Could mold in our coats be causing my kids' cough?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing for the past couple of weeks and we can't figure out why. I just pulled out some winter clothes from the storage cupboard under the stairs and found a bunch of our coats and shoes covered in black fuzzy spots. We live in an older villa in Mirdif and I'm worried the humidity got to it. Could this mold be the reason my children are sick and how do I clean it safely without making their cough worse?
Posted by Minho Matsumoto
Asked on March 31, 2026 7:32 am
Based on your description, it is highly probable that the mold growth on your stored items is contributing to your children's persistent cough. The black, fuzzy spots are indicative of active fungal growth, likely a type such as Aspergillus or Cladosporium, which are common in the UAE due to the high ambient humidity and condensation issues, particularly in older villas with less advanced vapor barriers. When these mold spores become airborne and are inhaled, they are a known respiratory irritant and can cause symptoms precisely like coughing, wheezing, and nasal congestion.

The storage cupboard under the stairs is a classic problem area. It is a confined, poorly ventilated space where humidity from the Dubai climate becomes trapped. Items like coats and shoes, made of organic materials (leather, cotton, etc.), provide a perfect food source for mold when combined with this moisture, often from slight condensation or a minor, unnoticed leak.

Attempting to clean this yourself is strongly discouraged. Agitating the mold by brushing or vacuuming will aerosolize a massive quantity of spores, significantly worsening the indoor air quality and potentially exacerbating your children's respiratory issues. Over-the-counter cleaning solutions are often ineffective against the root cause and can be hazardous to mix.

This situation requires professional assessment. Our certified inspectors use moisture meters and thermal imaging to identify the exact moisture source and air sampling to determine spore concentration levels. Based on the findings, our remediation team will contain the area, safely remove contaminated materials, and use industrial-grade HEPA filtration and antimicrobial agents to resolve the issue permanently. For the health of your family, I recommend you cease using that storage area immediately and contact us for a comprehensive inspection.

Call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a diagnostic assessment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 1, 2026 3:54 pm