Urgent: AC leak causing mold in bedroom? DIY or professional?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has been leaking a little for the past couple of weeks, and now I'm seeing a few small black spots on the wall behind the bedroom curtain. I’m worried it might be mold and with this humidity, I don't know how fast it spreads. How urgent is it that I get a professional to look at this, or can I handle it myself with a vinegar spray?
Posted by Deepa Mukherjee
Asked on April 23, 2026 5:05 am
A leaking AC unit in Dubai's climate is a high-priority issue. The persistent humidity and condensation create an ideal environment for mold growth, which can spread quickly behind walls and into insulation where it's not visible.

For the small black spots you see, a DIY approach with a vinegar or diluted bleach solution can clean surface mold on non-porous surfaces like painted walls. However, this only addresses the symptom, not the root cause. The leak must be repaired by an HVAC technician to stop the moisture source. Without fixing the leak, the mold will almost certainly return.

Given the leak has been ongoing for weeks, the moisture has likely penetrated the wall. A professional inspection is strongly recommended to assess the extent of hidden damage behind the wall. They use moisture meters and thermal imaging to see what's not visible, which is critical for proper remediation. In the UAE, companies adhering to IICRC standards will provide a protocol for safe containment and removal to prevent cross-contamination.

For your health and to protect your property, the most effective course is to first have an HVAC professional repair the leak, then have a mold inspector assess the damage. DIY cleaning is a temporary measure for a problem that likely requires a more comprehensive solution.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 23, 2026 7:21 pm