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

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past two weeks, and I just found a patch of black speckles in the corner of their bedroom closet, behind some storage boxes. We live in an older building in Deira and I'm worried the humidity is making it worse. Is this the kind of mold I can clean myself with vinegar or do I absolutely need to call a professional company to get it tested?
Posted by Omar Haddad
Asked on April 4, 2026 6:53 pm
Based on the symptoms you describe and the location of the growth, this situation warrants a professional inspection. Persistent coughing in children is a significant health indicator that should not be overlooked, especially when combined with a visible mold source.

The black speckles behind boxes in a Deira closet are a classic symptom of high humidity and poor ventilation, conditions exacerbated by Dubai's climate. Year-round AC use can create significant condensation issues within building structures, and older buildings often lack the modern vapor barriers and insulation to mitigate this. While surface cleaning with vinegar may remove the visible growth, it is a temporary solution. The underlying moisture problem remains unaddressed, and the mold will almost certainly return. More critically, what you see on the surface is often just the "fruit" of the organism; the root structure (hyphae) can penetrate porous materials like drywall and wood, which DIY methods cannot eradicate.

Furthermore, without professional testing, you cannot identify the species. While many molds are allergens, some, like Stachybotrys chartarum (true "black mold"), produce mycotoxins that pose more serious health risks, particularly to children.

For the health of your family and to ensure the problem is resolved at its source, I strongly recommend a certified inspection. Our team at Saniservice uses moisture meters, thermal imaging, and air/official lab sample analysis to identify the species, moisture source, and full extent of contamination. This allows us to create a targeted remediation plan that includes addressing the humidity issue to prevent recurrence.

Do not risk your family's health. For a professional assessment, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 7, 2026 11:20 am