Black mold causing cough, shold I clean or call pro?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing for a couple of weeks and I’ve just found patches of black mold behind our bedroom wardrobe in Jumeirah. It’s on the wall that faces the outside and I think it might be from the humidity. Should I try to clean this myself with bleach or is it time to call a professional company?
Posted by Layla Bin Rashid
Asked on April 13, 2026 1:40 pm
Cleaning visible mold yourself is not advised, especially with children experiencing respiratory symptoms. In Dubai's climate, interior wall mold often indicates a persistent moisture issue, likely from condensation due to the temperature differential between your air-conditioned room and the humid outside air.

For a small patch (under one square foot), a solution of detergent and water can be effective; bleach is not recommended as it doesn't kill the roots and can worsen indoor air quality during application. However, the mold behind your wardrobe is a symptom. The critical step is identifying and resolving the source of moisture, which could be a small leak, capillary action from the outside, or insufficient insulation on that external wall.

Given the health symptoms and the location on an external wall, a professional inspection is warranted. They use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the hidden water source that you cannot see. Simply wiping the surface will result in it returning. A reputable inspector can provide a diagnosis and a protocol for safe remediation, which includes containment to prevent spores from spreading to other parts of the house during cleaning. They can also advise on post-remediation verification to ensure the environment is back to a healthy state.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 14, 2026 10:38 am