How to Test for Mould at Home

When health issues become more pronounced, and peculiar odours refuse to be masked by air fresheners, it's time to turn your attention to the possibility of mould growth in your home. Mould spores, often invisible to the naked eye, can trigger respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues. The musty smell that seems to linger no matter how much you clean could be a subtle warning sign that mould is making itself at home.

Plus, if your house has recently faced flooding or experienced leaks from torrential rain, these events can create the perfect breeding ground for mould. Excess moisture, even if seemingly dried up, can linger in hidden corners and crevices, setting the stage for mould to thrive.

In this blog, we'll equip you with simple yet effective tips to identify and address mould issues before they escalate.

Simple steps to check for mould

1. Visual inspection

Begin with a visual inspection, especially in areas prone to retaining moisture and humidity. Check corners, basements, bathrooms, and around windows for any visible signs of mould, such as discoloured patches on walls, ceilings, or floors.

2. Quick test using diluted bleach

Sometimes, distinguishing between mould and dirt can be tricky. A quick test using diluted bleach can help clarify the situation. Mix 1 part bleach with 16 parts water and swab the suspicious area using a clean Q-tip. If the spot quickly lightens or consistently returns after cleaning, it's likely mould. For confirmation, consider using a mould test kit, which we'll delve into in the next section.

3. Check for leaking plumbing

Plumbing issues can be a hidden catalyst for mould growth. Inspect your plumbing system for any leaks, drips, or water stains. Let the water run as you inspect the pipes and the surrounding area for damp spots. Be aware that water may travel from a source distant from the visible mould patch, so carefully examine the entire plumbing system.

4. Inspect your air ducts

Your home's HVAC system can be a conduit for mould to circulate throughout your living spaces. If you notice mould forming on the ceiling under a duct or register and there's no visible indication of a roof leak, poorly insulated ductwork may be the culprit.

5. Check for leaks outside the house

External factors, such as leaks from heavy rain or flooding, can contribute to mould growth inside your home. Inspect the exterior of your house for any water entry points, damaged siding, or compromised seals.

Mould testing using a mould test kit

In addition to checking the visible signs of mould around your home, a mould test kit can give you a clearer idea of whether mould, bacteria or yeast may be present on surfaces, in air pathways or other areas of concern.

A mould test kit works by allowing you to collect a sample from the area you want to check. The sample is then incubated so any microbial growth can develop and be compared against the included reference chart. This can help you better understand whether there may be contamination present and whether further cleaning, treatment or professional mould remediation may be needed.

One option available in Australia is the Airogenix Mould & Bacteria / Yeast DIY Test Kit. This easy-to-use dipslide kit is designed for both household and professional use and can help detect mould, yeast and bacteria without needing complex lab equipment.

Using the Airogenix Mould & Bacteria / Yeast DIY Test Kit

The Airogenix test kit features a dual-sided paddle with specialised agar on each side. One side is used for total bacterial count, while the other is used for yeasts and moulds. Once a sample is collected and incubated, visible colonies may grow on the slide, making it easier to interpret the results using the included reference chart.

It can be used to collect samples by dipping, swabbing, holding near an air vent, or pressing the slide onto the test area. This makes it a practical choice for checking areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, air-conditioning vents, damp rooms, workplaces or other spaces where mould may be suspected.

How to use the test kit:

1. Collect a sample by dipping, swabbing, holding the slide near an air vent, or pressing the dipslide onto the test area.
2. Place the dipslide back into its protective casing after sampling to help prevent contamination.
3. Label the casing with the sample location, such as “bathroom wall”, “air-conditioning vent” or “laundry”, so you can track where the sample was collected.
4. Incubate the dipslide at 30°C for 1–5 days, following the chart and instructions included with the kit.
5. Check the test kit daily for visible colony growth. Bacteria may appear as red or brown spots, while yeasts and moulds may appear as brown or visible growth on the agar.
6. Interpret the results using the included reference chart. This helps you understand the level of contamination and whether further cleaning, mould treatment or professional advice may be needed.

Mould identified? It’s time to get cleaning

Now that you've identified the presence of mould in your home, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get started with mould cleaning. It's worth noting that traditional mould cleaners, often laden with harsh chemicals or bleach, may not be as effective as we'd like them to be. Why? Well, mould is a crafty adversary—it excretes exoenzymes that neutralise the chemicals around it, essentially growing through and absorbing them.

This is where you should consider using plant-based or bio-enzyme solutions. By harnessing the power of nature, these solutions break down mould at its core, providing a safer and more sustainable approach to mould cleaning. This is where the SAN-AIR™ Mould Removal product range comes in. With its formulation made from 100% natural actives, it offers a comprehensive solution not only to remove existing mould but also for mould prevention.

Get the mould removal essentials at Aussie Pharma Direct

SAN-AIR Mould Removal & Prevention Solutions

The SAN-AIR™ mould removal range is designed to help clean, treat and prevent mould growth around the home, workplace or facility. From surface mould removers to long-term prevention solutions, the range offers practical products for bathrooms, walls, ceilings, air-conditioning systems and other moisture-prone areas.

Easy to use and trusted by Australian households and businesses, SAN-AIR™ helps support a cleaner, healthier indoor environment by targeting mould at the source and helping reduce the chance of it coming back.

Shop the range