Should I hire professionals for closet mold or DIY?« Back to Previous Page

My bedroom closet in our villa in Mirdif has had this weird damp smell for a couple of weeks, and I finally pulled everything out to find black spots all over the back wall. We had that really humid spell last month and I’m worried it’s gotten worse. How quickly do I need to get a professional mold removal company involved here, and is this something I can handle myself with cleaners from Ace Hardware first?
Posted by Barbara Wright
Asked on April 19, 2026 9:35 pm
Given the black spots and damp smell in your Mirdif villa closet, a professional inspection is strongly advised. The humid spell we had is a classic catalyst for this issue, especially on interior walls where condensation can form. Attempting a DIY cleanup with store-bought cleaners often addresses only the surface mold you can see, not the underlying moisture problem or the root structure (hyphae) within the wall.

For a small, surface-level patch (less than one square meter), a thorough DIY clean with a microfiber cloth and a vinegar or diluted detergent solution can be a first step. However, the presence of a persistent damp smell suggests the moisture source is likely deeper, possibly from interstitial condensation within the wall cavity itself. This is a common issue in Dubai's climate due to the extreme temperature differential between the air-conditioned interior and the external heat.

If the mold returns after cleaning, the wall material is porous (like drywall), or the affected area is large, professional remediation is necessary. They will identify and rectify the moisture source, contain the area to prevent spore dispersal, and use specialized equipment like HEPA vacuums and air scrubbers for proper removal. Improper handling can significantly increase spore count in your indoor air. For verification of complete removal, a post-remediation test from an independent microbiology lab is the definitive standard.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 22, 2026 5:39 am