Mold in closet: clean myself or call a pro?« Back to Previous Page

Our master bedroom closet on the outside wall has felt damp for a while, and I just pulled out a suitcase to find a patch of black mold growing behind it. My toddler has been waking up with a stuffy nose every morning for the past two weeks, and I'm really worried it's connected. What's the best way to handle this safely for my family—should I try to clean it myself or call a professional company straight away?
Posted by Michel Thomas
Asked on March 31, 2026 4:03 am
Based on your description, I strongly recommend you call a professional environmental inspection and remediation company immediately. This is not a situation for DIY cleaning.

The presence of visible mold growth on an exterior wall, combined with a persistent damp feeling and your toddler's respiratory symptoms (a classic sign of mold exposure), indicates a significant moisture issue. In Dubai's high-humidity climate, this is often caused by a combination of condensation from year-round AC use and potential hidden construction defects or leaks in the building envelope that allow humid air to infiltrate and condense on cooler surfaces.

Attempting to clean it yourself is highly inadvisable. Disturbing the mold without proper containment protocols will aerosolize the spores, spreading them throughout your bedroom and potentially the entire HVAC system, drastically increasing your family's exposure. Over-the-counter cleaners are ineffective on porous surfaces like drywall and can actually exacerbate the problem by adding moisture.

A certified professional will first conduct a comprehensive inspection, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to identify the exact moisture source—which is absolutely critical—and the full extent of the contamination, often far beyond what is visible. The remediation process then involves engineering controls: setting up negative air pressure containment, using HEPA filtration scrubbers, and safely removing and disposing of contaminated materials. This is the only way to ensure the problem is solved at its root and your family's health is protected.

For a situation involving a child's health and structural dampness, professional intervention is essential. I recommend you contact Saniservice for a thorough assessment. They are experts in UAE-specific mold issues and can be reached at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 1, 2026 8:34 am