MyMoldDetective Review: A Mold Expert’s Honest Take
Expert insight by: Brad Fishbein, Licensed Mold Assessor
Updated August 7, 2018
There’s been a ton of buzz in the mold industry about a product that has homeowners curious and even some professionals raising eyebrows: My Mold Detective.
As a Licensed Mold Assessor, I’m here to tell both homeowners and industry pros—don’t panic.
Mold problems will always require professionals to fix them properly, but this product can be a game-changer for homeowners who want an affordable way to identify potential indoor air quality concerns without breaking the bank.
So let's dive deep.
In this MyMoldDetective Review, you'll get a clear, honest breakdown:
- ✅ What it is
- ✅ How it works
- ✅ My Mold Detective vs. other DIY kits
- ✅ Who should buy it—and who shouldn’t
- ✅ Where to get the best deal
- ✅ Federal guidance on indoor mold levels
- ✅ And my expert take as someone who deals with mold daily
🧪 What Is My Mold Detective?
My Mold Detective is a professional-grade air sampling kit that’s made for everyday consumers.
It includes:
- An electric air sampling pump (no batteries required)
- 2 air sampling cassettes
- 1 tape lift for surface mold detection
- Prepaid return shipping envelope for lab analysis
The same technology used by professionals is now in your hands.
When you send the samples to the lab, they'll test for:
| 📋 Test Result | 🧬 Explanation |
|---|---|
| Spore Count | How much mold is in your sample |
| Mold Species | Identifies dangerous spores like Stachybotrys (black mold) |
The results are color-coded, easy to read, and sent to your email.
“There are no federal threshold limits for mold or mold spores, but any significant indoor amplification should be addressed promptly.”
— U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
🔬 What Does It Do?
In Simple Terms…
The pump draws 75 liters of air through a cassette. Any airborne mold spores get stuck on a sticky slide. That sample gets analyzed by a lab to see:
- If there’s mold
- How much is present
- What type of mold it is
You also get a tape lift to test visible mold on surfaces like drywall or furniture.
✅ Accurate
✅ Professional-grade
✅ Easy to use
How the Air Pump Works
- Close all doors and windows for a few hours.
- Attach a cassette to the pump.
- Turn it on and collect your air sample.
- Seal and ship the cassette.
How the Tape Lift Works
- Peel off the protective layer.
- Press the sticky side on a visible suspect area.
- Seal it and send it with your air samples.
💡 Lab fees apply when you send in your samples for analysis.
🧪 My Mold Detective vs. Other DIY Kits
Let’s be blunt:
Most over-the-counter DIY mold kits (like Petri dishes from Home Depot) are junk science.
Why Petri Dish Kits Are Misleading:
| ❌ Petri Dish Kits | ✅ My Mold Detective |
|---|---|
| Collect random spores over time | Pulls a controlled air sample |
| Scares people with mold growth visuals | Provides quantified, lab-tested results |
| No mold species identification | Identifies specific mold types like Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Stachybotrys |
| No context or comparison | Includes outdoor baseline sampling for real context |
Just because you see mold in a dish doesn’t mean your home has a real mold problem.
🧠 Why You Should Buy My Mold Detective
Here’s the deal:
| 💰 Mold Inspection Cost | 💡 My Mold Detective |
|---|---|
| $300–$800+ | ~$50–$150 |
| Must schedule a visit | Do it anytime |
| May require insurance | Out-of-pocket, affordable |
“If you or your family members are experiencing health symptoms related to mold exposure, it's critical to identify the source early.”
— Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Ideal For:
- People with allergies or asthma
- Renters worried about indoor air quality
- Parents concerned about children’s health
- Homebuyers needing a quick test before closing
- Anyone who wants peace of mind
Your lab report will show if allergenic molds are present—great for pinpointing triggers for asthma or chronic sinus issues.
🚫 Why You Shouldn’t Buy It
If you already see visible mold, skip the test and call a professional.
If your home looks like this, testing is a waste of money.
Instead:
- Get a mold inspection
- File a claim if insurance covers water damage
- Get professional remediation
“Visible mold should be cleaned up immediately, and moisture problems should be fixed to prevent mold growth.”
— U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
🛒 Where to Buy My Mold Detective
As of now, My Mold Detective is not sold in stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s.
You can get it online through:
Shipping is fast, and you can have peace of mind in just a few days.
📊 Quick Recap: Is It Worth It?
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Accurate, professional-grade results | Lab fees are separate |
| Easy to use | Not helpful for visible mold |
| Much cheaper than hiring an inspector | Limited to testing, not solving |
| Great for allergies & routine IAQ checks | Not suitable for post-flood or heavy growth situations |
🧑🔬 Final Verdict From a Licensed Mold Assessor
My Mold Detective is one of the very few DIY mold test kits that I can actually recommend.
It’s accurate, easy to use, and based on real industry technology.
If you're concerned about mold exposure or indoor air quality and want reliable data—this is the tool for you.
If you have a known mold problem? Skip it and call a licensed professional.
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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is an ACAC council-certified Microbial Investigator. In the fall of 2012, he became a Licensed Mold Assessor in the State of Florida through the Department of Business & Professional Regulation. Brad has helped homeowners with over 5,000 successfully completed Mold Inspections since 2009.
