Should I hire a pro for black mold from AC leak?« Back to Previous Page

Good question. This is a common issue we see in villas across Arabian Ranches, especially with our climate. That black mold you're seeing is almost certainly Stachybotrys chartarum, which is a toxigenic species. The fact it's from a persistent AC leak means there's a high probability of hidden growth inside the wall cavity and possibly the AC unit itself.

In the UAE, handling this yourself is strongly discouraged. DIY cleaning with bleach is ineffective on porous surfaces like drywall and can actually aerosolize the spores, worsening indoor air quality and your exposure. The health risks, particularly respiratory issues and allergic reactions, are significant and not worth the gamble.

For a proper remediation, a certified professional will: 1) Isolate the area to prevent cross-contamination, 2) Use HEPA filtration scrubbers to clean the air, 3) Safely remove and bag all contaminated materials (that drywall likely needs to come out), and 4) Most critically, identify and rectify the source—the AC leak—to prevent immediate recurrence.

Cost in Dubai for a job like this can vary, but for a contained closet area with some wall involvement, you're likely looking at a range of AED 2,500 to AED 5,000. This includes inspection, remediation, and a post-clearance test to confirm the space is safe.

Given the description, a professional inspection is absolutely warranted. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a detailed assessment. We can provide a precise quote and ensure it's handled to Dubai Municipality's standards for indoor environmental quality.