Mold Testing

Testing one, two, three – have you found any mold? Check out this guide for learning how to test for mold that might be lurking in your home.
bc12_floor-plan-duct-DSC-3852_s4x3

bc12_floor-plan-duct-DSC-3852_s4x3

By: Caroline Shannon-Karasik
Related To:
Healthy Home and Home Safety Mold

Just like a pop quiz in high school chemistry class, navigating the waters of mold testing can be a tricky business.

Before you consider testing for mold within your home, keep in mind that it is not necessary to test for mold if you simply suspect that there may be a problem brewing. Because a small bit of mold is present in every home, it is unnecessary to test as a precautionary measure rather than to assess the scope of an actual problem.

10 Home Maintenance Tips for Spring

See All Photos

Examine Roof Shingles

Examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during winter. If your home has an older roof covering, you may want to start a budget for replacement. The summer sun can really damage roof shingles. Shingles that are cracked, buckled or loose or are missing granules need to be replaced. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys need to be checked and repaired by a qualified roofer.

Photo By: SLRadcliffe / Getty Images

Probe the Wood Trim

Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks. Make repairs now before the spring rains do more damage to the exposed wood.

Photo By: Haber_1965 / Getty Images

Check the Gutters

Check for loose or leaky gutters. Improper drainage can lead to water in the basement or crawl space. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and are clear and free of debris.

Photo By: adavino / Getty Images

Use Compacted Soil

Low areas in the yard or next to the foundation should be filled with compacted soil. Spring rains can cause yard flooding, which can lead to foundation flooding and damage. Also, when water pools in these low areas in summer, it creates a breeding ground for insects.

Photo By: Dorling Kindersley / Getty Images

Examine the Chimney

Examine the exterior of the chimney for signs of damage. Have the flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.

Photo By: Mario Henriques / EyeEm / Getty Images

Inspect the Concrete

Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs except pool decks should drain away from the home's foundation. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. When weather permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete.

Photo By: Image Source / Getty Images

Move Firewood

Remove firewood stored near the home. Firewood should be stored at least 18 inches off the ground at least 2 feet from the structure.

Photo By: Oxford / Getty Images

Check Outside Faucets

Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water on and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damaged and will need to be replaced. While you're at it, check the garden hose for dry rot.

Photo By: nattrass / Getty Images

Service the AC Unit

Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and service the outside unit of the air conditioning system. Clean coils operate more efficiently, and an annual service call will keep the system working at peak performance levels. Change interior filters on a regular basis.

Photo By: Jupiterimages / Getty Images

Check Power Equipment

Check your gas- and battery-powered lawn equipment to make sure it is ready for summer use. Clean equipment and sharp cutting blades will make yardwork easier.

Photo By: Mint Images / Tim Pannell / Getty Images

One of the best tried-and-true methods of testing for mold is by simply letting your nose do the sniffing. Most often, a mold problem will be readily identified by a musty smell that becomes obvious in damp environments.

Mold also likes to play a bit of hide and seek, so if you suspect there is a problem, then begin to check under carpets, behind drywall, inside ductwork, in between bathroom tiles and in other moisture-prone areas.

If you prefer a more formal form of testing, then consider a home testing kit to help keep your home healthy. You could also call in an expert, who will take a sample of the mold and determine the root of the problem.

More on Mold Inspection and Detection

More About Mold

Easy Does it: Cleaning and Design Tips

See All Videos

4 Bathroom Cleaning Tips 01:39

Shared Bath Storage Hacks 01:08

Bathroom Vanity Update 01:45

Easy Does it: Cleaning and Design Tips

Now Playing

4 Bathroom Cleaning Tips 01:39

Now Playing

Shared Bath Storage Hacks 01:08

Now Playing

Bathroom Vanity Update 01:45

Now Playing

5 Ways to Update a Bathroom 01:23

Now Playing

Fix a Running Toilet 01:02

Now Playing

Eco-Friendly Mop Pads 01:15

Now Playing

Make This Upcycled Bathroom Rug 01:00

Now Playing

Garage Makeover With Magnets 01:11

Now Playing

4 Genius Tension Rod Hacks 01:20

Now Playing

3 Clever Ways to Use Spray Lubricant 01:00

Now Playing

Hidden Storage Bins 01:11

Now Playing

DIY Dollar Store Jewelry Display 01:00

Now Playing

How to Style Your Bathroom Countertops Like a Pro 01:01

Now Playing

No-Sew Bleacher Seat 01:46

Now Playing

Budget-Friendly Party Decor 01:38

Now Playing

Cleaning with Cream of Tartar 01:30

Now Playing

Cleaning with Vinegar 01:40

Now Playing

DIY Iron Station 01:01

Now Playing

Clever Uses for Newspaper 01:20

Now Playing

Clever Uses for Tennis Balls 01:33

Now Playing

DIY Crafty Recyclable Vases 01:42

Now Playing

Easter Egg String Lights 01:08

Now Playing

DIY Easter Centerpieces 01:11

Now Playing

DIY Cat Condo 01:05

Now Playing

DIY Sweater Pet Bed 01:17

Now Playing

DIY Modern Dollhouse 01:44

Now Playing

Create Gorgeous DIY Concrete Ornament Decor 01:05

Now Playing

Upcycled Zipper Bracelet 01:00

Now Playing

Pretty Ways to Hide Ugly Tech 01:32

Now Playing

Aluminum Foil Cleaning Hacks 01:11

Now Playing

4 Amazing Tea Bag Hacks 01:11

Now Playing

Thrift Store Nightstands Hack 01:02

Now Playing

Create Vintage Valentine Art 01:04

Now Playing

Easy 2-Ingredient Wood Stain 01:08

Now Playing

Cake Decorating Hacks 01:40

Now Playing

Plastic Bottle Hacks 01:30

Now Playing

Pet Hair Removal Hacks 01:01

Now Playing

All-Natural Insect Repellents 01:42

Now Playing

DIY Soda Scrub 01:09

Now Playing

Refrigerator Storage Hacks 01:32

Now Playing

DIY Cleaning Slime 01:47

Now Playing

Easily Distress Furniture 01:02

Now Playing

PVC Bamboo Tiki Bar 01:28

Now Playing

Cardboard Play Camper 01:08

Now Playing

Cardboard Desk Organizer 01:31

Now Playing

Creative Ways to Use Vodka 01:08

Now Playing

DIY Outdoor Movie Theater 01:03

Now Playing

How to Clean Kitchen Tools 01:42

Now Playing

DIY Air Fresheners 01:30

Now Playing

Turn a Filing Cabinet Into Tool Storage 01:31

Now Playing

3 Ways to Care for Shoes 01:04

Now Playing

DIY Succulent Book Planter 01:46

Now Playing

How to Keep Toys Clutter-Free 01:14

Now Playing

Turn an Old Tent Into a Playscape 01:07

Now Playing

How to Keep Dolls Looking Good 01:32

Now Playing

DIY Toy Car Garage 01:15

Now Playing

DIY Curtains From Bed Sheets 01:12

Now Playing

Bubble-Wrap Family Art Project 01:14

Now Playing

5 Essential Oil Cleaners 01:49

Now Playing

Cleaning Major Dust Collectors 01:02

Now Playing

Turn a Shirt Into an Apron 01:11

Now Playing

DIY Personal Emergency Kits 01:18

Now Playing

DIY Indoor Kid Fort 01:01

Now Playing

How to Clean Major Appliances 01:04

Now Playing

Old Table Makeover 01:02

Now Playing

Pinecone Flower Wreath 00:48

Now Playing

Five Fantastic Painting Tips 01:12

Now Playing

Make a Boring Lamp Shine 01:01

Now Playing

DIY Table Runner 00:58

Now Playing

Patio Furniture Makeover 01:02

Now Playing

Make a Hula Hoop Tent 01:03

Now Playing

DIY Pet Pop Art 01:05

Now Playing

Hollywood Regency Dresser 01:02

Now Playing

Storing Winter Produce 01:17

Now Playing

Drawer Organization 01:12

Now Playing

Saving Vegetable Seeds 01:15

Now Playing

Basil 5 Ways 01:21

Now Playing

How to Organize the Fridge 01:10

Now Playing

DIY Succulent Sphere 01:24

Now Playing

Mint 3 Ways 01:11

Now Playing

3 Great Ways to Use Rosemary 01:00

Now Playing

3 Easy Yard-Art Projects 01:22

Now Playing

Contact Paper Design Ideas 01:04

Now Playing

3 Genius Hacks for Cat Lovers 01:00

Now Playing

3 Fast Fixes for Dog Owners 01:01

Now Playing

5 Extraordinary Pantry Hacks 01:13

Now Playing

Shoe Storage Solutions 01:00

Now Playing

Declutter Your Closet 01:09

Now Playing

Cast Iron Cleaning Tips 01:02

Now Playing

How to Preserve Produce 01:11

Now Playing

3 Ways to Repurpose Pool Noodles 01:07

Now Playing

5-Minute Coffee Table Styling 01:26

Now Playing

Shelf-Help in 5 Minutes 01:02

Now Playing

The Right White in 5 Minutes 01:17

Now Playing

Natural Cleaning in 5 Minutes 02:32

Now Playing

Perfect Pom-Poms in 5 Minutes 02:28

Now Playing

Bundt Pan Succulent Garden 01:02

Now Playing

Clean the Fridge in 5 Minutes 01:09

Now Playing

5 Minutes to Better Ice Cubes 01:26

Now Playing

3 No-Bake 5-Minute Appetizers 02:03

Now Playing

Five-Minute Flower Arranging 01:46

Now Playing

Five-Minute Bottle Bouquet 01:11

Now Playing

Create an Ombre Centerpiece 01:20

Previous
Next
1 - 3  of 103 videos

Related To:
Accessories Centerpieces Flowers Patterns Plants Crafts Garden Crafts
Keep Reading

Next Up

Mold Inspection and Detection

Mold detection can be a fairly simple process with the right investigative work. Here's how to locate it in your home and eliminate it for good.

Mold Inspection Costs

Mold inspection costs can vary depending on the scope of the infestation. Learn how to help slash your final bill with these tips.

What Is Mold?

Get to the ins and outs of mold and how you can safeguard your home from this dirty fungus.

Mold Exposure Symptoms

Learn about the symptoms related to mold exposure and how to prevent more harmful illnesses.

Toxic Mold Sickness and Poisoning

Toxic mold can lead to a host of illnesses that are the result of mold poisoning. Protect your health with this guide for identifying mold sickness.

Testing for Black Mold

Testing for black mold can identify problem areas for mold in your home.

How to Kill Mold

Killing mold is a dirty job, but the right tools can help you wipe it out for good. Check out these tips for using the best cleaners to solve your fungus problem.

How to Remove Black Mold

Learn how to remove black mold safely and effectively.

Dangers of Mold: Toxic or Not?

Keep toxic mold at bay with this guide for quick cleanup and prevention.

How to Prevent Mold

Learn strategies to prevent rot from ruining your health and your home.

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.