The Mold Academy

Your Resource for a Healthier, Mold-Free Home

Explore expert insights, practical tips, and essential guides to help you understand mold, its effects, and how to protect your home. From costs to crawl spaces, The Mold Academy is your go-to source for unbiased, actionable information.

Illustration of a Utah home being inspected for the types of mold that grow in the region's basements and crawl spaces

Types of Mold Found in Utah Homes (and Where They Hide)

Utah's dry climate doesn't stop mold — it just hides it. A grounded guide to the mold species common in Utah homes, where each one shows up (basements, crawl spaces, swamp coolers), and how to find out which one you have.

Bright home living room with plants and open window where a homeowner might test the air for mold

How to Test for Mold in Your Home (2026 Guide)

A DIY-first guide to testing your home for mold: the 4 test types compared, how to use a kit correctly, how to test the air, black mold facts, and where DIY hits its limits.

Bright home interior with an open window where a homeowner might use a DIY mold test kit to sample the air

The Best Mold Test Kits in 2026 (and When They're a Waste of Money)

An unbiased comparison of DIY mold test kits — settle plates, air pumps, swabs, and mail-in lab kits — including the ones not worth buying, from a company that sells no kits and no remediation.

Comprehensive Guide to Water Damage and Mold Inspection

Where water damage comes from, how it leads to mold, and how to inspect for both — plus when to bring in a professional and how to prevent the next leak.

Crawl Space Mold Inspection: Essential Tips and Benefits

How to inspect a crawl space for mold: the tools you need, a step-by-step walkthrough, when to call a professional, and why regular checks pay off.

Black mold growing on a damp interior wall

Does Black Mold Smell? Understanding Its Distinct Odor

Black mold has a telltale musty, earthy odor. Learn what causes it, the health risks it signals, and how to detect and prevent black mold in your home.

Calculator and paperwork for estimating mold testing costs

How Much Does Mold Testing Cost? (2026 Prices by Test Type and City)

Mold testing costs $250–$500; a full inspection runs $300–$1,045. See 2026 prices broken down by test type, home size, and city — plus how to tell if a quote is fair.

Homeowner researching mold testing companies

Top Mold Testing Companies: How to Choose the Best Service for Your Needs

What separates a great mold testing company from a mediocre one: reputation, range of services, pricing, testing methods, and the questions to ask before hiring.