How to treat black mold on my Dubai apartment wall?« Back to Previous Page

That black mold in your closet is a classic Dubai issue, likely caused by thermal bridging. Your outside wall in Marina gets hot, but your AC cools the interior, creating condensation inside the wall cavity that seeps through. The recent humidity has absolutely exacerbated this.

For a small patch, you can treat it yourself. Wear an N95 mask and gloves. Scrub the area with a mixture of white vinegar or a dedicated mold remover, then wipe it down with a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) to kill the spores. Let the area dry completely. However, this only addresses the symptom.

The critical step is to identify and stop the moisture source. In a Dubai apartment, this is almost always a building envelope issue. You should formally contact your building management or owners' association. Dubai Law No. 6 of 2019 concerning ownership of jointly owned properties in the Emirate of Dubai typically holds them responsible for the structural integrity and maintenance of the external building walls. They are obligated to investigate and repair the leak or insulation flaw; otherwise, the mold will return.

While you wait for their response, use a dehumidifier in the room and ensure your AC is running consistently to keep humidity levels below 60%, which inhibits mold growth. If the patch is larger than one square meter, has a strong musty odor, or you or your family are experiencing respiratory issues, a professional inspection is wise to assess hidden spread within the wall.