Found black mold in closet; clean myself or call professional?« 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 a storage box from the back of our walk-in closet in Mirdif and found a whole section of the wall behind it covered in black, fuzzy mold. The closet always feels a bit damp, but I never thought much of it. What's the safest and most effective way to clean this myself, or should I just call a professional company straight away?
Posted by Rashid Al-Zahrani
Asked on March 28, 2026 1:02 pm
Based on your description, this is a situation that warrants immediate professional attention and not a DIY project. The presence of visible black, fuzzy mold covering a section of the wall, combined with a persistent damp feeling in the closet and your children's respiratory symptoms, are significant red flags.

In Dubai's climate, the constant use of air conditioning creates significant temperature differentials between cooled rooms and warmer walls, leading to condensation—a primary cause of mold growth in areas with poor airflow, like closets. The black, fuzzy description is concerning as it could indicate Stachybotrys chartarum or other toxigenic species, which are known to produce mycotoxins that can cause persistent coughing, headaches, and other health issues, particularly in children.

Attempting to clean this yourself is highly inadvisable. Agitating the mold will release a massive amount of spores and mycotoxins into your home's air, drastically increasing exposure and potentially contaminating other areas. Effective remediation requires professional-grade HEPA filtration to contain the area, specialized antimicrobial agents to kill the mold roots, and techniques to address the underlying moisture source, which is likely condensation or a hidden leak.

As per UAE best practices for environmental health, a certified inspection is the critical first step to identify the exact species and the full extent of the contamination. We strongly recommend you cease use of the closet and contact a professional company immediately for an assessment.

For a certified inspection and safe remediation, please call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Their experts are equipped to handle this safely, in compliance with local standards, and can provide a hygienization certificate upon completion for your peace of mind.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 30, 2026 10:29 pm