AC leaking and black mold in bedroom vent?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah seems to be constantly leaking water into the drain pan, and now I’m seeing black spots around the vent in my master bedroom. It’s been getting worse since the humidity started rising last month. What’s the best way to clean this safely and who should I call to fix the underlying AC issue to stop it from coming back?
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The black spots are likely Cladosporium or Stachybotrys mould, a direct result of the AC condensate leak providing constant moisture. In Dubai's high humidity, this is a common issue that worsens when drain lines clog or drain pans crack.
For cleaning, do not use bleach. A solution of white vinegar or a dedicated mould remover sprayed on the vent (after turning the AC off) can address surface growth. However, this is only a temporary fix if the leak persists. The underlying issue requires a certified HVAC technician to resolve. They need to unclog the condensate drain line, ensure the pump is working if you have one, and verify the drain pan is properly sloped and not cracked. This is a mechanical fix, not a cleaning one. Given the visible growth inside the vent, a professional inspection is advised to assess if contamination exists within the ductwork itself, which requires specialized equipment to clean. For verification, any remediation company should provide before-and-after surface or air sample lab results from an accredited microbiology lab to confirm the spore count has been returned to safe levels. |
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