How to permanently fix damp interior wall with mold?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it’s from a black speckled mold I just found behind the chest of drawers in our master bedroom. We live in a villa in Jumeirah and the wall feels slightly damp to the touch, even though it’s an interior wall. We run the AC constantly, but it's clearly not enough. What's the best way to permanently fix the moisture issue in this wall to stop the mold from coming back after I clean it?
Posted by John Jackson
Asked on April 10, 2026 12:35 pm
The dampness on your interior wall is likely due to condensation from the extreme temperature differential between your cold, air-conditioned room and the hot, humid air trapped inside the wall cavity. This is a common issue in Dubai villas. Simply cleaning the visible mold will not stop it from returning; the moisture source must be addressed.

First, move the chest of drawers and thoroughly dry the wall. For a small patch, cleaning with a diluted white vinegar solution can be effective. However, with children experiencing symptoms, a professional inspection is strongly advised to identify the mold species and the full extent of growth, which is often more widespread behind the surface.

The permanent fix involves eliminating the condensation. This typically requires an assessment of your villa’s insulation and vapour barriers. Many older villas lack adequate insulation, allowing warm, moist outdoor air to infiltrate the walls and condense on the cooler interior surfaces. A specialist can identify the specific breach—often around AC ducting, electrical outlets, or poorly sealed windows.

The solution may involve injecting insulation into the wall cavity or applying an interior vapour barrier coating to prevent the warm air from reaching the cold wall. Improving overall room ventilation is also key; ensure your AC is not set excessively cold and that furniture isn't pushed tightly against exterior walls, blocking airflow. A dehumidifier can help, but it treats the symptom, not the root cause in the wall's structure.

For a definitive solution, a professional assessment is needed to diagnose the exact reason for the moisture accumulation within that specific wall.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 12, 2026 5:03 pm