Black mold from AC leak: DIY fix or call professional?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has been leaking into the wall behind it for maybe a month, and now there's a huge patch of black mold spreading on the bedroom wall. We've been waking up with stuffy noses and I'm really worried about my toddler's health. Is this something I can fix myself with bleach and a scrub brush, or do I absolutely need to call a professional mold remediation company, and if so, what's a rough cost I should expect for a job like this in Dubai?
Posted by Nancy Garcia
Asked on March 29, 2026 2:49 am
Based on your description, this is a serious situation and you absolutely need to call a professional remediation company immediately. A large patch of black mold spreading from a chronic AC leak is not a DIY job.

First, the health risks, especially for a toddler, are significant. The stuffy noses are a clear indicator of exposure. Certain types of mold, like Stachybotrys chartarum (what many call "black mold"), can produce mycotoxins that lead to more severe respiratory issues.

Using bleach is a common mistake. It only bleaches the surface color and does not kill the mold roots (hyphae) deep within the drywall and insulation. More critically, bleach is mostly water, which will actually feed the mold growth deeper inside the cavity. Scrubbing it will also release a massive amount of harmful spores into your apartment's air.

In Dubai, the construction materials (gypsum board/plasterboard) act like a sponge. That entire section of the wall is likely saturated and contaminated internally. A proper remediation involves:
1. Containment: Sealing the area with plastic sheeting to prevent cross-contamination.
2. Removal: Physically removing and disposing of the affected drywall and insulation.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 31, 2026 10:52 am