How to prevent mold from AC leak in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah seems to be leaking a bit of water onto the carpet below the vent, and now I’m seeing a few small black spots on the baseboard. I’ve wiped it down, but I’m worried it’s just going to come back with this humidity. What’s the best long-term fix to stop the mold from recurring in this spot?
Posted by Gary Taylor
Asked on May 10, 2026 10:45 am
The water leak is the primary issue that must be fixed first to prevent recurrence. In Dubai's climate, this constant moisture combined with high humidity creates an ideal environment for mold. The black spots are a clear sign of active growth.

Your immediate priority is to have a licensed AC technician inspect and repair the leak. Common causes in UAE apartments include a clogged condensate drain line, a damaged drain pan, or low refrigerant levels causing the unit to freeze and then drip. Simply wiping the mold will not stop it as the spores have already penetrated the porous materials. For a proper long-term fix, the damp carpet and baseboard must be professionally dried and cleaned. If the moisture has been present for more than 48 hours, the backing of the carpet or the wall behind the baseboard may be affected, which often requires removal and replacement to fully resolve.

After the leak is repaired and the affected materials are addressed, prevent future issues by ensuring consistent AC operation to control indoor humidity. Using a dehumidifier in the room can also help, especially during the more humid winter months. For confirmation that the area is fully resolved, a post-remediation verification test from an independent lab can provide peace of mind by checking that spore counts have returned to normal indoor levels.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 11, 2026 4:57 am