Safest way to remove hidden black mold in bathroom?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing more than usual and I'm getting really worried. I just pulled back the silicone sealant around our bathtub in the Discovery Gardens apartment and found a ton of black mold hidden underneath. The bathroom doesn't have a window and the exhaust fan is weak, so the humidity just sits there after their baths. What's the safest way to get rid of this myself without exposing my family to more spores?
Posted by Klaus Ricci
Asked on March 31, 2026 8:25 pm
The black mold you've discovered under the silicone sealant is a serious concern, especially given your children's symptoms and the conditions you've described. In Dubai's high-humidity climate, especially in a bathroom with poor ventilation like yours in Discovery Gardens, Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) thrives. The constant moisture from baths, combined with year-round AC use which can create significant temperature differentials and condensation, provides the perfect breeding ground.

For a situation involving hidden mold and health impacts, a professional inspection is strongly advised. Disturbing it yourself risks a significant release of mycotoxins and spores into your apartment's air, potentially exacerbating respiratory issues. The safest initial step is containment. Do not remove the sealant further. Immediately tape a sheet of plastic over the affected area to seal it temporarily.

If you must proceed with a DIY approach, strict protocols are essential. You will need full personal protective equipment (PPE): an N95 respirator (not a simple dust mask), nitrile gloves, and safety goggles. Isolate the bathroom by sealing the door with plastic sheeting and tape. Before removal, mist the moldy area with a soapy water solution to suppress spores. Remove the contaminated silicone entirely. After removal, the underlying substrate must be aggressively cleaned with a proprietary mold remediation cleaner—avoid bleach as it does not kill the roots and can worsen airborne spore release. All contaminated materials must be double-bagged for disposal.

However, given the extent of hidden growth and the health risks, this is not a typical cleaning job. Proper remediation requires industrial-grade HEPA air scrubbers to clean the air and professional-grade antimicrobials to ensure the mold is eradicated at its roots. For the safety of your family, I recommend a certified assessment. Our team at Saniservice can conduct a thorough inspection, provide a detailed remediation plan compliant with Dubai Municipality guidelines, and safely restore your bathroom. Please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for immediate assistance.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 2, 2026 8:30 pm