The UNTOLDMOULD Test Kit uses spore traps, the most common method for professional mould air sampling. That’s why we refer to it as testing “like an expert!”
The AirTrap™ air sampling cassettes, also known as spore traps, function as filters, capturing spores and other microscopic particles drawn through them by the reusable Air Sampler.
The AirTrap™ cassettes are analysed by a microbiologist who uses direct microscopic analysis to count and classify the different spores present in each sample. Spores are identified using up to 245 different categories - mainly at the genus level or higher, covering all known spore-producing moulds and fungi (around 100,000 species). Our software then analyses the lab results to detect any unusual types or amounts of indoor mould. The findings, along with spore counts, are shown in your final report as: Green = not present, Orange = moderate presence, Red = significant presence.
You won’t need an expert to understand our report. It provides clear, easy-to-read results along with the raw lab data, which could be helpful if you need professional assistance. In that case, your inspector or home professional may not need to repeat the testing. Our reports are colour-coded Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red, with simple explanations for each. Green means your indoor air is similar to the outdoor sample, with no signs of mould growth. Orange indicates moderate evidence of indoor mould growth and suggests you should consider further investigation by a professional. Red is the highest alert, showing significant indoor mould growth. We strongly recommend consulting a mould assessment expert and taking immediate action. If you or anyone is experiencing symptoms you think are related to mould, we recommend seeking medical advice.
Pre- Testing Prep: Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible 2-3 days before testing. Turn off all air filters and purifiers during this time. If your space has been renovated recently, ensure any debris is cleared away. Day of Testing: Choose a day when it's not raining or snowing for the best results. Keep heating and/or AC systems on to allow air to circulate for accurate readings. Avoid mowing the grass, raking leaves, or disturbing the property. Pump Placement: Place the pump on a clean surface at least 30" off the ground (the same applies for the outside sample).
Generally speaking, one cassette is needed per room. So if you are testing two normal-sized rooms, use two cassettes; for three rooms, use three, and so on. For larger rooms, like a basement over 2000 square feet, you may need two or even three cassettes (left, middle, and right) for accurate results. For smaller rooms, such as a bathroom, use one cassette per room. For example, if you're testing three bedrooms, one bathroom, and one closet, we recommend using five cassettes. Refills can be purchased here.
Mould is a natural part of the environment, as mould spores are present in the air practically everywhere. These spores differ widely in type and quantity, from place to place. Even in a building with no mould issue, spores still enter from outside through doors, windows, cracks, or are carried in by people and pets. The green cassette captures an outdoor sample, giving the lab a baseline to compare against your indoor samples.
No, mould is present everywhere in nature, so each location has its own unique types and quantities. The outdoor sample, which is essential for determining the relative health of your indoor air, needs to be taken within close proximity of the indoor samples. Taking the outdoor sample at one property and testing a room at another, even if close by, won’t work. For that, you’ll need to buy a refill, which includes a new outdoor cassette and up to three indoor cassettes. The good news is the pumps are reusable, so you won’t need to buy another full kit. If you're testing a guest house or other building on the same property, we recommend using a fresh outdoor sample.
Once your sample arrives at the lab, you'll receive a notification via email. Your personalised AI report will be generated within three business days and delivered electronically via email.
Remember, every home and building has mould, but not every home and building has a mould problem. The key is identifying the source of moisture since mould issues stem from moisture. Next, assess the extent of repairs and clean-up needed. If these steps are beyond your ability, we encourage you to find an independent and qualified mould assessment professional in your area. They should conduct a thorough inspection (which may include further testing) and provide a detailed report with observations, recommendations, and, if needed, a remediation plan.
Sometimes, a lab report may be incomplete, and in rare cases, no report can be generated at all. This happens when one or more sampling cassettes are compromised, missing, or fail to register data. Here are some terms you might see in such cases: Overloaded – Cassette had too much background material (dirt, dust, debris, etc.). Defective – Cassette was faulty. Blank – Cassette was empty or unused. Missing – The lab did not receive the cassette.
You can, but it's not recommended. With doors and windows opening and closing regularly, the inside of your car has a far less consistent environment than the inside of your home. We recommend instead that you use your nose: If the inside of your car has a musty smell, you likely have mould and do not need the test. If you do decide to sample the inside of your car, we recommend: Keeping the doors and windows closed for 2-3 days prior to testing. Having your A/C on during testing, since mould growth can occur behind the vents. Performing the test where the car is normally parked.
The test Kit is not designed to be a replacement for a mould inspection performed by a qualified professional. Instead, it serves as an affordable first step—think of it like an at-home pregnancy test. You wouldn’t start buying baby furniture based on one result, right? The same logic applies here. Do not make major decisions, such as planning remediation, filing lawsuits, or relocating, based solely on this or any DIY mould test. If the kit detects high levels of mould and you plan to take action, we recommend hiring a qualified mould assessment professional. They can conduct a thorough inspection (which may include additional testing) and provide a detailed report with observations, recommendations, and, if necessary, a remediation plan. Our kit includes a reusable pump that collects airborne spores at the time of sampling. However, air conditions change constantly due to ventilation, movement, and other factors. This means the results should not be used to assess exposure risk or determine if a building is "safe." Additionally, since spore traps only capture airborne spores, they may not detect hidden mould, such as growth inside walls. If the air has been still for a while, spores may have settled, leading to misleading results. To ensure accuracy, carefully follow the Starter Guide. Incorrect use may affect the results. And most importantly, if you’re experiencing health issues you believe are related to your environment, seek medical advice.
Please refer to our guide for next steps here.
