Can I clean black mold myself or call a pro?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing and I suspect it might be from the black mold I just found behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. We’ve lived here for 2 years and just noticed it, probably because of all the humidity from the AC. The patch is about the size of a dinner plate and looks pretty nasty. Is this something I can clean with bleach myself, or do I need to call one of those professional mold removal companies here in Dubai?
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Based on my professional experience in mold inspection and remediation in the UAE, I strongly advise against cleaning that black mold yourself, especially given the health symptoms and the size of the contamination.
The primary concern is that the visible patch is likely just the "fruit" of the mold; the actual fungal roots (hyphae) can penetrate deep into the building material, like the drywall or plaster behind the wardrobe. Household bleach is a surface-level disinfectant. It will temporarily remove the visible stain but will not address the root colony. Furthermore, the chlorine in bleach is mostly water, which can actually feed the mold deeper within the material, causing it to return stronger. The act of scrubbing can also aerosolize a massive amount of toxic spores, potentially exacerbating your children's respiratory issues. In Dubai's climate, continuous AC use creates significant condensation, providing the perfect breeding ground for mold within wall cavities. A patch the size of a dinner plate indicates a sustained moisture issue that needs professional diagnosis to find the source, such as a leaking pipe, rising damp, or a faulty AC drain pan. For a case like this, a professional inspection is mandatory. We follow strict UAE health and environmental guidelines for assessment and remediation. This involves containment of the area with negative air pressure to prevent cross-contamination, safe removal of affected porous materials, and the use of specialized, EPA-approved biocides to eradicate the colony at its root. Do not risk your family's health. For a certified inspection and a definitive remediation plan, I recommend you contact Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an immediate assessment. |
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