Black mold in closet: call pro or clean myself?« Back to Previous Page

That black spot on your exterior wall is likely due to condensation, a very common issue in Dubai's humid climate. The temperature difference between your air-conditioned room and the hot exterior wall creates the perfect damp environment for mold.

For a small area (under one square meter/10 square feet), you can attempt to clean it yourself. Wear an N95 mask and gloves. Scrub the area with a vinegar solution, but avoid bleach as it only removes the color and can push spores deeper into the wall. The critical step is to identify and stop the moisture source. This is almost certainly condensation from the thermal bridge of the exterior wall.

However, given its location on an exterior wall and its recurrence after two years, this suggests a persistent condensation issue that DIY cleaning won't solve. The mold may also have penetrated the wallboard or insulation behind the surface. A professional inspection can identify the extent of the hidden problem and the required remediation, which often involves addressing the wall's thermal properties to prevent it from happening again. For health safety and a permanent solution, an assessment is strongly recommended.