Is large black mold a DIY or professional job?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black mold I just found behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. It's a pretty big patch, maybe two feet wide, and we've lived here for 2 years and just noticed it because we were rearranging furniture. I'm worried about their health but also not sure if this is something I can tackle myself with bleach or if I need to call one of those professional mold removal companies here. Is this a DIY job or should I get professional help for something this size?
Posted by Patricia Davis
Asked on May 24, 2026 10:40 pm
A patch that size, especially after two years of hidden growth, is a professional job. In Dubai's climate, visible mould is often just the surface of a deeper problem, as high humidity and constant AC use create ideal conditions for it to penetrate porous materials like drywall and concrete.

Bleach is ineffective on porous surfaces—it only removes surface discoloration while leaving the root structure intact. Disturbing it yourself also risks releasing a large number of spores into your home's air, which can exacerbate your children's coughing and spread the contamination.

Professional remediation is advised here for three reasons. First, they will contain the area to prevent cross-contamination. Second, they have the equipment and antimicrobial treatments to properly remove the mould and its roots from the building material. Finally, and most critically, they will identify and address the underlying moisture source—which could be a hidden condensation leak from an AC pipe, a seepage issue from the external wall, or poor ventilation—to prevent it from returning.

Given the health symptoms, I would also recommend a professional inspection and possibly air quality testing to understand the full scope and species present, as this can inform the remediation strategy.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 27, 2026 7:35 pm