How to clean mold and who to call for AC/insulation?« Back to Previous Page

The black spots in your closet corner are likely due to condensation from your AC unit hitting a cold spot on that external wall—a common issue in Dubai's humid climate, especially in older buildings. First, address the visible mold with a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water; spray, let sit for an hour, then scrub with a stiff brush. Wear an N95 mask and gloves during cleaning to avoid inhaling spores.

For a problem that’s returned or is causing health symptoms, a surface clean isn’t enough. The underlying cause is either insufficient thermal insulation in that wall (a building issue) or an AC system set too cold, causing excessive condensation. You need a professional inspection to diagnose the source. A certified mold inspector can perform a moisture mapping survey and thermal imaging to identify the cold bridge in the wall and take air samples to identify the mold species, which is important if your children are reacting to it.

For the AC unit itself, a licensed HVAC technician should check its drainage, insulation on coolant lines, and overall performance to ensure it’s not contributing to the humidity. In many cases, the root cause is the building’s envelope, so you may also need to engage your building management, as the owner is typically responsible for the structural integrity and insulation of external walls. A proper inspection report from a company with a microbiology lab will provide the evidence needed for that conversation.