Mold behind wardrobe: clean myself or call a pro?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing for a couple of weeks and I’m worried it’s from the black stuff I just found behind our wardrobe in the master bedroom. We’ve lived here for 2 years and just noticed it when we moved the furniture to rearrange. The wall feels a bit damp, probably from the AC unit on the other side. Is this something I can clean myself with bleach or do I need to call a professional to check for a bigger problem?
Posted by Brian Hill
Asked on April 22, 2026 4:25 am
That black substance behind the wardrobe is a serious concern, especially with the kids coughing. The damp wall suggests a persistent moisture source, likely condensation from the AC unit's cold surface or a slow leak in the pipework inside the wall.

In Dubai's climate, this is a common issue. The high humidity combined with year-round AC use creates perfect conditions for mould when cold interior walls meet warm, moist air. Bleach is not recommended—it only removes surface discoloration and can worsen the problem by adding moisture. More critically, it doesn't address the root cause: the hidden moisture.

Because the wall is damp and you have health symptoms, a professional inspection is strongly advised. The visible mould is likely just the tip of the iceberg; the main colony is probably inside the wall cavity. A proper assessment will identify the exact moisture source (like a leaking AC condensate drain pipe) and the extent of the infestation. They can then perform remediation that controls spores and addresses the water issue, which is the only way to prevent it from returning. For health safety, it's best to have the area tested to identify the mould species.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 22, 2026 10:32 am