AC mold behind wardrobe: DIY fix or professional cost?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment has been leaking a bit onto the wall for a couple of months, and now we're seeing a big black mold patch spreading behind the bedroom wardrobe. We tried wiping it with bleach, but it just came back darker. Is this something I can handle myself with better cleaners, or should I call a professional company for a proper remediation, and what's the ballpark cost I should expect for a job like that?
Posted by Ajay Kumar
Asked on March 8, 2026 3:50 am
Based on your description, this is a classic and unfortunately very common issue here in Dubai's apartments. The continuous AC leakage has created a perfect environment for mold growth within your wall cavity, which is a much more serious problem than surface mold.

Wiping with bleach is a common mistake; it only bleaches the visible pigment and the water content actually feeds the root system deeper into the porous wall material, which is why it came back worse. This is not a DIY fix.

The leak MUST be repaired first by an HVAC technician to stop the moisture source. Then, the affected drywall/plaster behind the wardrobe is almost certainly compromised. It will need to be carefully removed and disposed of, the area behind treated with professional-grade antimicrobial solutions, and then rebuilt. Spores will have spread, so containment and air scrubbing are crucial to prevent cross-contamination.

For a job of this nature in JVT, you're looking at a professional remediation cost. Ballpark, for a contained area like that, expect somewhere in the range of AED 2,500 to AED 4,500. This includes inspection, moisture mapping, proper remediation, and a post-clearance test to ensure it's truly resolved.

This is a health hazard and needs proper handling. I strongly recommend you get a professional inspection to assess the full extent. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a detailed assessment and quote. Don't risk it spreading to your AC ducts or other rooms.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 9, 2026 11:23 am