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How to Test for Mold in the Home

When mold grows in your home it can pose a hazard to the health of your family. Mold allergies can develop quickly and they will have many of the same symptoms as pollen allergies or pet allergies. It is critical that you test your home for signs of mold growth often to protect the ones you care about.

Things You'll Need

  • Inspection from a certified mold inspector
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Instructions

  1. Test for Dangerous Mold in Your Home

    • 1

      Hire a professional, certified mold inspector to thoroughly inspect your home every few years. A mold inspector has the tools, equipment, training and resources to accurately locate and remove mold growing in homes.

    • 2

      Purchase a home, do-it-yourself mold test kit from a reputable online source or from a local home and building store near you.

    • 3

      Insist that a mold inspection be performed before you purchase a house.

    • 4

      Contact the Environmental Protection Agency for information on their "Introduction to Mold and Mold Remediation for Environmental and Public Health Professionals" mold course (see Resources Below).

    Identify Common Sources of Mold in the Home

    • 5

      Search your home for mold in these common places between your periodic professional mold inspections to keep your family healthy.

    • 6

      Look under the sinks in your home. Small water drips from bathroom and kitchen sinks in the darkness under cabinets is a prime contributor to mold growth.

    • 7

      Inspect your walls, baseboards and ceiling for signs of water damage and mold. Look for discoloration, bulging or sagging spots and peeling paint.

    • 8

      Check your shower curtain and replace it often. This is a place where mold grows in everyone's home and it is important to install a new shower curtain every few months. A good rule of thumb is to replace your shower curtain every time you replace your toothbrush.

    • 9

      Look inside your cabinets where mold is likely to grow. Food cabinets are a good place for mold to thrive because the food particles give it something to feed on putting dishes away wet will give it the moisture it needs to survive.

    • 10

      Clean your refrigerator often. The drain pan at the bottom catches food and moisture and is an ideal place for mold to grow.

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