Black mold in closet from leak: clean myself or call pro?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed a bunch of black spots spreading in the corner of our master bedroom closet, right on the wall. It’s been worse since the humidity shot up. I’m worried it’s from a hidden leak. Is this something I can clean myself with bleach, or do I absolutely need to call a professional company to check it out?
Posted by Dina Al-Zahrani
Asked on March 18, 2026 5:00 pm
Based on your description, this is a situation that warrants a professional inspection. The appearance of spreading black spots, especially correlated with high humidity, strongly suggests active mold growth, which is a common issue in Dubai due to our climate. The year-round use of AC can create significant temperature differentials, leading to condensation within wall cavities, particularly in closets against exterior walls, which are common places for hidden leaks to manifest.

Attempting to clean this yourself with bleach is not recommended. Bleach is ineffective on porous surfaces like drywall and plaster, as it only removes the surface discoloration while leaving the root structure intact. More critically, disturbing the mold without proper containment can aerosolize spores, spreading the contamination to other areas of your home and potentially causing health issues. The primary concern is to identify and rectify the moisture source; without addressing this, the mold will return regardless of cleaning.

In the UAE, proper mold remediation follows international standards (IICRC S520) and requires specialized equipment for containment, air filtration, and safe removal of contaminated materials. A professional inspection from a company like Saniservice is crucial. Our certified inspectors use moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, and borescopes to pinpoint the exact source of moisture—whether it's a hidden pipe leak, condensation, or intrusion from an external source—and assess the full extent of the contamination.

For a definitive diagnosis and a safe, guaranteed remediation plan, I strongly advise against a DIY approach. Please contact our team for a comprehensive assessment. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 20, 2026 1:19 pm