How to safely clean black mold for child allergies?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing for a couple of weeks now, and their allergies seem way worse than usual. I finally pulled their wooden wardrobe away from the wall in our bedroom here in our Jumeirah villa, and found a big patch of black mould behind it, probably from the humidity. How can I safely clean this myself without making their breathing problems worse?
Posted by Kayla Davis
Asked on March 31, 2026 10:03 pm
Based on the high humidity levels in Dubai, particularly in coastal areas like Jumeirah, this scenario is unfortunately common. The condensation from year-round air conditioning, combined with furniture placed directly against walls, creates a perfect microenvironment for mold growth, often hidden from view.

For a small patch (less than one square meter) that you've discovered, you can attempt a careful cleanup. Your primary concern is to avoid aerosolizing spores, which would significantly worsen your children's respiratory symptoms. Do not dry brush or vacuum the area, as this will disperse spores into the air.

First, ensure the children and any family members with allergies are out of the room for the duration of the cleanup and for several hours afterwards. Seal the area from the rest of the villa by closing the door and placing a towel at the base. Wear an N95 mask, gloves, and eye protection.

Prepare a cleaning solution of a 4:1 water to white vinegar ratio or a diluted detergent (avoid mixing chemicals). Lightly mist the mold patch to dampen it and prevent spores from becoming airborne. Gently scrub the area with a disposable cloth, ensuring you capture the mold. Place all used cleaning materials in a sealed plastic bag for disposal. After cleaning, the surfaces must be thoroughly dried using dehumidifiers or fans to prevent immediate regrowth.

However, given that the mold was hidden and you are already dealing with health effects, this indicates a potential moisture issue that may extend beyond this visible patch. There could be spores in the air or growth within the wall cavity. For the health of your family, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. We use thermal imaging and moisture meters to identify the full extent of the problem and ensure it is remediated at the source, not just the surface.

For a comprehensive assessment and safe remediation, please call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Our certified technicians can provide a definitive solution to safeguard your home's air quality.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 3, 2026 12:14 am