AC leak causing mold in Dubai: DIY or call professional?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the description, you should call a professional. The combination of a persistent AC leak, visible spreading, and a strong, pervasive odour indicates an active colony that has likely penetrated the porous wall materials and your shoes.

In Dubai's high humidity, surface cleaning with vinegar is often insufficient for this level of growth. The moisture from the leak has probably seeped into the wall structure, providing a continuous food source for the mould. A professional inspection, often involving moisture meters and borescopes, is needed to assess the full extent of the water damage and mould penetration behind the wall. The strong musty smell is a clear sign that the problem is more than superficial.

For a situation like this, remediation should follow standards like the IICRC S520, which involves containment, HEPA filtration, and removal of contaminated porous materials like drywall and insulation. Without this, spores will continue to spread. Addressing the root cause is also critical; an AC technician must repair the leak to prevent immediate recurrence. Given the climate, a company with its own microbiology lab can provide precise identification of the mould type, which informs the correct remediation protocol and confirms the cleanup's effectiveness with post-remediation verification testing.