Safest way to remove black mold near toddler?« Back to Previous Page
|
Our toddler has been having a runny nose and a weird cough for the past couple of weeks that just won’t clear up. I was cleaning behind the wardrobe in his bedroom in our Jumeirah villa and found a patch of black mould on the wall, probably from the last time it was really humid. What’s the safest and most effective way to clean this myself so it doesn’t affect his health?
|
|
As a certified mold inspector in the UAE, I strongly advise caution when dealing with black mold, especially in a child's bedroom. The humid climate in Dubai, particularly in coastal areas like Jumeirah, creates perfect conditions for mold growth due to condensation from year-round AC use and moisture trapped behind furniture.
For a small patch (less than one square foot), you can attempt a careful cleaning. First, ensure your toddler is not in the room. Wear an N95 mask, nitrile gloves, and eye protection. Move the wardrobe away to allow full access. Do not dry brush the mold, as this will release harmful spores into the air. Instead, prepare a solution of one part white vinegar to four parts water. Lightly mist the area to dampen the spores, then scrub with a stiff-bristled brush. Wipe the area clean with disposable cloths and place all waste in a sealed plastic bag. Allow the wall to dry completely, and then consider applying a mold-inhibiting primer before repainting. However, given that this was hidden and you are already experiencing potential health symptoms in your toddler, this indicates a possible longer-term exposure. Surface cleaning may not address the root moisture problem or hidden contamination within the wall. For the safety of your family, a professional inspection is highly recommended. We use thermal imaging and moisture meters to identify the exact source of humidity and assess the full extent of the contamination, which is often not visible to the naked eye. For a definitive assessment and safe, guaranteed remediation, please contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Our methods are compliant with Dubai Municipality's environmental health standards and are designed to ensure the problem is solved permanently, not just cleaned cosmetically. |
Please log in to post questions/answers: