Black/green spots behind sofa: DIY or call professional?« Back to Previous Page

Investigate the extent of the problem first. Move the sofa away from the wall completely and check for a musty odour. The high humidity in Dubai, combined with a lack of air circulation behind large furniture, creates a perfect environment for mould. This is a common issue in villas here.

For a small, isolated patch (less than one square meter), you can attempt to clean it yourself. Wear an N95 mask and gloves. Use a mixture of detergent and water, or a diluted vinegar solution, to scrub the area. Dry it thoroughly immediately after with a fan; do not let it air dry. However, painting over it without proper remediation will not solve the problem and it will return.

Given the description of "spots" and the fact it was hidden for some time, the growth is likely more extensive than it appears. Mould can penetrate porous materials like drywall and plaster. If the discoloration covers a larger area, if the drywall feels soft or damp, or if you have any respiratory concerns in the household, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They use moisture meters and borescopes to assess the wall cavity and can identify the source of the moisture, which is critical to preventing recurrence. In many cases, the root cause is a small, hidden condensation leak from an AC pipe or a minor seepage issue.