Is mold under my stairs making my kids sick?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop since the holidays ended, and I’m starting to panic. I pulled out their winter clothes from the storage cupboard under our stairs in Jumeirah and found several of the sweaters covered in fuzzy black spots. The room has felt damp ever since the heavy rains in December. Could this mold be causing their illness and what's the safest way to clean everything without making them sicker?
Posted by Michael Scott
Asked on March 24, 2026 7:21 am
Based on your description, it is highly probable that the mold growth under your stairs is contributing to your children's persistent coughing. The fuzzy black spots are a significant concern, as this type of growth can release mycotoxins and spores into the air, which are known respiratory irritants and can trigger allergic reactions and asthma-like symptoms, especially in children.

The conditions you describe are a textbook case for mold proliferation here in Dubai. The storage cupboard is a confined space with little air circulation from your AC system. The heavy December rains likely introduced moisture, which was then trapped. Combined with the organic material of the clothing and the constant high humidity, this creates a perfect incubator. Year-round AC use can also contribute by causing condensation in poorly ventilated, cooler spaces like under-stair cupboards.

For your family's safety, I strongly advise against attempting to clean this yourself. Disturbing the mold without proper containment will aerosolize a massive amount of spores, potentially making the contamination far worse and exacerbating your children's illness. Over-the-counter cleaning solutions are ineffective against entrenched growth and do not address the root moisture problem.

The safest course of action is a professional inspection and remediation. We follow strict UAE guidelines for assessment and containment. Our certified inspectors will identify the exact species of mold and the full extent of the contamination, including the hidden moisture source within the walls or structure. Remediation involves advanced techniques like HEPA vacuuming, antimicrobial application, and negative air pressure containment to prevent cross-contamination.

For immediate advice and to schedule a comprehensive inspection, please call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can assess the situation and ensure your home is safely restored to a healthy environment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 25, 2026 10:52 am