How to remove and prevent black mold in humid room?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black mold I just found behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed it, but it must have been growing for a while in the humidity. What's the best way to completely remove it and prevent it from coming back, especially since our room faces Deira Creek and gets so damp?
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Black mold behind furniture in a humid Deira-facing room is a common issue due to the high humidity from the creek and year-round AC use. The coughing in your children is a significant indicator that this should be addressed promptly.
For removal, first identify the moisture source. It's likely condensation from the external wall or a small, unseen leak. Isolate the area by sealing the room and wearing an N95 mask and gloves. Scrub the visible mold with a dedicated mold removal cleaner or a solution of detergent and water. Avoid bleach, as it only surface-cleans and doesn't prevent regrowth on porous materials like drywall. For extensive growth (generally over one square meter) or if it has penetrated the wall, professional remediation is strongly advised to contain spores and remove contaminated materials safely. Prevention is critical. After cleaning, improve airflow immediately. Move the wardrobe at least two inches away from the wall. Use a dehumidifier, especially during the more humid winter months, to keep indoor humidity below 60%. Wipe down walls and windows regularly to remove condensation. Ensure your AC unit is serviced and its drain lines are clear to prevent internal humidity buildup. An inspection that includes air and surface sampling can identify the specific mold type and confirm the spore count has returned to a safe level, which is important when health symptoms are present. |
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