Black mold testing can be done with a home test kit or by hiring a professional mold inspector to take samples.

Black Mold Test Kits

You can buy test kits that you can use at home. These come with a swab, solution, and test strips. You clean the black mold, keep it in the solution, and then place it on the strip. The color will tell you if it is toxic or not.

The main advantage of test kits is that you can use them in just minutes. With a mold inspector, they must take samples, send them to a lab, and then wait for the results before making a final evaluation. This could mean more days that you and your family have to live with potentially toxic mold. The kits are also much cheaper than paying for a full-scale inspection.

The downside is that they are not always accurate. For example, the sample taken may not be toxic, but mold in other parts of your home may be. Also, it is impossible to tell if mold spores are already in the air or not. Professional inspections are much more thorough.

Professional Black Mold Testing

If you call a professional inspector, they will come to your home and take samples. They will check for surface mold and the mold content of the air. They can give you a full assessment of toxicity and level of danger. A professional inspector can also help you take the necessary measures in terms of cleaning and prevention.

The disadvantage is that it costs more and is a more complicated procedure. You will have to wait for the test results and the whole process takes more time.

Both types of black mold tests can tell you if you have toxic mold growing in your home. Once you know, you can start cleaning it up.