Should I hire a pro for mold from an AC leak?« Back to Previous Page

The AC unit in my Jumeirah apartment has been leaking a little bit onto the wall for a while, and now I'm seeing a decent-sized black and green mold patch behind the bedroom wardrobe. With this humidity, I’m worried it’s spreading inside the wall. Is this a job for one of those mold removal companies you see advertised, or can I handle it myself with cleaners from the supermarket, and what kind of cost am I looking at for a professional fix?
Posted by Joseph Garcia
Asked on March 22, 2026 12:58 am
Based on your description, this is a situation that absolutely requires a professional assessment and remediation. The black and green coloration suggests a potential Stachybotrys or Aspergillus species, which are particularly concerning for indoor air quality. The core issue is not the visible patch; it's the water damage and colonization inside the wall cavity, which you've correctly identified as a risk. In Dubai's high humidity, mold can spread rapidly through porous materials like drywall and behind wallpaper.

Supermarket cleaners are a superficial solution. They may bleach the surface, making it look clean, but they do not address the root moisture problem or the hyphae (root system) growing within the wall. Disturbing it without proper containment and HEPA filtration will aerosolize spores, contaminating your entire apartment's air and HVAC system.

Professionally, the protocol involves: 1) A detailed inspection, including moisture mapping and possibly air/surface sampling to identify the species and spore count. 2) Setting up critical containment barriers and negative air pressure to prevent cross-contamination. 3) Safely removing and disposing of affected porous materials (drywall, insulation). 4) HEPA vacuuming and antimicrobial treatment of all surfaces. 5) Addressing the primary cause—the AC leak—which is often a clogged condensate drain line, a very common issue here due to dust and year-round AC operation.

Cost for a professional job of this nature can vary based on the extent of damage but typically starts from AED 2,500 for a localized remediation, including leak repair and post-remediation verification. For a proper diagnosis and to prevent health risks and structural damage, I strongly recommend calling our certified team at Saniservice for an inspection. You can reach us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 23, 2026 9:21 pm