Black mold on outside wall: clean myself or call management?« Back to Previous Page

That pattern is a classic sign of condensation-related mould, very common in Dubai on exterior walls. The wall is colder than the room's air, causing moisture to condense and create the perfect environment for growth, especially during humid periods.

For a small area, you can clean it yourself. Wear an N95 mask and gloves. Use a mixture of 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water, or a dedicated mould remover. Scrub the area, but never mix cleaning chemicals. However, this only addresses the surface issue. The underlying cause is the thermal bridge and condensation on that wall.

Given its location on an exterior wall, this is likely a building envelope issue. In the UAE, the responsibility for the external structure and insulation falls on the building management. You should report it to them. They are obligated to address defects that lead to indoor environmental issues. A professional inspection can determine if there's an insulation fault or leak that needs repair to prevent it from returning permanently. Simply cleaning it will only be a temporary fix until the next period of high humidity.