Found mold behind bed; remove it safely or call professionals?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing for a couple of weeks and I just pulled their bed away from the wall to find a large patch of black mold behind it in our Mirdif villa. We had that one big leak during the heavy rains in February and I guess the moisture never fully dried out. What’s the most effective and child-safe way to remove this ourselves, or should I call a professional company right away?
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The moisture from February's heavy rains in Dubai is a common cause of hidden mold growth, especially behind furniture against exterior walls where condensation can form. For a large patch discovered behind a bed, the most effective and safe approach is to call a professional inspection and remediation company, especially with children experiencing prolonged coughing.
Attempting a DIY removal on a significant growth can inadvertently release a large number of spores into the air, potentially worsening the air quality and your children's symptoms. Professionals use containment barriers, HEPA filtration, and specialized antimicrobials to prevent cross-contamination. They will also use a moisture meter to identify the exact extent of the water damage within the wall, which is often far greater than the visible surface mold indicates. If you must address it before a professional arrives, isolate the area from the rest of the home. Wear an N95 mask, goggles, and gloves. Gently mist the mold with a diluted soap and water solution to suppress spores before wiping, and place all cleaning materials in a sealed bag. However, this only addresses the surface and the root moisture problem will almost certainly cause it to return. Given the climate and the initial water damage, the wall cavity likely requires drying equipment and proper treatment. A reputable company with its own microbiology lab can also take samples to identify the mold type, which provides a clear target for the remediation process and verifies the area is safe for your family post-cleanup. |
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