Could mold in my closet be making my kids sick?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, mold in your closet could absolutely be the cause of your children's persistent coughing. The dampness you've noticed near the window is a classic breeding ground, and the fuzzy black and green spots confirm an active colony. In Dubai's climate, this is common; high humidity condenses on cooler surfaces like windows and exterior walls, creating the perfect environment for mold, especially in closets with poor air circulation where winter clothes trap moisture.

The fastest way to address this is a two-step process: containment and professional assessment. Immediately remove the moldy clothes in sealed plastic bags to prevent spreading spores. Wipe down the closet walls and shelves with a diluted vinegar or detergent solution, but avoid bleach as it doesn't prevent regrowth and can irritate airways further. Improve ventilation by using a dehumidifier or running an AC fan in that room to dry it out completely.

However, given the symptoms and the visible growth, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. Surface cleaning often misses spores embedded in the wardrobe backing or drywall. A proper assessment includes moisture mapping to find the source of the dampness and air or surface sampling to identify the mold species, which determines the appropriate remediation method. For families with respiratory symptoms, this diagnostic step is crucial to ensure the environment is fully resolved.