Should we clean moldy AC ourselves or call a professional?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our bedroom has been making a weird damp smell for the last couple of months, and my husband's night-time asthma has gotten so much worse, with a lot more wheezing. We're in an older building in Deira and I've spotted some black specks around the air vent. Should we try to clean the AC unit ourselves with a vinegar solution, or is this something where we absolutely need to call a professional cleaning service?
Posted by Tomasz Wisniewski
Asked on March 10, 2026 4:56 am
Based on the symptoms you've described – the damp smell and the significant worsening of your husband's asthma with increased wheezing – this is absolutely a situation that requires professional intervention, not a DIY approach.

The black specks around the vent are a major red flag. This indicates a mold colony is actively growing within the AC system, likely on the cooling coils or in the drip pan. When the unit operates, it aerosolizes these spores and mycotoxins directly into your bedroom air, which is the worst-case scenario for an asthmatic. A surface clean with vinegar will not address the deeply embedded contamination within the ductwork and internal components.

In Dubai's climate, the high humidity provides a constant source of moisture that mold needs to thrive, especially in older buildings in areas like Deira. Attempting to clean it yourself risks agitating the colony, causing a massive release of spores that could trigger a severe asthmatic attack and further contaminate your home.

UAE regulations and best practices for indoor air quality, particularly in cases involving health impacts, strongly recommend assessment and remediation by certified professionals. We use specialized equipment like borescopes to inspect deep within the ducts, HEPA vacuums to safely contain spores, and EPA-approved antimicrobials to fully eradicate the growth at its source.

For your husband's health and to ensure the problem is solved correctly, please do not attempt to clean this yourself. Call our certified team immediately for a comprehensive inspection and hygienization service. You can reach us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 12, 2026 1:29 am