Mold in closet: DIY vinegar clean or call professionals?« Back to Previous Page

Our master bedroom closet in our Jumeirah villa has had a damp, earthy smell for a couple of months, and I just pulled out a stack of winter clothes to find black speckles all over a few of my jackets. The dehumidifier runs constantly but doesn't seem to be enough, and I'm worried it's spreading. Is this something I can tackle myself with a vinegar solution from the supermarket, or is it time to call in a professional mold removal company?
Posted by Carlos Schmidt
Asked on April 14, 2026 3:10 am
Black speckles on clothes in a Dubai villa's closet are a clear sign of active mold growth, driven by the high ambient humidity. A vinegar solution can clean surface mold on non-porous items, but it's a temporary fix that won't address the root cause—likely condensation from an AC unit or a hidden leak in the wall.

For porous materials like jackets, DIY cleaning is often ineffective and can spread spores. The persistent damp smell indicates a deeper issue the dehumidifier can't overcome. In the UAE's climate, mold inside walls is common and requires professional-grade drying equipment and antimicrobial treatments to properly remediate.

You need a professional inspection to identify the moisture source, assess the extent of the growth (often worse behind walls), and perform remediation with containment to prevent cross-contamination. Look for a provider that uses moisture meters, thermal imaging, and can provide a post-remediation verification report from an independent lab to confirm the space is truly mold-free.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 15, 2026 7:25 am