How to permanently remove damp smell from bedroom closet?« Back to Previous Page

Our master bedroom closet in our Jumeirah villa has started to get a really strong, damp smell that seems to be getting worse. We noticed it a couple of weeks ago after that period of heavy dew in the mornings, and now our clothes are starting to pick up the odor. I’ve tried leaving the door open with the AC on, but it just keeps coming back. What's the best way to get rid of this permanently and protect the things inside the closet?
Posted by Steven Thompson
Asked on March 9, 2026 12:22 pm
Based on the symptoms you've described in your Jumeirah villa, you are likely dealing with microbial growth, a very common issue here in Dubai following periods of high humidity like the recent heavy dew. The musty odor is a metabolic byproduct of active mold or mildew, and simply airing it out won't address the root cause.

The primary suspect is condensation forming on or within the closet structure itself, possibly due to a thermal bridge where the cold AC supply wall is adjacent to the closet, creating a perfect breeding ground. The first step is to remove all contents to prevent further contamination of your clothing. We recommend a professional hygienization service for the affected items.

For a permanent solution, a detailed inspection is critical. We would need to use moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint the exact source of the moisture intrusion, which could be a small plumbing leak, condensation from an AC duct, or even capillary rise from the slab. Dubai's high ambient humidity means that even minor, hidden dampness can lead to significant microbial amplification.

Once the source is identified and rectified, the affected areas must be properly remediated – not just wiped down. This involves antimicrobial treatment and potentially removing and replacing any compromised building materials like drywall or insulation to prevent regrowth.

For a definitive diagnosis and permanent solution, I strongly recommend a professional assessment. Please call our team at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can schedule a thorough inspection to identify the moisture source and provide a protocol to eradicate the smell for good.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 10, 2026 2:55 pm