What's the fastest way to remove mold for good?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing for a couple of weeks and I finally pulled their wooden wardrobe away from the wall in our Deira apartment. The back of it and the wall behind are covered in black and green fuzzy patches. I'm really worried about their health and damaging the rental property. What is the fastest and most effective way to get rid of this mold for good?
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The fastest way to remove mold for good is to address the moisture source first, then clean the contaminated materials properly. In your Deira apartment, the wall behind the wardrobe is a classic condensation zone where stagnant, humid air gets trapped. The UAE's high humidity, combined with year-round AC creating temperature differentials, causes this exact problem.
For the mold you've found, start by mixing a solution of one part distilled white vinegar to four parts water. Wear an N95 mask and gloves. Scrub the wall and the back of the wardrobe vigorously. Do not simply paint over it, as the mold will regrow. If the drywall is soft or crumbling, the moisture damage is advanced and the wall may need to be cut out and replaced. "Permanent" removal requires stopping the condensation. After cleaning, keep the wardrobe at least two inches away from the wall to allow air circulation. A small dehumidifier in the room can help significantly. For a rental, you should notify your landlord in writing about the moisture issue, as structural repairs to external walls or faulty seals are typically their responsibility. Given the health symptoms you've described and the extent of the growth, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They can use moisture meters to find hidden dampness and air sampling to identify the mold species, which is critical for understanding potential health risks. A proper remediation will include containment to prevent spores from spreading to other areas of the apartment during cleaning. |
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