can I remove new closet mold myself or need professional?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our villa in Al Barsha for two years and just noticed a patch of black mold in the corner of our main bedroom closet, behind some clothes. It wasn't there during my last deep clean a few months ago, but with the humidity lately, it seems to have appeared. Given how quickly it showed up, is this something I need to get professionally treated immediately, or can I handle it myself with a vinegar solution this weekend?
Posted by Soo Kimura
Asked on May 2, 2026 4:55 pm
It depends on the size and cause. For a small patch (under one square foot) that appeared recently, you can likely handle it yourself. The key is addressing the moisture source. In Dubai's climate, this is often condensation from an AC unit or a small, unnoticed leak.

Wear an N95 mask and gloves. A vinegar solution can be effective for surface mold on non-porous materials. Scrub the area, let it dry completely, and monitor it. If the mold returns quickly, the moisture issue isn't solved or it has penetrated the building material.

Given its location in a closet, which is often against an exterior wall, I'd recommend a professional inspection. They can use a moisture meter to identify the hidden source of dampness—it could be a small leak in the wall or condensation from the AC drain line running through that space. A company with a microbiology lab can also test a swab to identify the species, which is important for assessing risk, especially in a bedroom. For anything larger than a square foot, or if you have respiratory sensitivities, professional remediation is the safer choice to ensure spores are properly contained and the root cause is fixed.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 4, 2026 2:25 pm