Best way to treat closet mold in a Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Based on your description of a persistent damp smell and visible black mold on leather goods in an old Deira apartment, this is a clear indicator of a chronic moisture issue, likely exacerbated by Dubai's high ambient humidity and the constant cooling cycle of your AC unit.

The primary concern is that the mold on the surface is merely the visible sign of a deeper problem. The "outside wall" location is a critical clue. In older buildings, thermal bridging and insufficient insulation can cause the wall's internal temperature to drop below the dew point, leading to significant condensation within the wall cavity itself. Running the AC cools the closet's air, but if the moisture source (the condensing wall) is not addressed, the problem will persist. The leather bags acted as an organic substrate for the mold to colonize.

For immediate action, I strongly advise against DIY chemical treatments, especially on porous leather, as improper biocides can set stains and spread spores. The closet must be professionally assessed. Our certified inspectors use thermal imaging cameras to identify the exact location and extent of condensation within the wall and moisture meters to quantify the saturation level. This diagnosis is essential, as the remediation protocol for a condensating wall is vastly different from treating surface mold alone.

For a closet space, a small desiccant dehumidifier or renewable silica gel moisture absorbers are preferable for maintenance after the source is fixed, as compressor-based units are less effective in such small, cool spaces. However, these are only a temporary measure.

Given the potential for hidden growth within the wall assembly, this requires professional intervention to prevent structural damage and health risks. Please contact our team for a comprehensive inspection and remediation plan. Call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.