AC and mold in closet: need immediate professional help?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment seems to be leaking a bit of water into the closet in our master bedroom. I just pulled out a stack of winter clothes I stored in there and found a bunch of black spots all over my jackets and the back wall. We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed this now. Is this something I need to call a professional to handle immediately, or can it wait a few days until the weekend?
Posted by Mary Hill
Asked on March 29, 2026 10:15 pm
Yes, this requires immediate professional assessment. The combination of a leaking AC unit and visible mould in a closet is a high-priority issue in Dubai's climate.

The AC leak is providing a constant moisture source, and the enclosed, dark closet is an ideal environment for rapid mould proliferation. The black spots indicate an active colony that is already damaging your property and releasing spores into your indoor air. Given the high humidity levels year-round, delaying remediation by even a few days allows the colony to expand significantly, increasing both the cleanup cost and potential health risks like respiratory irritation or allergic reactions.

For a case like this, a professional inspection is strongly advised. The process must start with identifying and repairing the AC leak—the root cause. Simply cleaning the mould without fixing the moisture problem will result in its swift return. A proper remediation involves containment of the area to prevent cross-contamination, safe removal of affected porous materials (like damaged drywall or insulation), and thorough cleaning of salvageable items and surfaces.

In Dubai, reputable remediation providers should follow international guidelines like the IICRC S520 and be able to provide before-and-after testing to verify the air and surface spore counts have returned to normal levels. Do not attempt a significant cleanup yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and spread the problem throughout your apartment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 1, 2026 9:59 am