How to stop black mold in closet long-term?« Back to Previous Page

Recurring mold in a closet, especially on an external wall, points to an unresolved moisture source that cleaning alone cannot fix. The high ambient humidity in Dubai, combined with a thermal bridge in the wall, creates constant condensation—a perfect environment for mold to return.

First, address the immediate moisture. A professional inspection with a thermal imaging camera can identify the exact cold spot on the wall where condensation is forming. The long-term solution involves insulating that specific wall from the inside to prevent the surface temperature from dropping below the dew point. For stored items like leather, maintain a lower humidity inside the closet with a renewable desiccant dehumidifier, such as silica gel packs, and ensure there is a small gap between the wall and your belongings for air circulation.

Running the AC constantly lowers the room's temperature but can exacerbate the problem on a cold external wall by increasing the temperature differential and condensation. Instead, ensure your AC unit is properly sized and serviced to effectively remove humidity from the air. The most definitive solution is to correct the building envelope issue, which stops the moisture at its source.