How to treat black mold in bedrom or call maintenance??« Back to Previous Page

We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed a patch of black mold in the corner of our master bedroom closet, behind some clothes. It must have been growing slowly for a while, but I only spotted it today when I was reorganizing. The wall feels slightly damp to the touch, and I'm really worried it's spreading. What's the most effective way to treat this myself, or should I call my building's maintenance immediately?
Posted by Manoj Tiwari
Asked on April 25, 2026 6:16 am
Black mold in a bedroom closet is a common issue in Dubai due to high humidity and condensation from year-round AC use. The damp wall suggests an ongoing moisture source, which must be addressed first.

For a small patch (under one square foot), you can clean it yourself. Wear an N95 mask and gloves. Scrub the area with a mixture of detergent and water, or a vinegar solution. Do not use bleach, as it only removes the color and does not kill the mold roots. Dry the area completely with a fan. However, since the wall is damp, the mold is likely growing within the wall cavity, making DIY cleaning a temporary fix.

You should call your building's maintenance immediately. Dubai Law No. 11 of 2013 and the Dubai Building Code place responsibility on the property owner or management to maintain a habitable environment free of dampness and mold. They need to identify and repair the moisture source, which is likely a hidden condensation line leak, a crack in the external wall, or internal pipe leakage.

Given the concealed nature and the fact it's been growing for some time, a professional inspection is strongly recommended to assess the full extent. They use moisture meters and borescopes to see inside walls. For health safety, especially with black mold, lab testing can identify the species and guide the proper remediation protocol. Simply painting over it or surface cleaning will not solve the problem; the underlying moisture must be eliminated.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 26, 2026 3:52 pm