Is black mold fomr AC dangerous, and can I remove it?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our bedroom closet has been leaking for a while and now I’ve found a big patch of black mold on the back wall and on some of our shoes. My husband has been waking up with a sore throat and itchy eyes for the past couple of weeks, and I’m starting to get worried it’s connected. We’re in an older building in Bur Dubai. What’s the safest and most effective way to handle this kind of mold removal, and should we be calling a professional company or is it something we can tackle ourselves?
Posted by Mohammed Nasser
Asked on April 24, 2026 1:00 am
The black mould from your AC leak is likely a contributing factor to the symptoms you're both experiencing, especially the sore throat and itchy eyes. In Dubai's climate, constant AC use creates condensation, and any leak provides the persistent moisture that mould needs to thrive.

For a patch larger than one square meter, and because it's caused by an ongoing AC leak, professional remediation is strongly advised. This is not a DIY situation. The mould is on a porous wall surface and has likely spread behind it and into the closet structure, which you cannot properly address with surface cleaning. Improper removal, like scrubbing without containment, will aerosolize the spores and spread the contamination throughout your bedroom.

A certified professional will first identify and fix the AC leak source to prevent immediate recurrence. They will then set up containment barriers, use HEPA filtration to capture airborne spores, safely remove the contaminated materials (like sections of drywall), and clean the remaining surfaces with specialized antimicrobial agents. They should also provide verification, typically through post-remediation testing, that the spore count has returned to a normal level.

Until you can get a professional assessment, reduce exposure by keeping the closet door closed and avoiding the area. Your husband's symptoms are a clear indicator that the environment is affecting your indoor air quality. Addressing this properly will resolve the health issues and protect your home from further damage.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 25, 2026 2:14 am