AC leak caused mold in closet: who to call first?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our master bedroom closet has been leaking on and off for a couple of months, and now I’ve found black spots all over my husband’s shoes and our winter clothes stored in there. My toddler has been sneezing a lot more than usual and I’m really worried it’s connected. What’s the most effective way to get this cleaned and who should I call first, a professional cleaner or an AC technician?
Posted by Sophie Flores
Asked on March 28, 2026 11:17 am
This is a classic and serious scenario we encounter frequently in Dubai due to our high humidity and constant AC use. The most effective and safe way to address this is a two-step professional approach, and the order is critical.

You must call a certified mold inspection and remediation company first, before the AC technician. Here’s why: An AC technician will fix the leak and the condensation pan, but they are not equipped or trained to handle the resulting biological contamination. Disturbing the mold during AC repairs can aerosolize the spores, spreading them from the closet throughout your master bedroom and potentially into your HVAC system, exacerbating your toddler's respiratory symptoms.

A professional environmental company like Saniservice will first conduct a thorough inspection, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to determine the full extent of the contamination. The remediation process involves containing the area with negative air pressure, safely removing and disposing of severely affected porous materials (like those shoes and clothes), and using specialized equipment like HEPA vacuums and antimicrobial agents to clean the space. Only once the mold is completely remediated and post-clearance testing confirms the air is safe should an AC technician be brought in to permanently fix the root cause of the moisture.

Given the visible growth and the health symptoms presented, this is not a job for a general cleaner. DIY attempts often worsen the problem. For immediate assistance, I recommend you call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 30, 2026 10:10 pm