How to ensure a flooded apartment is safe for kids?« Back to Previous Page

Our ground floor apartment in Jumeirah flooded pretty badly during the storm, and even though the water is gone, there's still a persistent damp smell in the kids' bedroom carpet. My youngest has developed a bit of a wheeze this past week, and I'm starting to get really worried. What's the best way to make sure the space is actually safe for them and not just superficially clean?
Posted by Charles Thompson
Asked on March 12, 2026 7:04 am
The persistent damp smell and your child's wheezing are major red flags that require immediate professional attention. In the UAE's climate, residual moisture from flooding creates a perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria within 24-48 hours, especially in porous materials like carpet underlay and drywall.

A superficial clean is insufficient. The carpet and its underlay in that bedroom are almost certainly compromised and must be removed entirely. Even if the surface looks dry, the pad underneath is likely saturated with contaminated water, fostering microbial growth that releases spores and mycotoxins into the air your children are breathing. This is a serious indoor air quality issue directly linked to respiratory irritation.

You need a certified indoor environmental professional to conduct a thorough assessment. This isn't just a visual check; it involves moisture mapping with thermal imaging and hygrometers to find hidden dampness in walls and subfloors, and likely air and surface sampling to identify the specific types of mold present. This data is crucial for planning an effective remediation strategy that goes beyond surface level.

Do not attempt to handle significant post-flood contamination yourself. Proper remediation requires industrial-grade HEPA air scrubbers, antimicrobial agents, and controlled containment to prevent cross-contamination to other areas of your home.

For the health of your family, please call us for a comprehensive inspection. We are certified and follow strict UAE standards for post-disaster remediation.

Call 800-MOLDS or 800-66537 or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment immediately.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 13, 2026 10:34 am