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

We've lived in our Jumeirah villa for 2 years and just noticed a huge patch of black mold spreading on the wall behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom, probably from a hidden AC leak. The musty smell is really strong now and I'm worried about our health, but I have no idea what this will cost. Should I just try to clean it myself with bleach or is this a job for professionals, and what's a rough price to get it properly removed and the leak fixed?
Posted by Tomasz Smit
Asked on March 19, 2026 5:41 pm
Based on your description, this is unequivocally a job for certified professionals, not a DIY project. The combination of a "huge patch," a strong musty smell, and a probable AC leak indicates a significant and active moisture issue that bleach cannot resolve. Bleach only removes surface discoloration on porous materials like drywall but does not kill the mold roots (hyphae) growing within. It can also aggravate the spores, releasing them into the air and worsening air quality.

In Dubai's climate, where high humidity and year-round AC use create perfect conditions for condensation and hidden leaks, the source must be identified and rectified first. A professional inspection will use moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to locate the exact point of the AC leak and assess the full extent of the damage, which often spreads far beyond what is visibly apparent behind the wardrobe.

For remediation, the process involves containment of the area with negative air pressure to prevent cross-contamination, safe removal of contaminated porous materials (drywall, insulation), HEPA vacuuming, and antimicrobial application. Finally, the AC leak must be repaired by a certified HVAC technician to prevent recurrence.

Regarding cost, for a villa in Jumeirah with a significant infestation likely affecting the wall cavity, you should budget between AED 3,000 to AED 8,000+ for the complete professional mold remediation process. This varies based on the square footage affected and the complexity of the leak repair.

For a proper assessment and accurate quote, I strongly recommend you call our team at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Our certified experts will provide a detailed inspection and a transparent plan to resolve this safely and effectively.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 21, 2026 11:29 pm