How to remove black mold from AC and protect my child?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Park has been leaking a little, and now I’ve found patches of black mold on the back of our walk-in closet wall where the kids’ winter clothes are stored. My youngest has had a runny nose and a cough for over a week now and I'm starting to panic. What's the most effective way to clean this and who should I call to check if it's spread inside the walls?
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For a small patch of black mold on a surface (less than one square meter), a solution of white vinegar or a diluted bleach mixture (1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water) can be effective. Wear an N95 mask, gloves, and goggles. Scrub the area, let the solution sit, then dry it completely. However, since the mold is linked to an AC leak and a child’s illness, this is likely a more serious case requiring professional assessment.
The leak means moisture is trapped, and mold can easily spread inside the wall cavity behind the visible patch. In Dubai’s high humidity, this hidden growth can become extensive. For your child's health and to prevent structural damage, the priority is stopping the source. A certified mold inspector should conduct a moisture assessment and possibly use thermal imaging or borescopes to check inside the walls without unnecessary demolition. Do not use the AC until the leak is repaired, as it will continue circulating spores. Move the children’s clothing to a dry area to prevent cross-contamination. For verification, a reputable inspector will provide a lab analysis from an accredited microbiology lab to identify the mold species, which is crucial for understanding the health risk and necessary remediation steps. |
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