How to permanently remove black mold from closet?« Back to Previous Page

My bedroom closet on the outside wall of our villa in Jumeirah has a stubborn black mold problem that comes back every winter. We had a company come and clean it last year, but after the recent humidity and rain, it’s reappeared on the shoes and bags stored inside. What’s the most effective way to treat it ourselves to prevent this cycle from happening again?
Posted by Anthony Taylor
Asked on March 10, 2026 10:12 pm
Good question, and a very common issue we see in older villas in Jumeirah, especially after our humid, rainy winters. The fact it's on an outside wall and recurring points to a persistent moisture source that the previous cleaning didn't address. Here's the technical breakdown.

First, understand that the mold on your belongings is just the symptom. The root cause is excess moisture wicking through that exterior wall, creating a perfect breeding ground inside the wall cavity. Simply wiping the visible mold is a temporary fix.

For a DIY attempt, you must address both the surface and the source. Remove all items from the closet. For hard surfaces (shelves, walls), scrub with a mixture of detergent and water, then disinfect with a solution specifically designed for mold remediation (available at hardware stores). NEVER mix chemicals, especially bleach with ammonia. However, this only treats the surface.

Crucially, you need to dry out the wall. Use a dehumidifier and a fan running continuously in that room for at least 48-72 hours. For the exterior wall, inspect the outside facade for cracks or failed sealant where water could be intruding; this is a primary entry point.

Honestly, given it's a recurring problem on a structural wall, this likely exceeds a DIY fix. The wall itself may be contaminated, requiring professional-grade drying equipment, antimicrobial coatings, and possibly minor demolition to properly dry and treat the cavity. Per UAE standards, improper remediation can spread spores and create a bigger issue.

My strong recommendation is to get a professional inspection to identify the exact moisture source. We use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to find the problem areas you can't see. This is the only way to break the cycle for good.

For a proper assessment, give us a call at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide a definitive quote to solve this permanently.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 13, 2026 5:29 am