Urgent to check musty closet smell for mold?« Back to Previous Page

My walk-in closet in our Marina apartment has started to smell really musty ever since the humidity spiked a couple of weeks ago. I’ve checked all the usual spots and even cleared everything out, but the damp, earthy smell is still there, and it’s starting to cling to my clothes. How urgently do I need to get this professionally checked out to prevent a bigger mold problem?
Posted by Sandra Davis
Asked on March 21, 2026 3:08 am
Based on the conditions you've described, I would classify this as an urgent matter that requires a professional inspection. The recent spike in humidity is a massive red flag here in Dubai, and a persistent musty odor is almost always a confirmed indicator of microbial growth, even if it's not immediately visible.

That damp, earthy smell is caused by Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (MVOCs), which are gasses released by actively metabolizing mold colonies. The fact that the smell is clinging to your clothes suggests a significant concentration in the air and that spores are likely settling on your fabrics. In the Marina, with its high salt content and proximity to the water, we often find that mold proliferates behind baseboards, under flooring, inside wall cavities, or in the HVAC system serving that room, which can explain why a visual check came up clear.

The UAE's high ambient humidity, especially during summer and in coastal areas like Marina, creates a perfect environment for mold to establish itself rapidly. Leaving it unchecked can lead to structural damage to the building and potential health issues. A professional assessment uses tools like moisture meters, thermal imaging, and borescopes to pinpoint the exact source of the moisture intrusion and the extent of the contamination, which is critical for an effective remediation plan.

I strongly recommend you get this looked at immediately to prevent a much larger and more costly problem. Our team can conduct a thorough investigation to find the source.

Please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 23, 2026 2:41 pm