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

Based on the symptoms you're describing—coughing in children—and the visible growth on stored textiles, this situation warrants immediate and professional attention. In the UAE's high-humidity climate, mold, particularly the notorious Stachybotrys chartarum (often called "black mold"), thrives due to constant AC use leading to condensation in poorly ventilated areas like closets.

Attempting a DIY cleanup with bleach is strongly discouraged. Bleach is ineffective on porous materials like blankets and drywall; it only bleaches the surface mold while leaving the root system intact, allowing it to regrow. More critically, disturbing the mold during cleaning releases a high concentration of mycotoxins and spores into the air, which can significantly worsen respiratory issues, especially in children.

The recommended course of action is a professional inspection and remediation. UAE regulations, particularly in Dubai, emphasize the importance of proper indoor air quality and safe remediation practices to protect occupant health. A certified expert will conduct air and surface sampling to identify the mold species and spore concentration, contain the affected area to prevent cross-contamination, use industrial-grade HEPA filtration to clean the air, and safely dispose of contaminated porous materials like your blankets.

For the health of your family, I recommend you contact a certified professional immediately. You can reach our team at Saniservice for a comprehensive inspection and remediation plan by calling 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or emailing hello@saniservice.com.