Cost to fix black mold in bathroom and DIY options?« Back to Previous Page

The grout between the tiles in our master bathroom has started turning black, and there's a constant damp, earthy smell no matter how much I clean. We're in an older building in Bur Dubai, and I think the extractor fan might not be powerful enough. I'm worried it's getting worse and might be affecting our health. What's the realistic cost to get this professionally treated, and is it something I can tackle myself with products from Ace Hardware?
Posted by Giulia Lopez
Asked on March 29, 2026 8:32 pm
Based on your description of black grout and a persistent earthy smell in your Bur Dubai bathroom, this is a classic case of mold infestation, likely due to the high humidity and inadequate ventilation common in older buildings here.

For a professional fix, costs vary significantly. A basic surface-level clean for a small bathroom might start around AED 800-1,500. However, if the mold has penetrated behind the tiles or into the wall substrate—which is highly probable given the constant damp smell—the remediation becomes invasive. This involves removing tiles, treating the underlying structure, and reinstalling, which can easily range from AED 3,000 to AED 8,000+, depending on the bathroom size and extent of damage. A proper inspection with moisture meters and borescope cameras is absolutely crucial for an accurate quote; you cannot see the full extent with the naked eye.

Regarding DIY: For a very small, surface-level patch, you could try a concentrated mold remover from Ace. BUT, a major warning: if the mold is systemic and you just bleach the surface, it will return aggressively. Bleach is also ineffective on porous materials like grout and can actually feed the root structure. The earthy smell indicates a deeper problem that DIY sprays won't solve.

Given the health risks and the building's age, a professional assessment is strongly recommended. We service Bur Dubai regularly and see this exact issue. Call us for a free consultation to understand the true scope and cost: 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 31, 2026 1:07 am