Can I clean moldy clothes myself or hire professional?« Back to Previous Page

Stop using those clothes immediately and isolate them in a plastic bag. The damp, earthy smell confirms active microbial growth, which is likely the source of the respiratory irritation your kids are experiencing.

For a few isolated spots, you can attempt cleaning with a vinegar solution or a specialized mould remover. However, given the description of "a bunch" of items with widespread "black and green fuzzy spots," this indicates a significant infestation that household products cannot reliably address. The mould has penetrated the fabric fibers, and improper cleaning can aerosolize the spores, worsening your indoor air quality and your children's symptoms. In Dubai's climate, where high humidity and constant AC use create ideal conditions for mould, this level of growth in a storage room suggests a persistent moisture issue that also needs to be identified.

Professional remediation is strongly advised. They use industrial-grade HEPA filtration and specialized treatments to safely decontaminate the items without spreading spores throughout your home. More critically, a certified inspector should assess the storage room itself for the moisture source—this could be condensation from an AC duct, a minor leak, or poor ventilation—and provide a protocol to prevent recurrence. For health verification, a post-remediation test can confirm the environment is safe. Given the effect on your children, this is not a situation for DIY; effective treatment requires addressing both the contaminated items and the root cause in the room.