Mold in bedroom causing illness: remove myself or call professional?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the mold behind your wardrobe is very likely the cause of your symptoms. The damp, earthy smell is a classic indicator of active microbial growth, and the symptoms you both describe—stuffy nose, sore throat, and persistent cough—are common reactions to mold exposure, particularly during sleep when you're inhaling the spores for hours.

In Dubai's climate, this is a frequent issue. The high humidity creates condensation on cooler exterior walls, especially behind large furniture like wardrobes that restrict airflow. This trapped moisture provides the perfect environment for mold to flourish, even with year-round AC running.

For a small patch (under one square meter), you can attempt to clean it yourself. Wear an N95 mask, gloves, and safety glasses. Scrub the area with a mixture of detergent and water, then disinfect with a solution of one part white vinegar to four parts water. Allow the wall to dry completely using a fan before moving the furniture back. Crucially, you must identify and address the moisture source; this is often condensation, but you must also check for any hidden plumbing leaks.

However, given the symptoms have persisted for months and the mold is fuzzy (suggesting it's well-established), a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They can use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the full extent of the problem, which often spreads inside wall cavities. A proper remediation company will contain the area, use HEPA filtration to capture spores, and safely remove the contaminated materials. For verification, they can also take air or surface samples for lab analysis to identify the species and confirm the spore count in your bedroom has returned to a normal level. This scientific approach is the only way to be certain the health hazard is truly resolved.