Black mold behind wardrobe causing cough: urgent expert needed?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing for the past week and I just found black spots behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. We're in a ground-floor villa in Jumeirah and it's been so humid lately. Is this something I need to get an expert to handle immediately, or can I clean it myself with bleach this weekend?
Posted by Carlos De Jong
Asked on May 22, 2026 10:10 am
Yes, this requires immediate professional assessment. Given the visible black spots and your children's persistent cough, this is likely a more serious situation that bleach cannot properly address.

The high humidity we've experienced creates ideal conditions for mould growth, particularly in ground-floor villas where moisture can seep from the foundation. Mould behind furniture often indicates a larger hidden problem within the wall itself. Bleach only removes surface discoloration; it does not address the root moisture issue or kill the mould's root structure (hyphae), allowing it to regrow quickly. More importantly, cleaning it yourself can aerosolize spores, potentially worsening the respiratory symptoms.

In Dubai's climate, where AC systems run year-round, cross-contamination into your ventilation system is a real concern, which could spread the problem throughout the home. A certified mould inspector can conduct air and surface sampling to identify the species—critical for understanding the health risk—and use moisture meters to locate the source of the dampness. Remediation involves containing the area, safely removing contaminated materials, and addressing the underlying humidity or water intrusion.

For your children's health, I would recommend arranging a professional inspection with a company that provides verifiable lab results. This is not a situation to delay, given the symptoms present.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 24, 2026 8:24 am