Coughing kids; can I clean black mold myself?« Back to Previous Page

Black mould exposure can cause persistent coughing, especially in children. With the UAE's high humidity and constant AC use, condensation behind furniture is common and creates ideal conditions for mould growth.

For a small area (under one square meter), you can attempt cleaning with a vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 1 part water) or a specialised mould remover, not bleach. Bleach only removes surface discolouration and does not kill the roots, often causing regrowth. However, given this is in a bedroom and affecting your children's health, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. The black spots are just the visible part; the hidden mould within the wall or under flooring could be a much larger colony.

Professionals use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the full extent of the problem and the source of moisture, which is critical to prevent it from returning. They also perform containment to prevent spores from spreading to other rooms during cleaning. For health-related cases, a lab test can identify the specific mould species, which helps assess the risk level. In Dubai, remediation companies should follow DM guidelines and provide a post-remediation verification report to confirm the area is truly clean and safe.