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

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black mold I just found in the corner of their bedroom closet. We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed it now, probably because the humidity has been so high lately. It's a small patch, maybe the size of my hand, but it looks fuzzy and the wall feels damp. Is this something I can clean myself with bleach from the supermarket, or should I call a professional company to deal with it?
Posted by Charles White
Asked on March 26, 2026 7:03 pm
Based on the symptoms you describe and the presence of a damp, fuzzy patch, I strongly advise against attempting to clean this yourself with supermarket bleach. In the UAE's high-humidity climate, especially during summer months, what you see on the surface is often just the tip of the iceberg. The dampness in the wall suggests a moisture issue, likely from condensation from your year-round AC system or a small, hidden leak. Bleach is ineffective on porous surfaces like drywall; it only bleaches the surface mold while leaving the root structure intact, allowing it to regrow quickly and potentially releasing more spores during cleaning.

The coughing in your children is a significant red flag indicating potential exposure to mycotoxins. Disturbing the mold colony without proper containment, professional-grade HEPA filtration, and personal protective equipment (PPE) can aerosolize these spores, drastically increasing the airborne concentration and exacerbating respiratory issues.

For a situation involving health symptoms, suspected water damage, and mold on building materials, Dubai Municipality guidelines and international best practices (IICRC S520) recommend assessment and remediation by a certified professional. We would conduct a thorough inspection to identify the precise moisture source, assess the extent of colonization within the wall cavity, and perform remediation under containment to ensure the safety of your family and the complete removal of the contamination.

For a proper inspection and remediation plan, please contact our certified team at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 28, 2026 1:56 pm