Black mold behind wardrobe: DIY or call a pro?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing non-stop for the last few weeks and we can't figure out why. I finally pulled out the wardrobe in our master bedroom and found a huge patch of black mold on the wall behind it, probably from a slow leak. We live in a villa in Jumeirah and the humidity has been brutal lately. What is the most effective and safe way to handle this ourselves, or should we call a professional company right away?
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First off, I'm sorry to hear about your kids; that's a very stressful situation. Finding black mold, especially in that quantity, is a serious health and property concern, particularly with the high humidity we've been experiencing in Jumeirah.
For a large patch discovered behind furniture, I strongly advise against a DIY approach. Here’s why: what you see on the surface is often just the "fruit" of the mold; the root structure (hyphae) can penetrate deep into the drywall and even the concrete block behind it. Simply wiping it away with bleach (which we never recommend) or vinegar will not kill the roots and it will return quickly. The process requires professional-grade antimicrobial agents and techniques to fully eradicate. Furthermore, the remediation process itself is hazardous. Disturbing the mold will release a massive amount of spores and mycotoxins into your home's air, potentially exacerbating your family's respiratory issues. Proper containment with negative air pressure and HEPA filtration is critical to prevent cross-contamination to other areas of your villa. In the UAE, reputable remediation companies follow strict guidelines akin to the IICRC S520 standard. A proper protocol involves isolating the area, removing and disposing of contaminated porous materials (like that drywall), HEPA vacuuming, abrasive cleaning of non-porous surfaces, and applying a antimicrobial sealant. Given the health symptoms present and the scale of the problem, a professional inspection and remediation is the only safe and effective course of action. For a proper assessment and to discuss solutions, please call our certified team at 800-MOLDS or 800-66537. We can provide a detailed scope of work and get your home back to a safe environment. |
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