Can I treat mold on skirting board myself?« Back to Previous Page

Our guest bedroom in Jumeirah that we rarely use has felt really damp lately, and I just pulled back the corner of the carpet to find a few small black spots on the skirting board. This probably started after that super humid spell we had a couple of weeks ago. Is this something I can tackle myself with bleach and vinegar, or do I absolutely need to call a professional mold inspection company to check the walls?
Posted by Tariq Al-Nahyan
Asked on May 2, 2026 2:20 am
For small, surface-level mold on non-porous surfaces like painted skirting boards, a DIY approach can be sufficient. Mix a solution of one part white vinegar to one part water, spray it on the area, let it sit for an hour, then scrub and dry it thoroughly. Avoid bleach, as it only removes the colour and can push the mold deeper into porous materials like drywall or the concrete beneath.

However, in Dubai's climate, visible mold is often just the symptom of a hidden moisture problem. That damp feeling in a rarely used room strongly suggests high humidity has led to condensation within the walls or under the carpet, especially after a humid spell. The mold on the skirting board is likely just the visible portion.

A professional inspection is recommended to identify the moisture source, which could be a small leak from the AC drain line, capillary action from the slab, or simply persistent condensation. They use moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to see inside the wall cavity without destructive drilling. Treating the surface without fixing the underlying cause guarantees the mold will return quickly. For a comprehensive assessment, a company with its own microbiology lab can also take an air or surface sample to identify the species, which dictates the appropriate remediation protocol.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 3, 2026 3:19 am