AC leak causing mold and child's cough: professional cleanup needed?« Back to Previous Page

Our master bedroom AC unit has been leaking a bit for the last month and now we’re seeing these black splotches spreading on the wall behind the wardrobe. My youngest has had a bit of a persistent cough that seems worse at night, and I’m starting to worry it’s connected. Is this something I can clean with bleach myself, or do I need to call a professional company to handle it?
Posted by Carmen Ricci
Asked on March 17, 2026 7:57 pm
Based on your description, this is a classic and serious case of mold growth due to an AC condensate leak, a common issue in Dubai's humid climate. The black splotches are likely Stachybotrys chartarum or another toxigenic species, which thrive in the constant moisture from a leaking AC unit. The persistent cough in your child, especially worsening at night in that room, is a significant red flag and a common symptom of mold spore exposure.

Do not use bleach. Bleach is ineffective on porous surfaces like drywall, as it only bleaches the surface mold while leaving the root structure intact. More critically, it can aggravate the situation by releasing a high volume of harmful spores and toxic vapors into the air during cleaning, potentially worsening your child's respiratory symptoms.

This scenario absolutely requires professional intervention. The remediation process is technical: it starts with containing the area to prevent cross-contamination, using HEPA filtration to capture airborne spores, safely removing and disposing of the contaminated porous materials (the affected section of drywall and possibly the wardrobe backing), and then thoroughly treating the cavity and adjacent areas with professional-grade antimicrobial solutions. Crucially, the root cause—the AC leak—must be identified and repaired by an HVAC technician to prevent immediate recurrence.

Given the health symptoms and the extent of growth, we strongly recommend you call for a professional inspection and remediation. Our certified team at Saniservice can conduct a thorough assessment, including air quality testing, and execute a safe, compliant remediation. Please contact us immediately at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 19, 2026 11:30 pm