Should I treat closet mold myself or hire a pro?« Back to Previous Page
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My bedroom closet in my Jumeirah apartment has had this musty smell for weeks, but this morning I pulled out some winter jackets and found a bunch of black fuzzy spots on the back wall and on a couple of leather bags. We've had the AC running non-stop, but the humidity has been brutal lately. How urgently do I need to get this treated, and can I handle it myself or is this a job for a professional company?
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The black fuzzy growth indicates active mold, which is common in Dubai's high humidity, especially in closets on exterior walls where condensation forms behind them. Given the presence on multiple items and the wall, this requires prompt attention.
For a small area (less than one square meter), you can clean it yourself with a microfiber cloth and a solution of diluted vinegar or detergent. Never use bleach, as it doesn't kill the roots and can worsen indoor air quality. Wear an N95 mask and gloves during cleaning. However, the musty smell suggests a wider issue you can't see. The root cause is likely excess moisture, potentially from a nearby AC duct leak creating condensation or seepage through the wall. In a climate reliant on year-round AC, DIY cleaning often addresses only the visible tip of the iceberg. A professional inspection is recommended to identify and resolve the hidden moisture source. They use moisture meters and thermal cameras to find the origin. For health safety and to prevent rapid regrowth, hiring a company with certified mold remediation expertise and a microbiology lab for identification is the most effective long-term solution for a case of this description. |
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