Safely clean moldy clothes and check walls for mold?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing for the last couple of weeks and I’m starting to worry it’s more than just a cold. I pulled out a few of their winter clothes from the storage room in our Jumeirah villa and noticed some of the sweaters have fuzzy black spots on them, and the whole room smells damp. We had that really heavy dew a few weeks back and I think the humidity got in. What’s the safest way to clean everything and check if the mold is in the walls without putting my family at risk?
Posted by Steven Robinson
Asked on April 10, 2026 4:29 am
Based on your description of the fuzzy black spots, musty odor, and recent high humidity event in Jumeirah, this is a strong indicator of an active mold issue that requires immediate and careful action. The coughing in your children is a significant health concern and should not be ignored.

For the clothing, do not attempt to wash them in your household machine as this can spread spores. The safest method is to have them professionally cleaned by a specialized hygienization service that uses industrial-grade equipment with HEPA filtration and EPA-approved antimicrobial solutions to treat and salvage contaminated textiles.

Regarding the storage room walls, a visual inspection is insufficient. The damp smell suggests moisture has penetrated the building envelope. To check the walls, a professional inspection using a borescope to see inside wall cavities and a moisture meter to quantify the dampness is essential. Air and surface sampling will identify the specific mold genus (e.g., the dangerous Stachybotrys, commonly referred to as "black mold") and spore concentration, which is critical for determining the correct remediation protocol as per Dubai Municipality guidelines.

Given the potential health risks to your family and the structural implications for your villa, a DIY approach is not recommended. The high humidity and constant AC use in Dubai create ideal conditions for mold to proliferate unseen. I strongly advise you to contact a certified professional immediately for a comprehensive assessment.

For a certified inspection and safe remediation, please call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Their experts are trained in UAE-specific protocols and can ensure the problem is resolved safely and permanently.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 11, 2026 4:50 pm