Can I remove black mold myself or call a professional?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment seems to be leaking a bit of water onto the carpet in the master bedroom. I finally pulled back the corner today and found a patch of black mold about the size of a dinner plate underneath. It's been humid lately and I'm worried it's spreading. Is this something I can tackle myself with bleach, or do I need to call a professional cleaning service?
Posted by William Clark
Asked on March 12, 2026 1:46 am
Based on the description you've provided, this is a situation that warrants a professional inspection and remediation. A patch of mold the size of a dinner plate, caused by an AC leak, indicates a significant moisture issue that has been ongoing. The humid climate of Dubai acts as a constant catalyst, allowing mold to thrive and potentially spread within the wall cavity, under the carpet, and into the AC system itself.

Attempting a DIY removal with bleach is strongly discouraged. Bleach is ineffective on porous materials like carpet and drywall, as it only bleaches the surface mold while leaving the root structure intact. It can also release harmful chlorine fumes, especially in enclosed spaces, and the high water content in bleach can actually add moisture, fueling further mold growth. This approach fails to address the primary cause: the AC leak.

In the UAE, proper mold remediation is a controlled process. It involves isolating the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to prevent cross-contamination, safely removing and disposing of affected porous materials (carpet, padding), HEPA vacuuming, and using EPA-approved antimicrobial agents to eliminate the mold at its source. Crucially, the AC unit and ductwork must be inspected and cleaned by a certified HVAC hygienist to prevent spores from recirculating throughout your apartment.

Given the potential health risks and the technical requirements for proper containment and disposal, I recommend you call a professional. For a certified assessment and remediation quote, please call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Our experts can identify the exact extent of the problem and ensure it is resolved safely and permanently.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 13, 2026 5:10 pm