How to permanently stop mold in humid UAE bedroom?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's because of the black mold that's started growing in the corners of their bedroom closet. We live in an older building in Deira, and even though we run the AC constantly, the room feels really humid. I wipe it away, but it just comes back within a couple of weeks.
What's the most effective long-term solution to stop this mold from returning, especially with our UAE humidity? Should I invest in a dehumidifier for just that room, or is there a specific kind of paint or treatment for the walls that actually works?
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The recurring mold points to a persistent humidity source that wiping alone won't fix. In Deira's older buildings, this is often a combination of the external climate and internal factors like thermal bridging in the walls or an AC unit not properly dehumidifying.
First, address the AC. Constant running doesn't guarantee proper dehumidification. Ensure the unit is set to a "Dry" or low-cooling mode and that its filters are clean. A malfunctioning AC can cool the air without removing enough moisture, making the problem worse. The cold closet walls may be a condensation point. A standalone dehumidifier for that room is an effective immediate solution to break the humidity cycle, aiming to keep relative humidity below 60%. For a long-term fix, the walls need treatment. Merely painting over it will fail. The mold must be professionally remediated, then the area treated with a dedicated antimicrobial coating before being repainted with a premium mold-resistant paint. These paints contain additives that inhibit spore growth. However, for a persistent issue in a child's bedroom, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They can identify if the problem is superficial or if there's a more serious issue within the wall cavity itself, which would require a different approach. A science-driven company can also perform surface and air tests to identify the mold type and confirm the source, ensuring the solution is targeted and permanent. |
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