black mold in closet with ac on - diy or professional?« Back to Previous Page

Black mold in a closet with the AC running is a common issue in Dubai's climate, even with constant cooling. The AC lowers air temperature, but interior walls can still be warmer, creating a cold surface where moisture from the humid air condenses. This hidden dampness in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces like closets is a perfect environment for mold.

For a small area (less than one square meter) on a non-porous surface, you can attempt cleaning with a vinegar solution or a dedicated mold remover, not bleach. Bleach only removes surface discoloration and does not address the root cause or kill the mold at its roots. However, since the mold is on shoes and likely the wall, the problem may be more established. The critical first step is identifying and eliminating the moisture source, which is often condensation from the temperature differential.

Given the location on an interior wall in JLT, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They can use thermal imaging to pinpoint the exact condensation points and moisture meters to assess the wall's internal condition. This is crucial to prevent recurrence. For remediation, proper containment and HEPA vacuuming are needed to prevent spores from spreading to other areas of your home during cleaning. The company's own microbiology lab can then identify the mold type to confirm it is a common species and not something more problematic, providing peace of mind and ensuring the correct remediation protocol was followed.