Black mold in closet: DIY bleach or professional removal in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle seems to be leaking a bit, and now I’ve found a patch of black mold in the corner of my bedroom closet. It’s been humid lately and the spot is about the size of a dinner plate, spreading on the drywall. Is this something I can handle myself with bleach, or should I call a professional company for mold removal, and what’s the typical cost for a job like this in Dubai?
Posted by Emma De Jong
Asked on May 21, 2026 8:08 am
For a patch the size of a dinner plate spreading on drywall, especially given Dubai's high humidity and your AC leak, professional removal is strongly recommended. Bleach is a surface-level treatment that cannot address mould growing within the porous drywall itself, and the underlying moisture from the AC leak must be identified and repaired to prevent immediate recurrence.

The Dubai climate, particularly during the summer and in enclosed spaces like closets, creates ideal conditions for mould to thrive on condensation. A professional inspection will first identify the source of the moisture—in this case, likely related to the AC leak and possibly poor insulation—and contain the area to prevent spores from spreading during remediation. They will then remove and replace the contaminated drywall, treat the underlying structure, and verify with testing that the space is safe.

While regulations don't dictate residential remediation, reputable companies follow standards from bodies like the IICRC. The cost for a job of this scale is typically influenced by the extent of drywall replacement and the diagnostic work needed to trace the AC leak. For an accurate assessment, you should request an on-site inspection from a provider that can show documented before-and-after results from an independent lab.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 21, 2026 2:30 pm