Should I handle closet mold myself or call maintenance?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our master bedroom closet has been leaking for a while, and I just pulled out a stack of my winter clothes to find they’re covered in black and green fuzzy mold. The wall behind them feels damp and the smell is awful. What’s the best way to handle this myself, or should I just call my building’s maintenance immediately?
Posted by Anthony Harris
Asked on April 15, 2026 10:05 pm
This situation requires immediate action and professional assessment. Given the visible mold on belongings, damp wall, and strong odor, this is a serious moisture issue that has been developing over time. In Dubai's high humidity, mold can spread quickly into building materials, making DIY cleanup insufficient for a problem of this scale.

Your first call should be to your building's maintenance team. They need to address the source of the AC leak, which is likely a clogged condensate drain line—a very common issue here due to dust and constant AC operation. They are responsible for fixing the leak to prevent further damage. However, standard building maintenance teams are not typically equipped for mold remediation; they stop the water, not the biological growth.

For the mold itself, professional remediation is strongly advised. Spores are certainly airborne now, and improper cleaning can aerosolize them further, spreading the contamination. Do not attempt to clean the clothes with bleach or other household products, as this can set the stains and spores. A professional service with experience in contents cleaning can often salvage mold-damaged textiles using specialized techniques.

The remediation process should include containment of the area, HEPA vacuuming, antimicrobial treatment, and addressing the moisture in the wall cavity. The final, critical step is verification. A post-remediation test from an independent lab is the only way to confirm the air and surfaces are back to a safe, normal fungal ecology. For a case involving porous materials like drywall and fabric, a professional approach is the most effective and safest solution.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 16, 2026 8:04 am