Can I safely clean black mold myself with bleach?« Back to Previous Page
|
My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black mold that's spreading on the ceiling in our master bedroom closet. It's been growing slowly since the last time we had that really humid weather a couple of months ago. I tried wiping it with vinegar but it just came back worse.
Is this something I can safely clean myself with bleach, or do I need to call a professional mold remediation company here in Dubai?
|
|
Cleaning visible black mold with bleach is a temporary fix at best and can be counterproductive in Dubai's climate. Bleach only removes surface discoloration but doesn't address the moisture source or the mold roots growing within porous materials like drywall or concrete. The high humidity and constant AC use create a cycle of condensation that causes it to return quickly, often worse as the water in bleach adds moisture.
For a small patch (under one square foot), a solution of detergent and water is more effective at physically removing the growth, but you must find and fix the moisture source—often a small leak in the AC drain line or condensation from a cold water pipe in the closet. If it has returned after your previous attempt, the underlying issue is unresolved. Given the location in a bedroom and the associated health symptoms, professional assessment is strongly recommended. Remediation involves more than cleaning; it requires isolating the area, removing contaminated porous materials safely, and using HEPA filtration to prevent spores from spreading. Companies with their own microbiology lab can identify the species and provide a post-remediation verification test, which is critical for confirming the space is truly safe. This is the standard for verifiable results, especially in homes with vulnerable occupants. |
Please log in to post questions/answers: