AC leak causing mold and sinus headaches: DIY or professional?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our bedroom in our Jumeirah villa has been leaking a bit for the last couple of months, and now we’re seeing black spots on the wall behind the wardrobe. My wife has started getting bad sinus headaches that seem to clear up when she’s out of the house. Is this something I can handle myself with bleach, or do I need to call a professional mold remediation company in Dubai, and what’s the typical cost for a small room like this?
Posted by Reem Al-Qasim
Asked on May 17, 2026 9:55 pm
The sinus headaches that improve outside your home strongly suggest a biological contaminant indoors, and the black spots behind the wardrobe are a clear sign of mould growth from the AC condensate leak. In Dubai's high humidity, this persistent moisture creates an ideal environment for mould, which often causes the exact sinus symptoms you describe.

For a situation involving a leak that has persisted for months and is already affecting health, DIY with bleach is not recommended. Bleach only removes surface discolouration on non-porous materials; it cannot penetrate drywall or wood to kill the root structure of the mould, and the fumes can aggravate respiratory issues. The leak must be repaired first, or the mould will return immediately.

This requires a professional assessment. The mould behind the wardrobe is likely just the visible portion; there could be more extensive growth inside the wall cavity. A reputable remediation company will first identify and fix the AC leak at its source, then contain the area to prevent spores from spreading during removal. They should remove and replace the affected drywall and treat the underlying structure. The final step is verification, typically with post-remediation testing, to confirm the environment has returned to a normal fungal ecology.

Cost is driven by the extent of hidden damage and the required containment. For a single room with a contained leak, the process is generally more straightforward. You should request an on-site inspection from a provider with documented methodologies and testing capabilities to get an accurate scope of work and associated cost.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 18, 2026 11:20 pm