Cost to clean AC mold in Dubai apartment, or DIY?« Back to Previous Page

Our bedroom AC unit in our Jumeirah apartment has been dripping a lot of this black, slimy water onto the floor lately, and the room has started to smell really damp. I'm worried it's that nasty mold water I've heard about. I tried wiping it up, but it just keeps coming back. What would a professional cleaning company roughly charge to properly clean the AC unit and treat the mold, and is it worth hiring someone or can I handle this myself with a good cleaner from ACE?
Posted by Juergen De Jong
Asked on March 18, 2026 3:38 pm
Based on the description of black, slimy water and a persistent damp smell, this is a classic case of microbial growth, likely Cladosporium or Stachybotrys (black mold), within your AC's evaporator coil and drip pan. This is extremely common in Dubai due to the high humidity, and it's not just "water" – it's a contaminated biofilm.

For a proper clean and remediation, a professional company would typically charge between AED 800 to AED 2,500 for a single split unit in an apartment. The cost varies based on the severity of contamination, accessibility, and the scope of work, which MUST include:

1. Full inspection with a borescope to assess the internal evaporator coil.
2. Application of EPA-approved, non-toxic biocides to kill the active growth.
3. Mechanical agitation and steam cleaning to remove the biofilm from the coils and drain pan.
4. Sanitization and application of an anti-microbial coating to inhibit future growth.
5. Clearing and treating the condensate drain line with enzymatic cleaners.

DIY is strongly discouraged. A cleaner from ACE will only address surface dust, not the deep-seated mold. Bleach-based products are ineffective on porous coils and can damage the unit while releasing harmful vapors. More importantly, improper cleaning can aerosolize spores, spreading the contamination throughout your bedroom and HVAC system, significantly worsening your indoor air quality and potential health risks.

Given the symptoms you describe, this is a serious case requiring professional assessment. The smell indicates active microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs), which can impact respiratory health.

For an accurate quote and to ensure it's done safely and effectively under UAE standards, I recommend calling our certified inspectors for a diagnosis. Call 800-MOLDS or 800-66537 to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 21, 2026 9:38 am