Urgent: Mold behind wardrboe making kids sick in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past two weeks, and I’ve just discovered patches of black fuzzy stuff behind their bedroom wardrobe, which is against an exterior wall. I’m in an older building in Jumeirah and I’m panicking that this mold from the humidity is making them sick. What’s the fastest and most effective way to get this professionally cleaned and treated here in Dubai?
Posted by Susan Young
Asked on April 1, 2026 1:35 pm
That black fuzzy growth behind the wardrobe is a common issue in older Dubai buildings, especially on exterior walls where condensation from constant AC use meets warm, humid air. The persistent cough in your children is a significant indicator that this environment is affecting their health and needs to be addressed.

The fastest path is a professional inspection and remediation. Do not attempt to clean significant growth yourself, as improper methods can aerosolize spores and worsen the problem. In Dubai, look for a provider that follows international guidelines like the IICRC S520 for mold remediation. They will first conduct an inspection, often involving air and surface sampling sent to a microbiology lab, to identify the mold type and the full extent of the contamination, including inside the wall cavity.

The most effective treatment involves containment of the area, physical removal of contaminated porous materials like drywall, HEPA vacuuming, and antimicrobial treatment of the structure. They should also identify and correct the moisture source, which is likely condensation from the temperature differential or a minor permeating leak. For a lasting solution, the underlying cause must be fixed; this may involve improving insulation on the cold wall or addressing humidity levels in the room.

Request a post-remediation verification test from the company to confirm spore levels have returned to a normal baseline. This documented proof is what separates a proper remediation from a superficial cleaning.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 1, 2026 7:25 pm