Fastest way to professionally treat mold with kids?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop since the heavy rains last month, and I just found a patch of black, fuzzy mold in the corner of their bedroom closet where it meets the wall. We live in an older villa in Jumeirah and the room always feels a bit damp, no matter how much we run the AC. What’s the fastest and safest way to get this professionally treated, especially with young children in the house?
Posted by Ken Li
Asked on May 5, 2026 5:45 pm
The fastest and safest approach with children present is a two-step process: professional remediation followed by environmental correction. Do not attempt to clean the patch yourself, as disturbing it can aerosolize spores that worsen respiratory issues. The dampness you describe indicates a persistent moisture source, likely from condensation within the wall or a minor leak, which must be addressed to prevent immediate regrowth.

For professional treatment, contact a company that follows IICRC S520 standards for mold remediation. They will first contain the affected area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to prevent spore spread to the rest of the house. The mold-infested materials (like drywall or insulation) will be safely removed. The area will then be HEPA-vacuumed and treated with antimicrobial solutions. Crucially, the company should use a third-party, accredited microbiology lab to conduct pre- and post-remediation testing to verify the spore count in the room's air has returned to safe, background levels. This documented clearance testing is your proof the job was done correctly.

Concurrently, a technician should diagnose the moisture source. In older Dubai villas, this is often poor insulation causing condensation on cold walls behind closets, or a small leak from AC drain lines or plumbing. Without fixing this, mold will return. Long-term, consider installing a small dehumidifier in that room, as our coastal humidity ensures mold will exploit any damp surface. Keep children and pets out of the area until the post-remediation lab report confirms it is clear.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 5, 2026 9:05 pm