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

That pattern suggests a classic condensation issue, exacerbated by Dubai's high humidity. The wall is likely a "cold bridge," where the outside heat meets your AC-cooled interior, causing moisture to condense and mould to grow.

For a small patch (under one square foot), you can clean it yourself. Wear an N95 mask and gloves. Scrub with a mixture of white vinegar or a diluted detergent solution, then wipe dry. Do not use bleach, as it only removes the colour and can push the mould deeper into porous surfaces like drywall. The key is to eliminate the moisture source. Run a dehumidifier in the room, ensure the closet is not overstuffed, and leave space for air circulation. Check if the AC drain line is clear and that the unit is dehumidifying properly.

However, if the mould returns quickly, covers a larger area, or has a musty odour, the problem is likely inside the wall cavity. This is a job for building management. Under Dubai regulations, structural and building envelope issues like external wall leaks or insulation failures are typically the responsibility of the property owner or management. They should send a technician to investigate the external wall's integrity and insulation. For persistent or hidden mould, a professional inspection with moisture meters and thermal imaging can identify the exact condensation point, which is often necessary for a permanent fix.