AC leak causing mold in Dubai villa: who to call?« Back to Previous Page

First, address the AC leak immediately—this is the source of your moisture problem. In Dubai's climate, AC units work year-round and condensate drain lines can clog with dust and microbial growth, leading to leaks that create ideal damp conditions for mould. The black patches are likely mould feeding on the organic material in the drywall or wallpaper paste.

For the mould itself, cleaning visible patches with a microfiber cloth and a solution of detergent and water can help on non-porous surfaces. However, since it's on a wall and likely penetrated the porous material, surface cleaning won't remove the roots. Disturbing it without proper containment can also spread spores. For a child's bedroom, a professional assessment is strongly recommended to determine the extent and type of mould, as some species common in AC systems can exacerbate allergies and respiratory irritation.

You need two separate specialists: an HVAC technician to permanently fix the AC condensate drain line and ensure the unit is properly sealed and draining, and a mould assessment professional to inspect the wall cavity. The wardrobe must be moved to assess the full damage. The wall may need cutting, drying, and potentially section replacement if the drywall is compromised. In Dubai, look for providers with certified mould remediation technicians (like IICRC-certified) and those who use lab analysis to identify the mould type, as this dictates the correct remediation protocol. Simply painting over it or using bleach will not solve the problem; the moisture source must be eliminated first.