Urgent to remove black mold in shower or DIY?« Back to Previous Page

My bathroom in our Jumeirah apartment has had this musty smell for weeks, but I just pulled back the silicone sealant around the shower and found a bunch of black, fuzzy mold. It’s been so humid lately that the window is constantly fogged up. How urgently do I need to get this professionally cleaned, or is this something I can handle myself with a trip to ACE Hardware before it gets worse?
Posted by Lauren Garcia
Asked on May 1, 2026 11:20 pm
Black mold in a shower sealant is common in Dubai's humidity, but it requires immediate attention. The urgency depends on the extent. If the mold is only on the surface of the silicone and covers a small area (e.g., less than a square foot), a thorough DIY cleaning can be effective.

For a small patch, use a dedicated mold remover from a hardware store or a solution of diluted bleach. Scrub thoroughly, ensuring the area is completely dry afterward. However, if the mold has penetrated behind the sealant, tiles, or drywall, or if there's any discoloration on adjacent walls, it's a sign of a deeper moisture issue. In high-humidity environments like Dubai apartments, this hidden growth is common and often requires professional assessment to locate the full extent.

Persistent musty smells strongly suggest hidden mold growth within the wall cavity or under the floor, which DIY cleaning cannot address. Given the climate, where constant AC use can spread spores, and considering potential health risks for households with allergies or asthma, a professional inspection is recommended for anything beyond a very small, surface-level patch. They can use moisture meters and borescopes to check inside walls and recommend a proper remediation plan, which usually includes removing and replacing compromised sealants and building materials.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 2, 2026 6:18 pm