dish. If you cannot detect any, extend your time to another 24 hours and check for any changes. However, if you do not identify mold growth for more than 96 hours, probably your house is mold-free. All in all, you should not rely on the results from one DIY kit. You can repeat the same procedure with another mold kit or get an expert to do it for you.
Step 5- Take your Sample for Further Analysis
There are diverse instructions given on where to take your sample for scrutiny on each kit. While some mold kits include the analysis cost on the buying price, others need you to pay after sample collecting. DIY mold kits are toxic-free, so you should not worry about any exposure to harmful chemicals.
The only thing that you should worry about is the mold itself. As a safety measure, wear a mask and gloves to minimize your contact with the toxic black mold.
At Discount Water and Mold Removal, we will help you detect mold through our effective air sample testing and expertly remove it. Contact us for a free inspection and healthier living.
