Safest way to permanently remove black mold from closet?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black mold that's been growing in the corner of their bedroom closet since the humidity spiked last month. We live in an older villa in Al Barsha and I'm scrubbing it with bleach but it just comes back darker. What is the safest and most permanent way to get rid of this for good without putting my family at risk?
Posted by Seung Zhang
Asked on May 24, 2026 12:20 am
Stop scrubbing it with bleach immediately. Bleach can't penetrate porous surfaces like drywall or wood, and the moisture from cleaning can actually feed the remaining mould roots, causing it to return stronger. In Dubai's high humidity, this is a common but ineffective approach.

The safest method requires addressing the root cause: moisture. In an older Al Barsha villa, the closet's cold wall is likely creating condensation from your AC, providing a constant water source for the mould. First, move everything out of the closet. For small areas (under one square meter), you can carefully scrub the surface with a dedicated mould remover or a solution of vinegar and water, wearing an N95 mask and gloves. However, given its recurring nature and location, the mould has likely spread deeper into the wall.

Permanent removal means fixing the condensation issue. This often requires improving insulation behind the closet or increasing air circulation to that cold spot. For health concerns like persistent coughing in children, a professional inspection is strongly advised to identify the exact species and the full extent of the growth, which is often not visible. They can perform a moisture assessment to find the precise source and recommend a permanent fix for your specific villa construction. Remediation then involves physically removing and replacing contaminated porous materials like drywall or insulation to ensure it's truly gone.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 24, 2026 4:10 am