Can I clean black mold myself or call a professional?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing and I suspect it might be the black spots I just found behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed it, probably from the humidity. It’s a patch about the size of a dinner plate. Is this something I can clean myself with bleach or do I need to call a professional company to get it tested?
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Based on your description, this is a serious situation that absolutely requires professional assessment. A dinner-plate-sized patch of black mold, coupled with new respiratory symptoms in children, is a significant health and property risk.
While small surface mold on non-porous materials like tile can sometimes be addressed with a bleach solution, your case is different. Mold behind furniture indicates a hidden moisture issue, likely from condensation or a small leak in the wall. Bleach only bleaches the surface color; it does not kill the root structure (hyphae) on porous surfaces like drywall or plaster. It can also exacerbate the problem by adding moisture. Disturbing it during DIY cleaning will release a massive amount of spores into your bedroom air, potentially worsening your kids' coughing. In the UAE, high humidity is a primary driver, but we must also rule out AC leakage or internal pipe condensation, which are very common here. Our professional protocol involves first identifying the exact species through air and surface sampling (some types, like Stachybotrys, are particularly toxic) and using thermal imaging to find the full extent of the moisture source. Remediation then involves containment, HEPA filtration, and specialized antimicrobials, not bleach. For the health of your family and to properly solve the problem, I strongly advise against DIY. Please call us for a professional inspection and testing. Our certified team can provide a clear assessment and solution. Call 800-MOLDS or 800-66537 to schedule an inspection or email hello@saniservice.com for immediate advice. |
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