Can I remove apartment mold myself or hire a professional?« Back to Previous Page

Small mold patches under 1 square meter can often be handled yourself, but your situation with children coughing and the mold spreading suggests a professional assessment is needed.

For a small patch, a solution of 1 part household bleach to 10 parts water can be used on non-porous surfaces. However, bleach only removes surface discoloration and does not address the root moisture problem or kill the mold's root structure on porous materials like drywall. More critically, improper cleaning can aerosolize spores, potentially worsening respiratory symptoms. The dark greenish-black color and its location behind furniture are red flags for a persistent moisture issue, likely from condensation or a small leak, which is common in Sharjah's humid climate.

Given your children are already experiencing coughing, the safest course is a professional inspection. They can identify the exact mold species and the source of the moisture—which must be fixed to prevent immediate regrowth. In the UAE, remediation for health-related cases should follow standards like the IICRC S520, which includes containment and HEPA filtration to prevent cross-contamination. A proper assessment will determine if the wall material itself needs replacement. For health-related cases, it is prudent to seek a professional evaluation to ensure the environment is safe.