How to Prepare Your Home For a Mold Inspection

When you’re having your home tested for mold, accuracy is critical. Mold carries the risk of causing health problems, as well as causing structural concerns for your property. It’s important to properly prepare your home to ensure an accurate test result. Here’s how to get your home ready for a mold inspection.

Isolate the Area You’re Testing

Seal off the room being tested for mold. Isolate the area and cover the doors with plastic. Don’t enter the area until after your inspection.

Provide Easy Access

While you don’t need to clean your house top-to-bottom before a mold inspection, you should make sure the moldy area is easy to access. Move any furniture that blocks access to the moldy areas, and remove clutter. Take care not to disturb the mold while moving your furniture and belongings.

Seal Off Ventilation

Air movement can release many more mold spores into the air, which can affect your test results. Seal all the air vents in the area to be tested. Cover supply vents and return vents with plastic or seal them with painters’ tape. Close all exterior windows and doors in the area, too.

Do Not Clean the Area

Avoid cleaning the moldy area until after your inspection. The test reading can be affected by the chemicals in cleaning products. Outside elements—even a minor item like a dusty cloth—can impact your mold inspection results.

Turn Off Air Purifiers

Air purifiers, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers can all affect the air quality in the area being tested. They can also spread mold spores throughout your home. Make sure to power off any air purifiers or other indoor quality aids.

If you’re concerned about mold, it’s best to have your house tested. A home inspection professional can help you determine the extent of the problem and whether it poses any danger to your home. Contact us to schedule an inspection.