Safely remove mold from kids' bedroom in humid climate?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing for a couple of weeks and I suspect it's because of the black spots I just found behind their bedroom wardrobe. We've lived in our Jumeirah villa for 2 years and just noticed this, probably from the humidity. What is the safest and most effective way to get rid of this mold without putting my family at risk?
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Black spots behind furniture in a Jumeirah villa are a classic sign of condensation mould, exacerbated by our high humidity and constant AC use. The safest first step is to have a professional inspection to identify the mould species and the moisture source. For children's respiratory symptoms, this is recommended to rule out hazardous types like Stachybotrys.
For a small, visible patch, you can carefully clean it yourself. Wear an N95 mask, gloves, and goggles. Isolate the area by closing the door and open a window if possible. Scrub the spot with a mixture of detergent and water, or a dedicated mould-cleaning solution. Avoid bleach, as it doesn't prevent regrowth and can irritate airways. After cleaning, allow the wall to dry completely. However, cleaning alone is a temporary fix. The root cause is excess moisture. In Dubai, this is often due to inadequate ventilation or a thermal bridge where the cold wall meets the warm, humid room air. To prevent recurrence, improve air circulation behind the wardrobe. A dehumidifier in the room can significantly reduce ambient moisture levels. For a persistent issue, a professional assessment can identify if deeper wall drying or AC system adjustments are needed to manage the home's humidity. |
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