Black mold in closet: DIY clean or call maintenance?« Back to Previous Page

That damp patch on an exterior wall is a classic Dubai condensation issue, especially in closets with poor air circulation. The constant AC use creates a significant temperature differential between the cool interior and the hot exterior wall, leading to moisture buildup – the perfect environment for mold.

For a small patch (under one square foot), you can attempt DIY cleaning. Wear an N95 mask and gloves. Scrub the area with a mixture of detergent and water, or a dedicated mold cleaner. Do not use bleach, as it only removes the colour and can push the roots deeper into porous materials like drywall. After cleaning, the area must be dried completely. A fan directed at the spot for several hours can help.

However, since the wall feels damp, the moisture source is likely ongoing. Simply cleaning the surface mold will not solve the problem; it will return. The priority is identifying and stopping the moisture intrusion. This could be a tiny crack in the building's exterior sealant, a leaking pipe inside the wall, or severe thermal bridging.

You should absolutely inform your building's maintenance immediately. Under Dubai's rental and strata laws, the structural integrity of the building envelope is typically the responsibility of the owner or building management. They need to investigate the exterior wall for breaches and address the root cause.

If the mold returns after your cleaning and the building's repair, or if the patch is larger than a square foot, a professional inspection is wise. They can use moisture meters to quantify the dampness within the wall and recommend remediation steps to ensure it is properly dried and treated. For valuable items like winter clothing, have them professionally cleaned if they were in direct contact with the mold.