AC Leaking nad Mold Spots - How to Clean and Fix?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle seems to be leaking a bit of water onto the carpet below it, and now I’m seeing a few small black spots on the wall behind the unit. It’s been getting worse since the humidity really kicked in a couple of weeks ago. What’s the best way to clean this myself and who should I call to fix the AC to make sure it doesn’t just come back?
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The water leak is likely condensation from a blocked drain line, a very common issue in Dubai's high humidity. The black spots are almost certainly mold, thriving in the damp environment created by the leak.
For a small area, you can clean the visible mold on non-porous surfaces yourself. Wear a mask and gloves. Use a mixture of one part white vinegar to one part water or a diluted bleach solution (check product guidelines), scrub the area, and allow it to dry completely. Do not attempt this on drywall or porous materials, as you'll only spread the spores. However, cleaning is only a temporary fix. The root cause is the AC leak. You must call a certified HVAC technician to clear the condensate drain line, check the drain pan, and ensure the unit is properly sealed and insulated. Without this repair, the mold will return quickly. Given the leak has already affected the wall, a professional mold inspection is strongly recommended. The moisture may have seeped into the wall cavity behind the visible spots, where a larger, hidden colony could be growing. An inspector can use a moisture meter and borescope to assess the wall's interior. For confirmed growth inside walls, remediation by a certified company is necessary to remove the affected material safely and prevent spores from spreading through your home. |
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