Can I clean this apartment mold myself or need professional?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it might be mold. We've lived here for 2 years in a JBR apartment and just noticed a small patch of black spots forming in the corner of our master bedroom closet, behind some boxes. It’s been worse since the humidity spiked last month. Is this something I can clean myself with bleach, or do I need to call one of those professional mold removal companies?
Posted by Linda Davis
Asked on April 12, 2026 9:25 am
A small patch of mold in a closet is often manageable with a DIY approach, but Dubai's high humidity and reliance on AC create conditions where it can quickly return if the source isn't addressed. For a spot smaller than one square meter, you can clean it yourself.

First, identify and fix the moisture source. In a JBR apartment, this is likely condensation from the AC or a small leak. Wipe the area with a solution of detergent and water, not bleach. Bleach only removes surface discoloration but does not kill the mold roots and can worsen indoor air quality. After cleaning, ensure the area is completely dry. Use a dehumidifier or a fan to accelerate drying, which is crucial in our humid climate.

However, given your children's coughing, a DIY clean is only a surface solution. The mold you see is the "bloom," but spores can be present in the air and elsewhere. Persistent respiratory symptoms, especially in children, strongly suggest a wider air quality issue. For health concerns, a professional inspection is advised to assess the full extent and identify the specific mold type through lab analysis, as some species are more problematic than others. They can also verify if the AC unit itself is contaminated and spreading spores. In Dubai, reputable remediation companies should provide before-and-after testing data to prove the air quality has been measurably improved.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 13, 2026 7:18 pm