Found black mold in closet; clean myself or call pro?« Back to Previous Page
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Our 3-year-old has been having a constant runny nose and a cough that just won't go away, and I'm starting to panic. I was moving some storage boxes in our walk-in closet in Jumeirah and found a huge patch of black, fuzzy mold on the back wall where it's always damp. We've had the AC running non-stop for months, but I guess the humidity still got in there. What’s the safest way to clean this myself without risking my family's health, or should I just call a professional immediately?
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Based on your description, I strongly recommend you call a professional immediately and do not attempt to clean this yourself. The presence of a large patch of black, fuzzy mold in a damp area, coupled with your child's persistent respiratory symptoms, is a significant health and safety concern. The species commonly referred to as "black mold" (Stachybotrys chartarum) can produce mycotoxins that are particularly harmful when disturbed, releasing spores into the air your family breathes.
The climate in Dubai, with its extreme humidity and reliance on year-round air conditioning, creates perfect conditions for mold growth, especially in poorly ventilated spaces like closets where condensation can accumulate. DIY cleaning with bleach or other store-bought solutions is ineffective and dangerous; it often only bleaches the visible surface while leaving the root structure intact, and the agitation during cleaning will aerosolize a high concentration of spores throughout your home. In the UAE, professional remediation is governed by strict standards to ensure occupant safety. Our company, Saniservice, follows a detailed protocol: first, a certified inspector would conduct air and surface sampling to identify the species and spore count. The area is then contained under negative air pressure with HEPA filtration to prevent cross-contamination. The mold is safely removed, and the underlying moisture issue (likely a condensate drain issue or insulation problem with your AC) is identified and resolved. Finally, the area is hygienized to prevent recurrence. For the safety of your family, especially your young child, professional assessment and remediation are non-negotiable. Please contact our team for an immediate inspection. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. |
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