After all that effort, you’re probably wondering: How do I know if it worked?

While there’s no single test to guarantee “clean enough,” there are three main ways to evaluate your results:

✅ Visual Inspection

• Surfaces should be free of visible dust and debris
• Walls and trim should feel clean to the touch—no grime or film
• Air should smell neutral—not musty or dusty

A light layer of new dust may accumulate over time—that’s normal. But if you still see dust collecting quickly or feel a return of symptoms, it may be time to reassess.

✅ How You Feel

Pay close attention to health symptoms after cleaning. Improvement can take time, but many sensitive individuals report:

• Fewer headaches or fatigue
• Better breathing
• Improved sleep
• Reduced reactivity

If you feel better in a clean room than in others, that may be your best indicator.

✅ Optional Dust Testing

For those who want objective confirmation, you can consider:

• qPCR (ERMI or HERTSMI-2) dust testing
• EMMA testing (for mycotoxins and mold DNA)

Collect samples after cleaning, from settled dust on untouched surfaces (or painter’s plastic left out for 3–5 weeks). Your IEP can help interpret the results.