Black mold in closet: DIY or call a pro?« Back to Previous Page
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We've lived in our villa in Springs for 2 years and just noticed these black speckles appearing in the corner of our master bedroom closet, behind all the clothes. It's definitely worse since the humidity kicked in last month. I'm worried it's spreading and might be affecting our health, but I have no idea what it costs to get professionals to handle it properly.
Is this a job I can DIY with bleach or should I call a company, and roughly how much am I looking at for a small area like a closet?
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Hey there, Springs resident. that's a super common issue we see here in the UAE, especially in villas where the AC might not be reaching enclosed spaces like closets effectively. Those black speckles are almost certainly mold, thriving on the cellulose in the drywall and the organic matter from dust, fueled by our intense humidity.
First, a big warning: DO NOT use bleach. It’s mostly water, which actually feeds the mold roots deep in the porous wall. It might bleach the surface temporarily, making it look gone, but the colony will come back worse. For a tiny spot, a distilled white vinegar solution can work, but honestly, given its location behind clothes (meaning its been undisturbed and growing a while) and the fact you're worried about health, i'd strongly recommend against a DIY approach. Here's why: the visible spot is often just the "fruit" of the mold. The actual root system (hyphae) can be spread much deeper into the wall and the closet structure. improper cleaning will aerosolize the spores, potentially spreading them and increasing your exposure, which can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and headaches. For a proper remediation in a closet, a pro company would set up containment with negative air pressure, use HEPA sanding/scraping to remove the contaminated material, treat the area with professional-grade antimicrobials, and most importantly, identify and fix the moisture source (often poor ventilation or a cold bridge from the AC). Cost-wise for a small contained area like that, you're probably looking at somewhere between AED 1,500 to AED 3,500 + VAT, depending on the extent behind the wall. It's not just about cleaning; it's about fixing the environment so it doesnt come back, which is key under UAE building health and safety standards. Given the potential health risks and the high chance of improper DIY making it worse, my professional advice is to get it inspected. We can give you a clear assessment and quote. Call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a proper evaluation. better to be safe |
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