How to permanently remove bedroom mold causing cough in kids?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it might be from the black spots I just found behind our bedroom wardrobe in Jumeirah Park. The AC has been running non-stop for months, but after last week's heavy dew, the room just feels damp all the time. What's the most effective way to deal with this that won't just make the mold come back in a month?
Posted by Daniel Wright
Asked on April 30, 2026 6:45 am
Black spots behind a wardrobe with a constant AC and recent heavy dew point to a serious condensation issue, which is common here. For a persistent problem causing respiratory symptoms in children, a temporary clean will not suffice; you must address the moisture source.

First, do not disturb the mold. Cleaning it without containment can aerosolize spores, potentially worsening the cough. Move the children to another room. The most effective permanent solution is a two-step process: identify the exact moisture source and then perform professional-grade remediation.

In your case, the location suggests "cold bridging." The exterior wall behind the wardrobe is likely cooler than the room's dew point, causing condensation every time the humid air touches it. The wardrobe traps this moisture, creating a perfect mold farm. Permanently fixing this requires moving the furniture away from the wall to allow air circulation and potentially improving the wall's insulation.

For remediation, DIY bleach sprays are ineffective on porous surfaces and can worsen indoor air quality. Proper removal involves isolating the area with plastic sheeting, using HEPA filtration to capture airborne spores, and removing contaminated materials like damaged drywall or insulation. The area must then be cleaned with specialized antimicrobial agents and dried completely with industrial equipment to a moisture content below 15%.

Given the health symptoms, a professional inspection is strongly advised. They can use thermal imaging to pinpoint the exact condensation points and moisture meters to confirm the wall is dry post-remediation. In Dubai, companies operating to IICRC standards provide this level of detail. The key to preventing recurrence is verifying the underlying humidity is controlled; this often means ensuring your AC is correctly sized and maintained to act as a dehumidifier, not just a cooler.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 1, 2026 6:02 pm