Mold Detection

If you suspect you have a mold problem in your home, the first step is proper mold detection.

This page covers how mold is identified — both visually and through scientific testing — and what you should look for if you think mold is affecting your health, air quality, or building structure.

🧰 If you're concerned about health risks or hidden mold, it's always best to hire a professional mold removal company.

🔎 Types of Mold in Homes

There are over 365,000 known species of mold, but only a small percentage are commonly found in homes and buildings.

The most common indoor mold species include:

• Penicillium
• Aspergillus
• Cladosporium

Each species can look different depending on the surface and conditions. Some may appear green, white, black, orange, or even purple.

👉 Learn more about common mold types by color and species

🧱 Where Mold Grows: Materials

Mold only needs three things to grow:

• Moisture (or water)
• High humidity
• A food source (usually organic building materials)

Some materials — like drywall, wood, and carpet — are highly mold-prone. Others, like glass or metal, don’t support mold growth on their own.

👉 Get the full breakdown of which materials mold grows on — and which ones it doesn’t

🧪 How to Test for Mold

To know exactly what kind of mold you're dealing with, or whether invisible mold is present in the air, you'll need to conduct mold testing.

The most common testing methods include:

• Air testing for airborne spores
• Swab testing for surface-level mold
• Dust sampling for long-term exposure tracking

Each method serves a specific purpose depending on your situation.

👉 Learn how to choose the right type of mold testing for your home

✅ Next Steps

• 💡 Explore mold remediation options if you’ve confirmed mold is present
• 🧱 Identify what kind of surface it’s growing on
• 🔬 Understand which mold species are most common
• 🧪 Decide which mold test is right for your situation

Don’t guess. Detect.
A mold problem that goes unchecked can quickly spiral into a major health or structural hazard. If you’re unsure where to start, begin with a visual inspection and consider testing.

Not sure how your state compares? Learn more in our breakdown of the top 5 moldiest states to live in.

For expert support, you can always book a mold inspection with a licensed professional.