Cost to treat black mold from AC leak in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has been leaking a bit, and now we’ve discovered a patch of black mold in the closet on the shared wall. It’s been getting worse over the last few weeks since the humidity spiked. We tried wiping it with vinegar, but it just came back darker. For a small closet area, are we talking a few hundred dirhams to get it professionally treated, or is this a major job that will cost thousands?
Posted by Duc Kato
Asked on April 7, 2026 2:49 am
Based on the symptoms you've described—a recurring black patch linked to an active AC leak in JVC—this is a situation that requires immediate professional attention. The initial return after a vinegar wipe confirms the growth is established; vinegar only superficially addresses surface mold and does not kill the roots or address the moisture source.

In Dubai's high-humidity climate, AC condensation leaks are a primary cause of mold infestations. The cost to remediate is not solely based on the visible patch size. A certified inspector must first conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine the extent of moisture penetration within the wall cavity and the specific mold species present (e.g., Cladosporium, Aspergillus, or the more concerning Stachybotrys).

For a contained area like a closet, if the moisture damage is superficial and hasn't compromised the drywall, professional treatment could range from AED 800 to AED 1,500. This includes containment, HEPA vacuuming, antimicrobial application, and addressing the moisture source. However, if the leak has saturated the insulation or wallboard, partial demolition, removal, and rebuild will be necessary, escalating the cost to several thousand dirhams.

Attempting DIY remediation often leads to cross-contamination and health risks from spore dispersal. All remediation in the UAE should adhere to IICRC S520 standards.

Given the active leak and recurrence, I strongly recommend a professional inspection. Our team at Saniservice can provide a precise diagnosis and quote. Please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 8, 2026 11:01 pm