AC leak caused mold; can I clean it myself?« Back to Previous Page

The AC leak has created a serious moisture problem that needs immediate attention. What you see on the wall is likely the surface manifestation; the real concern is mould growing inside the wall cavity and potentially the AC unit itself, which you cannot see. Dubai's high humidity provides the perfect environment for this rapid spread.

For a small, surface-level patch (less than one square foot), a DIY approach with a detergent solution (not just bleach) can be attempted, but only after the moisture source is completely fixed. Bleach does not kill mould on porous materials like drywall and carpet; it only bleaches the colour. The mould roots (hyphae) remain and will regrow.

However, your situation—a leak lasting weeks, a spreading patch, and a damp smell—strongly indicates a larger, hidden infestation. Disturbing it without proper containment can aerosolize spores and contaminate your entire bedroom. This requires professional remediation. The process involves isolating the area with physical barriers, using HEPA filtration to capture spores, safely removing contaminated porous materials like drywall and carpet padding, and thoroughly drying the structure before reconstruction.

Your first step is to stop the leak by having your AC unit serviced. Then, for a case of this suspected severity, a professional inspection is the safest course. They use moisture meters and thermal cameras to assess the full extent of the damage behind the walls. Reputable firms in Dubai should provide a clear protocol and can verify the cleanup's effectiveness with post-remediation testing, which is the only way to be certain the problem is resolved.