How to treat mold on bags and stop closet moisture?« Back to Previous Page

Our master bedroom closet on the outside wall has a persistent damp smell, and I just found a patch of black mold on a few of my leather bags. We keep the AC running most of the time in our Jumeirah villa, but it seems worse after the humid nights. What's the best way to treat the mold on my belongings and what can I do to stop the moisture from building up in that specific closet?
Posted by Sarah Allen
Asked on April 10, 2026 2:50 am
For the mold on your leather bags, gently wipe the surface with a soft cloth dampened with a solution of equal parts water and isopropyl alcohol. Allow it to air dry completely away from direct sunlight, as heat can damage the leather. For serious or persistent mold growth on valuable items, a professional restoration service is the safest option to prevent further damage.

The dampness in your closet is almost certainly due to condensation, a very common issue in Jumeirah villas. The outside wall is likely a "cold bridge," where the temperature difference between the humid night air and your air-conditioned room causes moisture to form. Running the AC cools the closet's contents, and when humid air seeps in, it condenses on those cold surfaces.

To stop the moisture, you need to improve air circulation and reduce humidity in that space. First, avoid overfilling the closet and leave space between items and the external wall. Leave the closet door open for a few hours each day to allow conditioned air to circulate. Using a moisture absorber like a desiccant dehumidifier box (silica gel) inside the closet can help.

The most effective long-term solution is to address the root cause. A professional inspection can identify if the issue is due to inadequate insulation in the external wall or if your AC system requires rebalancing to better manage humidity levels throughout the entire room, not just the temperature. In many cases, the AC is set to a very cold temperature but isn't running long enough to properly dehumidify the air, leading to a cold, damp environment perfect for mold.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 11, 2026 12:09 am