How to safely remove mold from clothes and room?« Back to Previous Page

The black spots and damp smell indicate active mold growth, which is very common here due to high humidity and condensation in AC-cooled homes. For the clothes, do not attempt to wash them with bleach or harsh chemicals in your machine, as this can aerosolize spores throughout your apartment. Seal the moldy items in a plastic bag immediately.

For washable fabrics, sun-drying is your safest first step. The UAE sun's UV radiation can help kill surface mold. After sun exposure, wash them with a cup of white vinegar or a few drops of tea tree oil added to the detergent cycle—both are natural fungicides. For non-washable items like winter coats, professional ozone treatment is the most effective option.

The room itself requires addressing the source. That earthy smell means spores are airborne. The storage cupboard is likely a condensation point. Wipe all surfaces with a vinegar or diluted hydrogen peroxide solution. Crucially, you must identify and eliminate the moisture source. It's often a small AC leak or lack of ventilation. Run a dehumidifier in the room continuously.

Given the persistent cough in your children, which is a classic reaction to mold exposure, this situation likely extends beyond what you can see. Mold grows inside walls and AC units when there's condensation. The safest approach is a professional inspection with moisture mapping and air testing to identify all colonies. In many Ajman and Dubai apartments, the problem originates in the AC drip pan or ductwork, which requires specialized cleaning. A company with its own microbiology lab can provide a species identification from a tape lift sample, which is important for understanding health risks and the correct remediation method.