AC mold in Dubai: DIY bleach or call professional?« Back to Previous Page

That black speckling is likely mold, and it's a very common issue in Dubai apartments due to our high humidity and constant AC use. The leak from your AC unit is providing the perfect source of moisture for it to grow.

Using a supermarket bleach spray is not recommended for porous surfaces like drywall. Bleach only kills surface mold on non-porous materials and does not address the root cause—the moisture. More importantly, it can release a high number of spores and harmful fumes into your indoor air during scrubbing, which is a health risk. For a small, surface-level area on a non-porous surface, a vinegar solution or dedicated commercial mold cleaner can be effective, but the wall behind your wardrobe is a serious concern.

Given the location and the fact it's spreading, this requires professional assessment. The wall itself is likely damp inside, and the mold growth could be extensive behind the surface. In Dubai, a proper remediation process involves identifying and stopping the moisture source first—in this case, having an AC technician repair the leak. The affected section of drywall often needs to be carefully removed and replaced to ensure all hidden mold is gone, followed by HEPA vacuuming and antimicrobial treatment of the area.

For a situation like this, it is advisable to have a certified mold inspector assess the full extent. They can provide a scope of work for remediation, which should be performed by a company using industry standards for containment to prevent cross-contamination.