There are lots of over-the-counter products that are handy, but they usually do not have the same results as commercial-grade practices. DIY Mold Test kits fall into this category. What good is a kit that diagnoses the presence of household mold if there is no way to rid your home of it? With the high cost and the waiting period, going with a DIY product can be hazardous to your health.
Additionally, do you really need to know what type of mold it is? It is harmful either way, so why waste your money on products that don’t lead to a resolution. Consumer testing also found the readings are inaccurate, which is why remediation companies, doctors, or insurers don’t accept them. Let’s look at DIY mold test inaccuracies and how the results affect a homeowner.
What Is a DIY Mold Test Kit?
As a homeowner, your first thought might be to Google ‘DIY mold remediation’ that might lead you to try a testing kit. You might be surprised to learn that DIY Mold Test kits cost as high as $395 and only identify the presence of mold, yeast, or fungus. You have the option of choosing between air samples, petri-dish kits, or tape models that are available at a local department store or an online retail site. After a few weeks, you will receive a lab report with the testing details.
While consumers believe this is an ideal solution to get a start, Consumer Reports does not recommend it. The problem with this claim is that kits often come damaged. The makers also claim that manufacturers can detect toxic mold, but the lab report does not include such classifications which leave homeowners to seek the services of mold remediation companies that have the commercial equipment and knowledge to remediate mold quickly and professionally.
Consumer Report Accuracy Findings
Of the top DIY mold testing kits, Consumer Affairs found that most have evident problems that could affect the results for property owners. The problem with DIY mold tests include:
- Lab Inaccuracies: Consumers have complained of receiving inaccurate reports that detailed high spore counts that led to mold remediation costs. There were also false readings that exposed families to undetected mold.
- Air Quality Control Measures: Mold remediation experts have the proper equipment and practices in place to detect spore counts because of on-site air quality control measures that are impossible with DIY mold testing kits.
- On-Site Inspections: Inspections are vital to proper mold remediation because spore counts and mold characteristics differ as toa plan for cleaning and restoring the property, so it is impossible to see how advanced the mold is if there is no control reference point and spore comparison in another room.
- Lack Of Certification: One of the most problematic issues is that you are gathering the mold yourself and sending it to a lab that is not accredited or certified in mold remediation. From collection procedures to testing guidelines, there are several areas where unintended contamination can occur.
Proper mold remediation must begin with trained professionals who have the right tools to detect and rid your home of hazardous mold growth. Our experienced staff is available at 1-800-847-0114 or on Facebook to identify and provide the proper mold remediation services.