Black mold in closet from damp wall: urgent professional treatment needed?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing for a couple of weeks and I just pulled out some winter clothes from the back of the master bedroom closet in our villa in Jumeirah and found a bunch of them covered in black spots. The wall behind the rack feels a bit damp. Is this something I need to get treated professionally right away, or can I handle it myself with a vinegar spray?
Posted by Sooyoung Pham
Asked on May 16, 2026 2:45 pm
Yes, this requires immediate professional assessment and remediation, not a DIY approach. The damp wall indicates a moisture source behind the finish, which is the root cause. In Dubai's climate, this is often due to condensation from uninsulated AC ducting running inside walls or a small, hidden plumbing leak. Simply spraying the visible mold on the clothes will not stop the problem, and the spores released from cleaning could worsen your children's respiratory symptoms.

The black spots are a significant concern given the health symptoms. Continuous exposure to mold spores in a confined space like a bedroom can cause or exacerbate persistent coughing. A professional inspection is critical to identify the exact moisture source using tools like thermal imaging and moisture meters. They will also assess the extent of the growth within the wall cavity, which is likely larger than what is visible.

For remediation, the affected section of drywall and insulation typically needs to be removed under containment to prevent cross-contamination. The source of the moisture must be repaired, and the area treated with antimicrobial solutions before rebuilding. Handling this improperly can spread spores throughout your villa's air system. Given the health impact on your children, a certified remediation provider who can also conduct post-clearance air testing to verify the environment is safe is strongly recommended.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 19, 2026 1:30 am