The Myth: Many people believe mold testing is always necessary, but if mold is visible, the priority should be removal and moisture control rather than testing.

The Truth: Mold testing can be helpful in certain situations, such as identifying hidden mold, confirming the presence of specific species, or verifying that remediation was successful. However, in most cases, visible mold growth doesn’t need testing— it needs to be removed. Regardless of the type, all mold should be treated as a problem because it indicates an underlying moisture issue that must be addressed.

Testing can sometimes lead to unnecessary delays and costs without changing the course of action. For example, knowing the exact mold species doesn’t usually affect remediation methods since the key steps—removing contaminated materials and fixing the moisture source—are the same for all mold types.

Situations where mold testing might be useful include cases of hidden mold, when occupants are experiencing unexplained health issues, or when a property sale or legal dispute requires documentation. Post-remediation testing can also help confirm that mold cleanup efforts were effective.

Ultimately, mold prevention and remediation should focus on moisture control first, as stopping the source of dampness is the only way to prevent mold from returning. Testing should be reserved for cases where it provides valuable insights beyond what is already visible.