AC mold behind wardrobe: DIY bleach or call professional?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has been leaking a bit, and now I’m seeing a small patch of black mold, about the size of a dinner plate, on the wall behind my bedroom wardrobe. It’s been slowly getting worse over the last month. Is this something I can handle myself with bleach from Ace Hardware, or should I just call a professional company for mold remediation, and what’s the typical cost for a job this size?
Posted by Barbara Hill
Asked on May 2, 2026 11:16 am
For a patch that size, especially with an active leak, calling a professional is strongly recommended. The visible mold is often just the surface growth; the real issue is the moisture trapped inside your wall and potentially in the insulation, which bleach cannot reach.

Bleach is surface-active and ineffective on porous materials like drywall and concrete. It can also release the mold spores into the air, worsening the problem. In Dubai's high humidity, the underlying cause—the AC condensate leak—must be professionally repaired first. Otherwise, the mold will return quickly.

A proper remediation involves isolating the area, removing the contaminated porous materials (like that section of drywall), HEPA vacuuming, and antimicrobial treatment to address the root cause. For a dinner-plate-sized area, the cost is typically not for a major project, but you should request an on-site assessment. The final price will depend on the extent of the hidden damage and the repairs needed to the AC unit itself to prevent recurrence.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 4, 2026 2:36 pm