Is black mold causing our symptoms and safe to remove?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the black mold in your closet is very likely causing your symptoms. The stuffy noses and headaches that clear up when you leave the home are classic signs of mold exposure. In Dubai's high humidity, closets are prime spots for mold growth due to poor air circulation from the AC, allowing condensation to form on cooler walls.

For a small patch (under one square meter), you can attempt to clean it yourself. Wear an N95 mask, gloves, and safety glasses. Use a mixture of white vinegar or a dedicated mold-cleaning solution, scrub the area, and ensure it is completely dry. Discard any contaminated items like the shoes stored there.

However, given that the mold is behind items and has likely been growing for two years, there is a high probability the growth is more extensive within the wall or under the flooring. Disturbing it during a DIY clean could release a large number of spores and worsen your air quality. The symptoms you're both experiencing also indicate the airborne spore count is already affecting your health.

In this case, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They will use moisture meters and thermal cameras to find the hidden moisture source and assess the full extent. A proper remediation plan from a certified company is needed to safely contain the area, remove the contaminated materials, and address the underlying humidity issue to prevent it from returning, which is critical in our climate.