How to safely clean mold from closet for kids?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing non-stop since the weather got more humid, and I just found a patch of black and green spots in the back of our walk-in wardrobe where we store their winter clothes. We live in an older villa in Mirdif, and this closet is on the outside wall. What’s the best way to get this cleaned properly and make sure it’s safe for them?
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The black and green spots in your wardrobe are a common issue in older Mirdif villas, especially on exterior walls where condensation forms due to the high humidity interacting with cool interior AC temperatures. This moisture creates an ideal environment for mold growth.
For your children's safety, do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing the mold without proper containment will release a high concentration of spores into your home's air, which they will inhale, likely worsening their coughing. The first step is to isolate the area; keep the closet door closed and limit access. A professional inspection is strongly recommended to assess the extent of the growth, both visible and within the wall cavity. In Dubai, remediation companies should follow internationally recognized guidelines like the IICRC S520. The proper remediation process involves setting up containment with negative air pressure to prevent cross-contamination, using HEPA filtration to scrub the air, and safely removing the affected materials. The underlying cause, which is almost certainly moisture from condensation on that exterior wall, must also be diagnosed and addressed to prevent immediate recurrence. After remediation, a post-testing verification by an independent third party is the only way to confirm the air quality is safe and the mold count has returned to normal levels. This provides peace of mind that the environment is healthy for your kids. For storage of sensitive items like winter clothing in the UAE climate, consider using sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes or direct contact with exterior walls, and a dehumidifier can help manage ambient moisture. |
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