Could closet mold be causing my kids' nighttime coughing?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the mold in your closet could very well be contributing to your kids' nighttime coughing. Mold releases microscopic spores and volatile organic compounds into the air, which are common respiratory irritants. At night, with the room closed up, the concentration of these particles can rise, leading to symptoms like coughing, congestion, and worsened allergies.

Given Dubai's high humidity, especially lately, your villa's walk-in wardrobe is a prime location for mold growth. The lack of air circulation, combined with possible condensation from adjacent walls or stored items that trap moisture, creates the perfect damp environment for mold to thrive behind furniture.

For a small patch (under one square meter), you can clean it yourself with a solution of white vinegar or a dedicated mold cleaner, wearing an N95 mask and gloves. However, simply wiping the visible mold often misses the root cause—the underlying moisture. The wall itself may be cold due to thermal bridging, causing constant condensation you can't see.

For a recurring or hidden problem, a professional inspection is advised to identify the precise moisture source. They can use moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to find condensation points within the wall cavity, which is common in villas here. Remediation then focuses on fixing that moisture issue first, before any cleaning, to prevent it from returning. Addressing the humidity at its source is the only way to get rid of it for good.