How to remove black mold under carpet and prevent it?« Back to Previous Page

Good afternoon from Saniservice. Dealing with post-flood mold growth, especially hidden under carpets, is a very common issue we're seeing across Dubai and Mirdif right now. That strong musty smell is a clear indicator of active microbial growth.

First, safety: Do not attempt to handle this yourself without proper PPE (N95 mask, gloves, goggles). Disturbing the mold will release spores into your air. For a patch on concrete, the protocol is stringent. You must remove and safely dispose of the affected carpet and underlay—they cannot be salvaged. The concrete needs to be mechanically scrubbed with an EPA-approved fungicidal disinfectant, not just bleach, which only removes the colour and not the root structure. In the UAE's high humidity, simply surface cleaning is insufficient; the mold will absolutely return.

The critical step is identifying and resolving the moisture source. Since the storm, it's likely that water wicked up through the concrete slab (a process called capillary action) and is trapped. This requires professional-grade drying equipment like dehumidifiers and air movers to force-dry the slab and bring its moisture content to an acceptable level, which we measure with a moisture meter. Without this, the mold will regrow.

Given the hidden nature of this problem and the potential for wider contamination in your AC system, we strongly recommend a professional inspection. Our certified technicians can conduct a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to ensure the problem is fully eradicated in line with Dubai Municipality's public health guidelines.

For immediate assistance, please call our experts at 800-MOLDS or 800-66537, or email hello@saniservice.com. Don't risk your family's health on a DIY fix that likely won't last.