# Any way for average person to test for molds?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-way-for-average-person-to-test-for-molds/421110>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [October 1, 2007, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-way-for-average-person-to-test-for-molds/421110 "2007-10-01T03:19:51Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![noblebaron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e274bd/32.png) [@noblebaron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/noblebaron)\
**Post date:** [October 1, 2007, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-way-for-average-person-to-test-for-molds/421110/1 "2007-10-01T03:19:51Z")

</div>

My fiancee and our daughter are considering renting an old cottage. We’re concerned about possible mold spores, mildew, etc. and their effect on long-term health. Is there a way that one can test this inexpensively to find out whether it’s safe to live there or not?

There is no physical evidence as far as we can tell, but there is a detectable, somewhat musty smell. Anyone have experience in this area?

Other than this concern, the cottage is absolutely great.

Thanks!

-NB

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Harriet\_the\_Spry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e56c9b/32.png) [@Harriet\_the\_Spry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harriet_the_Spry)\
**Post date:** [October 1, 2007, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-way-for-average-person-to-test-for-molds/421110/2 "2007-10-01T13:47:48Z")

</div>

These folks sell a mold test kit you can use and mail in for analysis.

> **[Mold and Mildew Cleaners | Mold Prevention Products](https://www.natlallergy.com/home-allergy-products/mold-mildew)**
>
> Keep your house mold and mildew free with our selection of mold and mildew remover bathroom products and shower mould removers. We carry mould remover for walls, house mould removal products, shower mold cleaners, and shower mould removers as well....

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Napier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce73a5/32.png) [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\
**Post date:** [October 1, 2007, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-way-for-average-person-to-test-for-molds/421110/3 "2007-10-01T22:03:51Z")

</div>

I bought a mold test kit at Home Depot, though I never got around to using it. I think you had to send part of it away but am not sure.