Black mold in closet: DIY or call maintenance now?« Back to Previous Page
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We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed a patch of black mold in the corner of our master bedroom closet, behind all the clothes. I think it might be from a slow leak in the AC unit that's in the adjacent wall. With the humidity lately, it seems to be spreading. What's the best way to handle this myself, or should I call my building's maintenance immediately?
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Call your building's maintenance immediately. In Dubai, landlords and property management are typically responsible for addressing the root cause of water leaks and resultant mold under the Rental Law. A slow AC leak is a common issue here due to condensation drain line blockages or insulation problems, and it must be fixed at the source to prevent recurrence.
For your safety, do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself. Disturbing it can release a high concentration of spores into your living space. The priority is to stop the moisture source. Your building's maintenance team should inspect and repair the AC unit and its drainage. While you wait, move all clothing and items away from the affected area to prevent cross-contamination and improve air circulation. Keep the closet door closed to contain the spores. Due to the high humidity we experience, mold can spread quickly on organic materials like drywall, wood, and fabric. After the leak is repaired, the mold-infested materials like drywall or insulation often need to be removed and replaced. For a proper remediation that addresses both visible and hidden mold, a professional service using containment and HEPA filtration is recommended to ensure it is done thoroughly and safely. A post-remediation verification test from an independent lab is the only way to confirm the space is truly clean. |
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