Can I clean black mold myself or need a professional?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment seems to be leaking a bit of water onto the wall behind the bedroom dresser, and when I moved it today, I found a patch of black, fuzzy mold about the size of my hand. It’s been humid for the last month and I'm worried it's spread behind the wall. Is this something I can clean myself with bleach from Carrefour, or do I absolutely need to call a professional cleaning company to handle it?
Posted by Michael Scott
Asked on March 24, 2026 5:38 pm
Based on the description you've provided, this situation requires a professional assessment and likely professional remediation. The presence of a water leak from the AC unit and visible black mold the size of your hand are significant red flags. In Dubai's high-humidity climate, where AC systems run year-round, condensation issues are a primary cause of mold growth. The critical concern is that you suspect it has spread behind the wall; this is almost a certainty. Mold is like an iceberg—what you see on the surface is often only a small fraction of the total growth thriving within the wall cavity.

Using bleach from a supermarket is strongly discouraged for several technical reasons. Bleach is primarily water, which can actually feed the mold roots deep within porous materials like drywall. Its chemical composition is ineffective on porous surfaces and can release harmful chlorinated compounds into the air. Furthermore, improper cleaning can disturb the colony, causing a massive release of spores and mycotoxins throughout your apartment, significantly worsening the indoor air quality and potential health risks.

UAE regulations and best practices for indoor environmental quality dictate that the source of moisture must be identified and resolved first—in this case, the AC leak. Then, a certified mold inspector should conduct testing to determine the spore type and the full extent of contamination. For a suspected infestation of this nature, the safe and effective solution is professional remediation. Companies like ours, Saniservice, use specialized containment procedures, HEPA filtration, and industrial-grade antimicrobials to safely remove the mold and restore a healthy environment.

For a proper inspection and a certified remediation plan, please contact our specialists at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 26, 2026 12:20 pm