Can we clean apartmant mold ourselves or need professionals?« Back to Previous Page

That damp smell and black spots behind the wardrobe are classic signs of a mould issue, likely worsened by Dubai's high humidity and constant AC use. Your husband's stuffy nose is a common reaction to mould spores in the air.

For a small, surface-level patch (less than one square meter), a DIY clean with a vinegar solution or a commercial mould remover can be effective. Bleach is not recommended as it only removes the colour and can leave moisture behind, allowing the mould to regrow. However, your situation suggests a larger problem. The smell permeating the walls and the growth behind furniture indicates potential hidden moisture and mould within the wall cavity or AC system itself, which DIY methods cannot address.

In this case, a professional inspection is strongly advised. They will use moisture meters and borescopes to assess the wall's interior and can take air and surface samples for lab analysis to identify the mould species. This is critical for an effective remediation plan, as some types require specific containment procedures to prevent spores from spreading throughout your apartment during cleanup. Given the climate, the source is often condensation from the AC unit or a slow leak, which must be repaired first; otherwise, the mould will return quickly.