Black mold in closet: DIY vinegar or call professional?« Back to Previous Page

Our master bedroom closet, which is on an interior wall, has started to get these black speckles on the leather bags and shoes we stored in there. We keep the AC running but the room always feels a bit damp, and this has been slowly getting worse over the last couple of months. Is this something I can tackle with a vinegar spray from the supermarket, or do I need to call in a professional cleaning service to stop it from spreading?
Posted by Brittany King
Asked on March 20, 2026 1:17 am
Based on the symptoms you've described—black speckles on leather goods, a persistent damp feeling, and an interior wall location—this is highly indicative of an active mold colony. The UAE's high ambient humidity, combined with year-round air conditioning, creates significant temperature differentials that lead to condensation within wall cavities, especially on poorly insulated interior walls. This trapped moisture provides the perfect environment for mold growth, which is likely occurring inside the wall and presenting on the surface.

A vinegar solution is a common DIY recommendation for surface mildew on non-porous materials like tiles, but it is entirely inadequate for this situation. Vinegar will not penetrate porous materials like drywall or leather to kill the root structure (hyphae) of the mold. It may temporarily bleach the visible spots, but the colony will regrow. More critically, disturbing the mold by wiping or spraying can aerosolize spores, potentially spreading the contamination to other areas of your home and exacerbating health risks.

This requires professional assessment. In Dubai, proper mold remediation is not just about cleaning; it involves identifying and rectifying the source of moisture, containing the affected area to prevent cross-contamination, safely removing contaminated materials, and applying professional-grade biocides and sealants. Our standard protocol includes using moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint the condensation source within the wall.

For a definitive diagnosis and a permanent solution, I strongly recommend a professional inspection. Please contact our certified team at Saniservice for a comprehensive assessment. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a visit.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 22, 2026 7:42 am