AC mold in Dubai: DIY bleach or professional removal?« Back to Previous Page

The black spots are likely Stachybotrys or Cladosporium mould, both common here due to our high humidity and AC condensation. Bleach is ineffective on porous surfaces like drywall—it only bleaches the surface colour while the mould roots remain inside.

For a small area (under one square foot), you can carefully clean it yourself using a vinegar or hydrogen peroxide solution, not bleach. However, since the leak is ongoing, the moisture inside your wall is the real problem. Simply wiping the surface will result in immediate regrowth.

In Dubai's climate, any mould from an AC leak should be treated as a moisture intrusion issue. The leak must be repaired first to stop the water source. For a proper remediation, the affected section of drywall often needs to be cut out and replaced to ensure all contaminated material is removed, as mould penetrates deeply.

Given the leak and the spread on your wall, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They use moisture meters to find the full extent of the damage hidden behind the surface, which is almost always larger than what's visible. Reputable companies in Dubai should provide a detailed scope of work and can verify the cleanup's effectiveness with post-remediation testing from an independent lab.