Can I clean AC mold myself or call a professional?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment seems to be leaking a bit onto the wall behind it in the living room, and now I’m seeing a few small black spots spreading on the wallpaper. It’s been getting worse over the last couple of weeks since the humidity spiked. Is this something I can clean myself with bleach or do I need to call a professional company to deal with it?
Posted by Sultan Al-Salem
Asked on March 13, 2026 6:15 am
The black spots you're seeing behind your AC unit are a classic sign of mold growth, directly fueled by the moisture from the leak and Dubai's high humidity. While a small, surface-level patch might be tempting to tackle yourself, I strongly advise against it for several technical reasons.

Using bleach is a common mistake; it only bleaches the visible pigment and does not kill the mold roots (hyphae) penetrating your wallpaper and drywall. More critically, improper cleaning can aerosolize spores, spreading the contamination to your entire living space and HVAC system. In the UAE, the DM's regulations and many tenancy agreements require professional remediation for health and safety, as improper handling can create bigger liability issues.

The leak is the primary problem. A professional inspection is absolutely crucial to identify the source—be it a clogged drain pan, cracked condensate line, or insufficient insulation causing sweating. We use thermal imaging and moisture meters to assess the full extent of water damage hidden within the wall cavity, which is almost always worse than it appears.

For a situation involving an ongoing leak and spreading growth, calling a professional is the only safe and effective solution. We contain the area, use HEPA filtration to capture spores, safely remove contaminated materials, and rectify the moisture source to prevent recurrence.

For a proper assessment and quote, please call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. Let's get that sorted before it affects your health and property.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 15, 2026 12:56 pm