Black mold in closet causing cough: clean or call professinal?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing for the past couple of weeks, and I just noticed a bunch of black speckles in the corner of our master bedroom closet where we store our winter clothes. It’s on the wall that faces the outside of our villa in Mirdif. Is this something I can clean myself with bleach or should I call a professional company to check it out?
Posted by Anna Weber
Asked on April 19, 2026 11:35 am
Black speckles in a closet on an exterior wall in Mirdif, combined with a persistent cough in children, strongly suggests a mold issue that needs addressing. The UAE's high humidity, especially with recent weather, and year-round AC use create perfect conditions for condensation inside exterior walls, leading to hidden mold growth.

A small, surface-level patch might be manageable, but your situation warrants caution. The presence of health symptoms and the location on an exterior wall indicate a potential moisture problem from a small leak or significant condensation that isn't just superficial. Bleach is not recommended; it only removes surface discoloration and can worsen indoor air quality without addressing the root moisture source or the mold deep within porous materials like drywall.

For health concerns and suspected hidden growth, a professional inspection is advised. They use moisture meters and thermal cameras to find the water source and assess the extent behind the wall. Dubai Municipality has specific guidelines for proper remediation to prevent cross-contamination. A reputable company can provide a lab analysis to confirm the mold type, which is crucial information if your children's symptoms persist.

You can temporarily improve ventilation in the room and move the winter clothes to prevent spore disturbance. However, resolving the cough likely depends on identifying and fixing the moisture intrusion and properly remediating the affected area, which often requires professional tools and methods.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 20, 2026 8:01 pm