Can I clean black mold behind wardrobe with bleach?« Back to Previous Page

Bleach is not recommended for mold on porous surfaces like drywall or plaster. It only removes surface discoloration but doesn't kill the roots (hyphae) growing within the wall. The water content in bleach can also soak into the material, providing more moisture for the mold to regrow.

For a small patch (under one square foot) on a non-porous surface, a DIY approach with a dedicated mold cleaner might suffice. However, the location behind a wardrobe on an interior wall strongly suggests a condensation or humidity issue, which is common in Dubai's climate due to year-round AC use creating cold surfaces. Simply cleaning the visible spot without addressing the underlying moisture source means it will almost certainly return.

Given the symptoms you describe—children coughing—and the location, a professional inspection is strongly advised. They can identify the exact moisture source (often a leaking AC condensation drain line or insufficient insulation causing sweating walls) and assess the extent of growth, which may be larger than what's visible. Proper remediation for porous materials involves removal and replacement. For your health and to solve the problem permanently, an assessment is the most reliable first step.