AC leak causing black mold: urgent professional help needed?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle seems to be leaking a bit of water onto the carpet below it, and now I'm seeing a few small black spots spreading out from the damp area. It's been like this for maybe two weeks and the humid weather isn't helping it dry. How urgently do I need to get a professional to deal with this, or can I handle it myself with bleach?
Posted by Sunil Sharma
Asked on April 23, 2026 7:51 am
Address this immediately. The combination of a persistent water leak, soaked carpet, and visible black spots in Dubai's high humidity creates a high-risk environment for mold proliferation. What you see on the surface is often just a fraction of the growth, as the mold colony's roots (hyphae) can penetrate deep into the carpet fibers and underlying padding.

Using bleach is not recommended. It is ineffective on porous materials, only bleaching the visible colour while leaving the organism intact. It can also release harmful fumes, especially in an enclosed space with recirculating AC air. For a small, surface-level patch on a hard surface, a DIY approach with a dedicated mold remover might suffice, but your situation involves a water-saturated, porous material.

The leak must be fixed first; otherwise, any cleaning is futile as the mold will return. A professional assessment is strongly advised here. They can identify the AC leak's source, assess the full extent of the water damage and mold growth (often requiring cutting into or lifting the carpet), and safely perform the remediation, which includes HEPA vacuuming, antimicrobial treatment, and addressing the moisture source. In many Dubai apartments, this is a job for both an AC technician and a mold specialist. The goal is to resolve the problem completely to prevent recurring health issues and property damage.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 25, 2026 7:45 pm