AC mold causing asthma; DIY clean or call professional?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our bedroom has been leaking a little for a while, and now I've found some black spots along the wall behind the wardrobe. My son's asthma, which is usually fine, has been way worse at night for the past couple of weeks and I'm starting to connect the dots. Is this something I can tackle myself with bleach and a good scrub, or do I absolutely need to call a professional cleaning company to handle it?
Posted by Priya Mehta
Asked on March 17, 2026 4:15 am
Based on your description, this is a serious situation that absolutely requires professional intervention. You are right to connect the dots. The black spots behind the wardrobe are almost certainly active mold growth, and the AC unit's leak is the moisture source feeding it. The timing of your son's worsening nocturnal asthma is a major red flag; mold spores released into the bedroom air at night are a very common and potent trigger for asthma attacks.

In the UAE's climate, AC units are a prime breeding ground for mold due to constant condensation. Simply scrubbing the visible spots with bleach is a dangerous and ineffective DIY approach. Bleach does not kill mold on porous surfaces like drywall and can actually aggravate asthma by releasing harmful chlorine fumes. More critically, this addresses only the tip of the iceberg. The mold has likely penetrated the wall cavity, and the AC drip pan and internal ducts are almost certainly contaminated, continuously polluting your indoor air.

UAE regulations, particularly from Dubai Municipality, have strict guidelines for indoor air quality and mold remediation to protect occupant health. A proper remediation involves isolating the area, using HEPA filtration to capture airborne spores, safely removing contaminated materials, and applying specialized antimicrobials—not bleach. Most importantly, the moisture source (the leaking AC) MUST be repaired first, or the mold will return.

For your son's health and a permanent solution, you need a certified mold inspection and remediation company. They will conduct air and surface sampling to identify the spore types and concentration, which is crucial for an asthmatic's sensitivity.

Do not risk your family's health. Call our certified team immediately for an inspection at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can assess the extent of the problem and provide a safe, effective solution.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 19, 2026 4:05 am