Bleach didn't remove mold; DIY or call a pro?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment seems to be blowing a weird, damp smell into the living room, and I just found a patch of black speckles on the wall behind my sofa in Marina. I wiped it with bleach but it came back in a few days. Is this something I can tackle myself with products from Ace Hardware, or do I need to call in a professional mold remediation company?
Posted by Minho Zhu
Asked on March 24, 2026 5:27 pm
Based on your description of the situation in Marina, you are almost certainly dealing with a mold issue. The damp smell from the AC is a major red flag, indicating the system itself could be contaminated and acting as a delivery mechanism for spores throughout your apartment.

Using bleach is a common misconception. It only removes the surface discoloration but does not kill the mold roots (hyphae) penetrating the porous wall material. The moisture source, likely from high humidity or a small condensation leak associated with the AC unit, is still present. This is why the growth returned so quickly.

For a case like this, especially in Dubai's humid climate, a DIY approach is not recommended. The AC system involvement complicates it significantly. Spraying store-bought chemicals won't address the root cause and can actually aerosolize spores, spreading the contamination further.

The UAE's civil defense and municipality regulations often require professional remediation for health and safety, particularly in multi-unit buildings like those in Marina. Our standard protocol involves a full inspection with moisture meters and borescopes to identify all affected areas, contain the zone with negative air pressure to prevent cross-contamination, safely remove the contaminated materials, and most critically, sanitize the entire AC ductwork system.

For a proper assessment and a lasting solution, you need a pro. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an inspection. Let's get that air quality back to a safe standard.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 26, 2026 11:20 am