Black spots near AC: clean myself or call professional?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our bedroom has been making this weird damp smell for a couple of weeks, and now I'm seeing a few small black spots on the wall behind the headboard. We've lived in this Marina apartment for 2 years and just noticed this. Is this something I can clean myself with bleach, or do I need to call a professional mold inspection company to check inside the AC unit?
Posted by David Jones
Asked on April 12, 2026 10:20 am
Based on your description of a damp smell from the AC and visible black spots on the wall, this is a strong indicator of a mold issue that requires professional attention, especially in Dubai's climate.

The damp smell suggests microbial growth, likely mold, inside the AC unit's evaporator coils or drip pan, which is then being circulated into the room. The black spots on the wall are a visible confirmation of this. The wall behind the headboard is a prime location for condensation to form due to the temperature differential between the cold wall (from the AC ducting inside) and the warm, humid room air. This condensation provides the perfect moisture source for mold growth.

In the UAE, where high humidity and year-round AC use are the norm, this is a common problem. Attempting to clean it yourself with bleach is not recommended. Bleach is ineffective on porous surfaces like drywall and can actually aggravate the problem by releasing mold spores into the air. More importantly, it only addresses the surface contamination you can see, not the root cause inside the AC unit itself.

A professional inspection is crucial. Our certified technicians use specialized tools like borescopes to inspect the internal cavities of your AC system and moisture meters to identify hidden dampness within walls. We then take air and surface samples to identify the specific mold species and concentration levels, which guides the appropriate remediation protocol. This comprehensive approach is necessary to solve the problem permanently and ensure a healthy indoor environment.

For a thorough inspection and testing to identify the full extent of the contamination, I strongly recommend contacting our team at Saniservice. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 13, 2026 6:15 am