The Best Mold Test Kits to Ensure Healthy Air in Your Home

While some people may be able to detect the presence of mold by scent or by sight, using a mold test kit is a much more accurate method and can provide users with detailed results so that they know what type of mold they are dealing with and how to treat the issue. Plus, mold test kits are quite a bit less expensive than a professional mold inspector. To find the best at-home mold test kits, we put six popular options to the test.

The best mold test kit for a home depends on whether users want to test the air quality or if a surface test is more appropriate. Our favorite kit was the Evviva Sciences Mold Test Kit, which can test for both. The kit came with 10 petri dishes, allowing us to test multiple areas, and the results can be self-identified or sent in for lab testing at an additional fee.

Leaving mold untreated can create a home safety issue, so an easy-to-use testing kit is a great place to start if you suspect a problem. Take a look at the top products below to see examples of the various mold test kits available and the results of our hands-on testing. Then read on for more information about how to select the best mold test kit to test for the presence of mold in a home. 

1. BEST OVERALL: Evviva Sciences Mold Test Kit
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Mold Armor Do It Yourself Mold Test Kit
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3. BEST FOR SURFACE MOLD: Seeml Labs DIY Mold Test Kit
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4. BEST AIR PUMP: My Mold Detective Air Sampling Mold Test Kit
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5. BEST MONITOR: Airthings 4200 House Kit Air Quality Monitor
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6. ALSO CONSIDER: Entimp Mold Test Kit
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Mold Test Kits Comparison

Our Top Picks

The top products below have been selected based on the type of mold test, the accuracy of the test, the overall quality, and the results from our hands-on evaluations. Any one of these should help verify the presence of both nontoxic and toxic mold in your home. 

Our Ratings

The Evviva Sciences mold test kit relies on the user to properly use the petri dish test in the desired living space and review the results themselves. The kit includes a downloadable information guide that helps users more easily identify mold found in the home. For more complicated mold issues, opt for a lab test (at an additional fee). Because the kit comes with both petri dishes and swabs, it’s suitable for testing all areas of the home, including walls, showers, HVAC systems, cars, sinks, room air, as well as most physical surfaces.

Due to an older window air conditioning unit, we were most concerned with the air quality in our primary bedroom, but we also had suspicions of mold in our guest bathroom. We set a petri dish in both rooms to test air quality and set another dish outside as a control. The collected samples were placed in a dark closet, and we checked them at 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours. Within 48 hours, we saw the first signs of mold growth, and the results were on par with our lab tests—our bedroom air was virtually mold-free, while the bathroom showed signs of various mold types.

We liked that we could submit the worrisome sample for lab analysis. Since the kit came with 10 petri dishes and 10 collection swabs, we still have plenty left to retest the bathroom after addressing the mold problem. 

What our tester says: “The Evviva Sciences mold test kit was very easy to use. I used it to test air quality in my bedroom and bathroom and a worrisome wall in my bathroom. Since there are 10 tests in the kit, I have plenty left over to retest after I attempt cleanup.”—Katie Barton, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Evviva Sciences mold test kit at Amazon, Walmart, or Evviva Sciences.

Our Ratings

The affordable Mold Armor petri test kit takes just 48 hours to provide results, without the need to send away for lab testing, and includes both a swab and petri dish for surface and air testing. However, if the idea of relying completely on non-professional assessment causes concern, the manufacturer does offer the option of sending the sample to a lab for official testing, though there is an associated fee. Lab analysis fees must be paid online, but the kit includes a prepaid shipping envelope to submit samples.

Testing is simple—set up the petri dish to take air samples near the home’s ventilation system, or use the swab to get surface samples from common problem areas for visible mold growth, like the shower tile. We set the petri dish in our bedroom so we could test it against other DIY and lab-tested mold samples, and it aligned with the results of our other tests. However, the kit only comes with one petri dish, so only one test can be taken. When testing air quality, Mold Armor recommends purchasing a second kit to compare indoor and outdoor air quality results. When testing surface mold, a second kit doesn’t need to be purchased. 

Get the Mold Armor mold test kit at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Walmart (2-pack), or DK Hardware.

Our Ratings

This Seeml Labs mold detection kit includes swabs, two tape strip tests, gloves, and a face mask, giving users the ability to test their home safely in more than one way with just one test kit. Put on the gloves and mask, gently roll the cotton swab on the surface to be tested, and place the swab into the test tube and seal it. The test strips need to be applied to the tested surface, then removed and placed onto the test board. This traps the collected sample between the board and the strip. Place the board into the sample collection container and seal it.

We used the tape to test the vents of the window air conditioner in our primary bedroom and the wall next to our bathtub in the guest bathroom, as this is where we were suspicious that mold was growing. We also used the swab to test inside a bathroom sink drain, as there were some signs of visible mold. The tests were mailed in using the provided envelope, although we did have to pay postage (fortunately, lab fees were included.) Our results were provided via email in about a week, when we received a detailed report on the types of mold found, as well as descriptions of each mold type. 

We found this kit to be a great value for testing surface mold, and it also works well as a black mold detector​ kit since it’s equipped with swabs and tape strips. We wished, however, that it also came with a medium for testing air quality. 

What our tester says: “I love that there are no additional lab fees associated with the Seeml mold test kit. Collecting samples was easy, and after mailing them in, I received a detailed lab report by email in about a week.”—Katie Barton, Product Reviews tester and write

Get the Seeml Labs mold test kit at Amazon.

Our Ratings

The My Mold Detective mold test kit contains an air pump, four air cassettes, and tape strips for surface sampling. Unlike some kits that rely on self-identification, all samples are sent to a lab via an included envelope for comprehensive lab analysis. However, each lab test costs $39, including a required outdoor control sample when testing air quality. In addition, the user must pay shipping. 

When we first received our test kit, we noticed that the included instructions didn’t match up to the air cassettes in our kit. We called the company for clarification on obtaining samples, and with the correct directions, took an outdoor air sample and another indoor air mold test​ in our primary bedroom. The collection process was straightforward, and we were then ready to send our samples in for lab testing.

The company says that results will arrive within three business days after they receive the samples. It took about a week from the time we mailed in our samples to when we received our results, so that’s about right. We did receive an email from the company in this timeframe stating that we could get our results quicker if we paid an additional fee. We did not, but it’s good to know there’s an option to speed up results in a critical situation, even if it costs more. The lab results were detailed and, much like the other mold tests, confirmed that our outdoor air samples had much higher levels of mold than our bedroom. Air pump mold tests are some of the most accurate, and we liked the detailed report we received from My Mold Detective. However, the additional fees can get quite expensive if testing multiple rooms or surfaces. 

Get the My Mold Detective mold test kit at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart. 

Our Ratings

While mold testing kits are helpful when mold is suspected, preventing mold from growing and monitoring for it also provides some peace of mind. The Airthings 4200 digital mold detector kit comes with the Wave Radon, Wave Mini, and Airthings Hub, which all work in tandem to detect radon, temperature, humidity, pollen, TVOCs, and mold growth. 

Made with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, this option allows for remote monitoring and control from anywhere through the Airthings app and connects to smart home systems such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Setting up the monitors only took us about 15 minutes. Soon after, the app displayed mold growth risk levels, although some air quality measurements, such as TVOCS and radon, require at least 7 days and up to 2 months to fully calibrate. 

When in use, the simple wave of a hand over the Wave Mini will display a red, yellow, or green light, indicating that the air quality is low, medium, or high. This monitoring kit is also compact and lightweight, meaning that it won’t take up a lot of space or draw the eye to it. We used this mold detection device​ in our primary bedroom, and it showed a low, 1/10 risk for mold growth, right on par with our other air quality tests. 

Get the Airthings mold test kit at Amazon or Airthings.

Our Ratings

When you need results fast, but don’t like the idea of self-identifying mold types, the Entimp test kit may be exactly what you’re looking for. The included petri dishes and cotton-tipped swabs allow for testing of air quality, HVAC systems, and surfaces. Once samples are collected and mold growth is visible (often within 48 hours), users can take a picture of their petri dishes and email them to the company for expert identification and a free laboratory analysis. The kit also includes a mold guide for self-identification.

Get the Entimp mold test kits at Amazon.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Mold Test Kits

When gathering our top picks for mold test kits, we looked at a range of tests on the market to provide options for each type, including tape strips, swabs, petri dishes, and air pumps. We made sure that our list of recommendations has an option for every shopper and what they need, including kits with air quality and surface testing for rooms, HVAC systems, sinks, basements, attics, and even pets. 

We tested each mold self-test kit​ per the manufacturer’s instructions, focusing on two rooms in our house— a primary bedroom with a window air conditioning unit and a bathroom—so that we could compare test results for accuracy. Our hands-on testing found that the time for test results can vary greatly. Therefore, we have provided a wide range of picks that satisfy on-the-spot testing where results need to be instant, as well as comprehensive kits that are mailed to professional laboratories for extensive analysis. We kept all of our test results in a standardized rubric where we rated the kits based on their ease of use, accuracy, and value. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Mold Test Kit

If the smell of mold permeates an area of your house, checking for mold in the home​ is an important next step, either through a professional mold assessment or an at-home kit. Decide on a mold test kit by first understanding the various types of test kits, and then consider the accuracy of the test, the waiting period for results, and how easy or difficult the test kit is to use. These factors can help users decide on the best mold test kit to verify the presence of mold in a home.

Types of Mold Testing Methods

An in-home mold testing kit can test for mold in the air or on the surface of furniture, floors, or walls. At-home mold testing equipment​ for surfaces consists of swabs and tape strips, while air tests are conducted with an air pump or a petri dish.

• Swabs are a straightforward method of testing surfaces in the home for the presence of mold. These tests consist of one or more cotton swabs that need to be rolled over the surface to be tested. Swab tests provide results in just a few minutes. Other products require the user to send the test tube to a lab in order to test the sample.
• Tape strips are another type of common surface mold test kit. These tests are typically sent to a lab for analysis, so users will need to wait for results.
• Air pumps are made to sit on a table or countertop to test the air in the home. The pump collects air and mold particles. After testing, the kit must be sent to a lab for results.
• Petri dish tests provide a surface that’s treated with a microbial culture to help promote the growth of mold. When mold lands on a dish, it grows quickly, leaving the user with clear results. However, for the most accurate results about the severity of the air quality and the type of mold, it’s recommended to send the sample to a lab for testing.
• Air quality monitors don’t identify types or levels of mold, but can indicate a room’s mold risk level and monitor other air quality metrics such as humidity, VOCs, and radon. These small devices often connect to an app, providing users with real-time air quality metrics.

Accuracy

When conducting a test for the presence of mold, mildew, lead, radon, or any other potentially harmful contaminants in a home, the tests need to be accurate; otherwise, there really isn’t a point to using them. An inaccurate test is about as helpful as guessing. Swabs and tape strips are a good choice that can quickly gather a sample from the floor, walls, or any other surface in the home; however, these tests can be susceptible to contamination and false results if there are other substances on the tested surface.

Petri dishes keep the test isolated from the surface of the table or counter, but if they are left open for too long, airborne contaminants can affect the results. The most accurate test is an air pump because it pulls the air in without having to wait and it never comes in contact with potentially contaminated surfaces in the home. Sending each test to a lab will achieve more accurate results than users would be able to discern at home.

Waiting Period for Results

After testing for mold using a swab or a petri dish test, users may be able to get results in just a few days. The kit can give identification instructions for determining whether mold is growing in the home, but this isn’t the most accurate way to test for mold unless you or someone you know has professional lab experience and explicit knowledge about how to detect and identify mold and mold spores.

Air pump and tape strip mold test kits typically need to be sent to a lab, and even if the DIY user has personal knowledge and expertise, a professional lab likely has better equipment, so it’s best to send swab and petri dish samples away for the most accurate results. However, it can take between 3 days and 4 weeks to be contacted with the outcome of the test, depending on mail delivery options, location of the lab, and processing times.

Ease of Use

The purpose of an at-home mold test kit is to allow the average person to test their home for mold with a simple, intuitive kit that isn’t difficult to use. Typically, a mold test consists of taking a surface or an air sample, then either checking the results yourself or sending the sample to a professional lab for testing, which then mails the results back.

• Swab tests are performed by rolling the cotton swab over the surface of a table, wall, floor, or any other surface to be tested. The swab goes in a test tube, and it’s then sent to the lab or checked at home.
• Tape strips need to be applied to the surface that is to be tested, making them a good option for testing potential black mold in the bathroom or basement. After applying the tape to a moldy surface, the strip is removed and is applied to the test board. This sample is then sent to the lab, and there is a wait period before receiving the results.
• Air pumps require little effort. The pump pulls in air for a specified amount of time, based on the individual product. When the test is done, it is sent to the lab for the results. These options are typically used by those who are trying to fight respiratory issues.
• Petri dish tests need to be left out on a table or a counter. The dish collects spores and other particles from the air and then it is treated with a microbial culture to promote mold growth. After sealing the petri dish and allowing the contents to grow for at least 24 hours, the results are either checked at home or the sample is sent to a lab for a more accurate outcome to the test.

FAQs

Keep the home safe from lingering and spreading mold spores by testing and treating mold problems. For more information on mold test kits, such as how to test for mold in a house and whether these kits expire, read below to get answers to these questions and several additional commonly asked questions about the best mold test kits.

Q. How does a mold test kit work?

In general, mold test kits collect samples from either the air or a surface in the home. The sample is then checked by the user or sent to a lab for results that will be emailed within a period of 3 days to 4 weeks, depending on several different factors, such as the location of the lab and the mail transit timeline.

Q. Do mold test kits expire?

Most mold test kits don’t have an expiration date; however, it’s advised to use new test kits to reduce the chance of contaminated results because the chemicals in test strips, swabs, and petri dishes can degrade over time.

Q. If mold grew on the settling plate in my test kit, should I start treating my house for mold?

Settling plates, or petri dishes, are good for identifying the presence of mold, but not the type or severity of the issue. After using a petri dish mold test and finding mold on the dish, consider getting an on-site assessment from a professional mold removal company before treating mold.

Q. How do I know if my home is free of mold once repairs have been made?

After cleaning up mold growth and making infrastructure repairs to prevent recurring mold issues, use a home mold test kit to determine if it worked and that the home is now free of mold. If you still aren’t confident after using this method, you may want to have a professional mold inspection.

Q. Are at-home mold tests accurate?

Yes, at-home mold tests can be accurate. However, tests with a mail-in laboratory analysis will typically yield more accurate results compared to tests where the user must self-identify the types of mold. 

Q. What are the most common types of mold found in homes?

According to the CDC, the most common mold types found in homes include Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus.

Q. What are signs of mold sickness?

Signs of mold sickness may include eye irritation, sinus congestion, sneezing, and coughing. 

Q. How can I clean mold without spreading spores?

Remove mold by scrubbing it off hard surfaces with detergent and water. Soft, porous surfaces containing mold (like carpet) will likely need to be thrown away. Wear a mask, gloves, and goggles before attempting mold cleanup.

Meet the Testers

Katie Barton is a home improvement writer and product tester. In testing, she looked for mold kits that were easy to use, accurate, and provided a good value. 

As the executive editor of Commerce/Product Reviews, Stephanie Cronk has spent years researching and testing products. She also brings over 12 years of commerce experience to the BobVila.com team, where her focus is on reviewing and testing products in a variety of categories including DIY, home improvement, home appliances, outdoor living, and more.

Additional research provided by Timothy Dale.

 

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