Black mold found behind sofa; who to call in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Call an AC technician first. The priority is stopping the moisture source, which is likely a condensate drain leak from your AC unit, a very common issue in Dubai's climate. A qualified technician can inspect the unit, clear any blocked drains, and repair the leak. Without fixing this, any mold cleaning will be temporary as the dampness will return.

Once the leak is repaired, then address the mold. For a patch spreading along the wall, professional remediation is advised. Do not attempt to clean significant black mold yourself, as improper scrubbing can aerosolize spores and spread them. A reputable indoor environmental company can contain the area, safely remove the contaminated material (like a section of drywall or skirting board), and treat the area with antimicrobial solutions to prevent regrowth.

In the UAE, look for providers who operate to international standards like IICRC and, crucially, can provide before-and-after testing from an accredited microbiology lab. This testing verifies the species (as "black mold" can be several types with varying concerns) and confirms the spore count in the air has returned to a normal level post-remediation. This documented evidence is your assurance the job was done correctly.

Until the professionals arrive, you can gently wipe the visible surface with a damp cloth and a mild detergent solution to reduce surface spores, but avoid bleach or vigorous scrubbing. Keep the area dry and ensure good ventilation in the room.