Found black mold behind sofa, remove myself or call professional?« Back to Previous Page

Given the size of the infestation you've described and the health symptoms in your children, calling a professional remediation company is the safest course of action. A large patch of black mold, especially one caused by an AC leak in a Dubai apartment, indicates a significant moisture issue that needs to be addressed at its source.

For a small area (less than one square meter), a DIY approach with proper precautions can be considered. You would need to wear an N95 mask, goggles, and gloves. Scrub the area with a detergent solution, but avoid bleach as it doesn't prevent regrowth. However, your situation involves a hidden AC leak. Simply cleaning the visible mold is a temporary fix; the leak must be identified and repaired by an HVAC technician, or the mold will return quickly due to our high humidity.

Professional remediation is strongly advised here. They will contain the area to prevent spores from spreading throughout your apartment, use HEPA filtration to clean the air, and, most critically, identify and help resolve the underlying moisture source. They can also perform post-remediation verification to ensure the space is truly clean. Given the proximity to your children and their persistent coughing, a professional approach ensures the problem is solved completely and safely. Look for a company that provides documented before-and-after testing from an accredited lab, as this is your verification that the environment is healthy again.