Should I remove black mold under shower sealant myself?« Back to Previous Page

My bathroom in our apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has had this musty smell for weeks, but I just pulled back the silicone sealant around the shower and found a bunch of black mold underneath. We keep the AC on most of the time, but the bathroom window doesn't get a lot of sun. Is this something I need to get fixed immediately by a professional, or can I handle it myself with a cleaner from Ace Hardware this weekend?
Posted by Jessica Torres
Asked on April 3, 2026 9:31 am
Based on my professional experience with mold inspection and remediation in Dubai, I strongly advise against attempting to remove significant black mold growth under shower sealant yourself. The presence of a persistent musty smell and visible black colonies, especially in a high-humidity environment like JVC, indicates an established moisture problem that a surface cleaner from Ace Hardware will not resolve.

The Dubai climate, with its intense humidity and year-round reliance on AC, creates significant condensation issues, particularly in bathrooms with poor ventilation and little sunlight. The mold you see is merely the fruiting body; the root system (hyphae) has likely penetrated the substrate beneath the silicone. Simply wiping the surface leaves this structure intact, guaranteeing rapid regrowth. Furthermore, improper DIY removal can aerosolize harmful spores, contaminating other areas of your apartment and posing potential health risks.

For a case like this, a professional inspection is critical. We use moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to assess the full extent of water damage behind the tiles and in the wall cavity, which is a common issue here. Remediation involves the careful removal of contaminated sealant and affected materials, followed by specialized antimicrobial treatment and the application of new, high-grade mold-resistant sealants.

Given the potential for structural damage and health implications, this is not a weekend DIY project. For a proper assessment and lasting solution, I recommend contacting our team at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 6, 2026 12:19 am