Can I remove dangerous black mold myself or need professional?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black mold I just found behind our bedroom wardrobe. We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed it when I was rearranging the room; it's a pretty big patch, about the size of a dinner plate, on the wall. This flat in Jumeirah is so humid, and that wall is an outside one.
Is this something I can tackle myself with a vinegar spray, or do I absolutely need to call a professional cleaning company?
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The patch size you describe and the symptoms in your children indicate a professional inspection is strongly recommended. While some small mold patches can be managed, a colony the size of a dinner plate suggests a significant moisture issue has been present for some time. The location on an exterior wall in a humid Jumeirah flat is a classic scenario for condensation, meaning the problem is likely inside the wall cavity, not just on the surface.
DIY methods like vinegar are surface treatments and will not address the root moisture problem or the hyphae (root network) penetrating the porous wall material. Disturbing it without proper containment can aerosolize a high concentration of spores, potentially worsening your family's exposure and spreading the problem. In Dubai's climate, the underlying cause is almost always excess humidity or a hidden water leak. A professional will use moisture meters and borescopes to assess the wall's interior, identify the moisture source, and contain the area during remediation to prevent cross-contamination. They will also perform post-remediation verification to confirm the mold and moisture levels have been successfully controlled. For a case involving health symptoms and a large, concealed patch, the risk of improper handling outweighs the potential savings of a DIY attempt. The goal is to resolve the cause and ensure the environment is safe for your family. |
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