Black mold behind dresser, kids coughing. Professional cleaning?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past two weeks, and I just found patches of black mold behind their bedroom dresser, which is on an exterior wall in our villa in Jumeirah. I think it might have started after the heavy dew we had last month. I’m really worried about their health. What’s the safest and most effective way to get this professionally cleaned and make sure it doesn’t come back?
Posted by John Wilson
Asked on May 8, 2026 11:10 am
Stop using the room and contact a professional mold inspector immediately. The combination of visible mold and persistent respiratory symptoms in children warrants a scientific assessment, not just a surface clean.

In Dubai villas, mold on exterior walls is often caused by a temperature differential between the air-conditioned interior and the humid outside air, leading to condensation inside the wall cavity. The heavy dew you mentioned significantly raises ambient moisture, exacerbating this issue. A proper remediation involves three steps: first, a lab analysis to identify the mold species and its concentration in the air; second, containment and physical removal of the affected materials (like drywall or insulation) by a certified team; and finally, identifying and correcting the moisture source, which is likely inadequate wall insulation or a thermal bridge.

For a long-term solution, ask the remediation company to provide a diagnostic report that includes thermal imaging to pinpoint the condensation spot and recommendations for addressing it, such as improving ventilation or adding a vapour barrier. Simply cleaning the surface will not stop it from returning. The Dubai Municipality has guidelines for indoor air quality, and reputable firms should be able to explain how their process aligns with these standards. Always request to see the before-and-after lab test results to verify the spore count has been returned to safe levels.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 10, 2026 10:01 pm