How to treat and prevent mold in my kid's room?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing at night and I’m worried it’s because of a mold problem in their bedroom. We’ve lived in our villa in Mirdif for two years, and I just noticed a few small black spots behind their wardrobe on the wall. With all the humidity lately, I'm panicking it will get worse. What’s the most effective way to treat this and stop it from coming back, especially in a kid’s room?
Posted by Margaret Walker
Asked on March 27, 2026 9:33 pm
Good question, and your concern is very common here in Dubai, especially after the recent humidity spike. Those small black spots behind the wardrobe are a classic warning sign of a localized mold issue, likely caused by a lack of air circulation and condensation buildup against that exterior wall.

First, for immediate treatment in your child's room, safety is paramount. For a small area like you describe, you can carefully clean it yourself. Wear an N95 mask and gloves. Move the wardrobe and use a mild detergent solution (like diluted vinegar or a specialized mold cleaner from Ace Hardware) to scrub the spots. Do NOT use bleach, as it doesn't kill the roots and can release harmful fumes into the room. After cleaning, ensure the area is thoroughly dried with a fan. Dispose of any rags used immediately.

To stop it from coming back, you must control the humidity. This is non-negotiable in the UAE. Run a dehumidifier or your AC continuously to keep indoor humidity below 60%. Improve air circulation behind furniture; leave a few inches of space between the wardrobe and the wall. Consider applying a mold-resistant primer and paint to that wall after it's clean and bone-dry.

However, with kids coughing, this could be more serious. Visible spots are often just the "fruit" of the mold; the main root structure (mycelium) can be hidden inside the wall if there's a minor leak or persistent condensation. This requires professional inspection with moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to assess the wall's internal condition, as per Dubai Municipality's health and safety guidelines for indoor air quality.

For complete peace of mind and to ensure your kids' health, I strongly recommend a professional assessment. We can identify the exact mold species and any hidden moisture sources. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a thorough inspection and a safe, guaranteed remediation plan.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 29, 2026 2:31 pm