Bleach for AC leak mold or call a professional?« Back to Previous Page

That black speckling is almost certainly mould growth from the AC condensate leak, a very common issue in Dubai villas. The persistent high humidity here provides the perfect environment for it to thrive.

Using a supermarket bleach spray is not recommended for porous surfaces like drywall. Bleach is mostly water, which can actually feed the mould deeper into the material. It may temporarily remove the surface stain but leaves the root structure intact, causing it to return quickly. More importantly, bleaching mould on porous surfaces can release a high number of spores into your air without properly addressing the problem.

For a small, surface-level patch on a non-porous tile, a DIY approach with a dedicated mould cleaner could be sufficient. However, your situation involves a persistent water leak and growth on a wall, likely hidden behind a wardrobe. This requires a professional assessment.

The leak itself must be repaired first; otherwise, the mould will return regardless of cleaning. A proper remediation process for a wall involves containment to prevent spore spread, safe removal of affected porous materials if necessary, and HEPA vacuuming followed by antimicrobial application.

In Dubai, reputable companies follow IICRC standards for remediation. Given the location in your bedroom and the potential for hidden growth, a professional inspection is the safest course to identify the extent and recommend the correct solution. They can also provide a post-remediation verification test to confirm the air and surface are clean.