AC leak causing mold on carpet; how to clean and fix?« Back to Previous Page

That water leak is almost certainly causing mold growth. The combination of standing water from the AC and Dubai's high humidity creates the perfect environment for it. Your first step is to stop the moisture source immediately.

For a small area (under one square meter), you can carefully clean it yourself. Wear an N95 mask and gloves. Scrub the affected skirting board and carpet with a solution of detergent and water, then wipe with a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) to disinfect. Ensure the area is thoroughly dried with a wet-dry vacuum and fans; simply wiping isn't enough. Do not attempt this if you have respiratory issues.

The AC leak must be fixed by a certified HVAC technician. The most common causes are a clogged condensate drain line or a damaged drain pan. Do not just clean the mold without fixing the underlying leak, as it will return quickly. For larger areas of mold, or if the staining has penetrated deep into the carpet or wall, a professional assessment is needed to determine if removal and replacement of materials is safer. A proper inspection can identify the exact mold type and the full extent of the problem, which is often hidden within walls or under flooring.