Mold in my Dubai closet: urgent professional help needed?« Back to Previous Page

My bedroom closet in our Jumeirah apartment has been smelling a bit damp for a while, and this morning I pulled out some winter clothes to find a bunch of dark greenish-black spots on a couple of leather bags and a wool coat. We’ve had the AC running constantly, but the humidity is still so high. How urgent is it that I get a professional to deal with this, or can I handle it myself with a cleaner from the supermarket?
Posted by Aiko Saito
Asked on March 31, 2026 3:40 pm
Dark greenish-black spots on leather and wool in a high-humidity environment like Jumeirah are a definite red flag. The persistent damp smell confirms an active moisture issue that your AC alone cannot control. This situation requires professional assessment, not a supermarket cleaner.

The urgency is high. In Dubai's climate, with humidity often exceeding 90%, hidden condensation behind walls or under floors is common and can fuel rapid mold growth you can't see. Supermarket cleaners only address surface stains on your items, not the root moisture problem or the potential colony within the closet structure itself. Improper cleaning can agitate spores, spreading them further into your apartment. For porous materials like leather and wool, the damage from both the mold and harsh cleaners can be permanent.

You need a two-part approach. First, a certified mold inspector should conduct air and surface sampling to identify the species and the source of the moisture—whether it's a minor condensation issue or a more serious leak. This is critical, as some species common here pose greater health risks. Remediation should follow, which involves isolating the area, removing contaminated materials properly, and addressing the water source to prevent recurrence.

Handle this by moving the affected items to a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent further spread until a professional can assess. Do not attempt to clean them yourself, as this can set the stains and spread spores. The priority is identifying and resolving the hidden environmental condition causing this.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 2, 2026 11:07 pm