FAQ
Common questions.
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The kit
What does the kit include?
Each kit includes pre-poured culture plates ready for air sampling, gloves, and instructions. Access to the mobile app is included with every order.
How do I collect a sample?
These are air settling plates. Open a plate and leave it out in the room you want to test for 1 to 2 hours, then close it. That captures what is settling out of the air. The app explains it step-by-step.
Does the kit test for both mold and bacteria?
Yes. The culture media supports growth of both mold/fungi and bacteria. The app identifies both. Mold and fungal growth is most visually distinctive, which is why it features prominently in results.
How long does incubation take?
Check the plate at 3 to 4 days. Most growth shows by then. If nothing is growing, give it until day 6 or 7 before you scan. Warmer rooms (above 70°F) tend to show results faster.
Results
How accurate is the AI identification?
Our model is trained on real plate photographs and built on lab-grade culture media that produces consistent, identifiable colony morphology. We are transparent that AI identification is a strong indicator, not a certified lab diagnosis. If you need a confirmed species-level result for a legal or medical decision, use an accredited testing laboratory.
What does my result actually tell me?
The app tells you what type of organism is likely growing, a severity assessment (low / moderate / high), and a plain-language recommendation — whether that's "monitor and retest" or "consider remediation." You get a verdict, not a raw data dump.
What if nothing grows after 7 days?
A negative result — no visible growth — is a meaningful data point. The app will confirm this and explain what it likely means for your space. It does not guarantee the absence of all microorganisms, but it is a good sign.
How do I get my results?
Scan the plate with the Mold Buster mobile app. Results appear in the app within seconds of scanning. A PDF report is available to download and share.
Accuracy & science
What kind of culture media do you use?
Our plates are pre-poured with lab-grade culture media formulated to support a broad range of environmental molds, fungi, and bacteria. The media formulation draws on the same standards used in regulated pharmaceutical and biotech quality control environments.
Is this a medical test?
No. Mold Buster kits are for informational use only. They are not medical devices and results are not a substitute for professional inspection, remediation, or medical advice. If you have health concerns related to mold exposure, please consult a licensed physician.
How does this compare to a professional inspector?
A professional inspector brings expertise, equipment, and in some cases regulatory standing that a consumer kit cannot replicate. We are not a replacement for a professional inspection in situations where one is warranted — after a significant water event, during a real estate transaction, or when health symptoms are present. We are a first step: an accessible, fast, and informative starting point that helps you decide whether professional follow-up is needed.
Orders & shipping
When will kits ship?
Kits ship once the Mold Buster app launches, so you have something to read your plates with the day they arrive. We have not set a date yet. Leave your email and you will hear it first.
Can I order a kit yet?
Not yet. Ordering opens when the app launches, and nothing on this site takes payment today. Leaving your email costs nothing, does not reserve a kit, and does not charge you.
What is the email signup for, then?
Two things: we let you know when the app goes live, and the first 100 signups get a 10% discount code by email to enter at checkout. It is not a reservation and it does not hold a kit for you.
Where do you ship?
United States only at launch. We're prioritizing the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region for our earliest testers, with national shipping following shortly after.
Can I return a kit?
Yes, within 30 days of delivery, as long as it is unopened. Email hello@mold-buster.com with your order number and we will set it up. If a kit arrives damaged or turns out to be faulty, we cover it either way and there is nothing to send back. The full policy is on our Terms page.
Still have questions? We're happy to help.
Email hello@mold-buster.com