Black mold behind wardrobe: DIY clean or call professional?« Back to Previous Page

The wall behind my wardrobe in the bedroom has started showing these black speckles, and it feels damp to the touch. We’ve lived in our Jumeirah apartment for two years and it’s just appeared since the weather got more humid last month. I’m worried it’s spreading but not sure if this is something I can tackle with a bleach spray myself or if I need to call in a professional cleaning company.
Posted by Mariam Al-Maktoum
Asked on March 9, 2026 2:59 pm
Based on the symptoms you're describing, you are likely dealing with a mold colony, and I strongly advise against using bleach. In the UAE's high humidity, what you see is often just the tip of the iceberg. The wall feeling damp indicates an active moisture source, likely condensation from the temperature differential between the air-conditioned room and the exterior wall, exacerbated by the wardrobe restricting airflow.

Bleach is ineffective on porous surfaces like drywall and plaster. It only bleaches the surface mold while leaving the roots intact, and the water content can actually feed the colony, causing it to return worse. For a small, surface-level issue, a proper fungicide is needed, but your situation sounds more serious.

The fact it's inside the wall cavity is a major red flag. This requires professional assessment. We need to identify the exact moisture source—whether it's internal condensation, a hidden pipe leak, or even capillary rising damp from the building structure. Spores can spread through the air and behind walls, contaminating other areas.

Regulations here are strict; improper remediation can violate Dubai Municipality health and safety standards for buildings. A certified inspector will use moisture meters and thermal imaging to map the extent, then provide a remediation protocol that includes containment, air scrubbing, and proper disposal to prevent cross-contamination.

For a confirmed case like this, DIY is a huge risk to your health and property. Please get a professional inspection immediately. Call our team at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a thorough assessment. We can determine the root cause and safely eliminate it.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 12, 2026 10:58 am