How to safely remove mold and find its source?« Back to Previous Page
|
We've lived in our apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle for 2 years and just noticed a line of black mold along the bottom of the wall behind our bedroom dresser. The wall feels slightly cold and damp to the touch, and I'm worried it's been there a while. What's the best way to clean this safely and who should I contact to check for a leak or insulation problem in the wall to stop it from coming back?
|
|
Black mould behind furniture in JVC is a common issue, often due to a cold spot in the wall creating condensation in our humid climate. For a small area, wear an N95 mask and gloves. Scrub with a mixture of white vinegar or a dedicated mould cleaner, then wipe dry. Do not use bleach, as it only removes the colour and can worsen the problem by adding moisture.
The critical step is finding the source to prevent regrowth. The cold, damp feeling suggests an internal condensation issue or a possible leak from plumbing within the wall. In a building, this requires a professional assessment. Contact your building management first, as they are responsible for the structure and internal plumbing. They should send a technician to investigate for leaks or insufficient insulation. For independent verification or if the building is unresponsive, hire a certified mould inspector. They use thermal imaging cameras to identify hidden cold spots and moisture meters to quantify the dampness within the wall cavity, pinpointing the exact cause. In many Dubai apartments, this is a result of the temperature differential between the air-conditioned room and the unconditioned void behind the wall, requiring a professional remediation strategy. |
Please log in to post questions/answers: