How to safely remove black mold from shower sealant?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month, and I've started getting headaches every time I shower. I finally pulled back the silicone sealant around our shower in our Jumeirah apartment and found a ton of black, fuzzy mold growing underneath. I'm really worried this is what's making us sick. What's the safest and most effective way to get this professionally cleaned and make sure it doesn't come back?
Posted by Chen Choi
Asked on April 26, 2026 12:25 am
Black mold under shower sealant is a common issue in Dubai due to the high humidity and condensation that builds up in bathrooms, even with year-round AC use. The symptoms you describe—persistent coughing and headaches—are frequently associated with prolonged exposure to the mycotoxins and spores that this type of mold releases.

For a growth of this magnitude, especially given the health symptoms, a professional assessment is strongly recommended. The safest removal process involves containment to prevent spores from spreading to other areas of your home. Professionals will use HEPA vacuums and antimicrobial agents specifically designed for porous surfaces like silicone. The old sealant must be completely removed, the underlying substrate treated and dried, and then new, high-quality sealant applied.

To prevent recurrence, the root cause must be addressed. This means improving bathroom ventilation; run the exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes after every shower. Wiping down shower walls and squeegeeing glass doors to remove standing water is also critical. In many Dubai apartments, the AC system may not be adequately dehumidifying the air, which can be verified with a humidity meter. A professional inspection can identify these hidden moisture sources. For health-related cases, a post-remediation verification test from an independent lab is the only way to confirm the space is safe and the allergen load has been measurably reduced.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 27, 2026 1:15 am