Found mold in wardrobe, is it causing our coughing and rash?« Back to Previous Page

That damp, fuzzy black growth in your wardrobe is a very likely culprit for the persistent coughing and rash. Mould releases spores and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) that are respiratory irritants, and children are particularly sensitive. The rash could be a direct skin irritation from contact with mould spores on the clothes.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing it will release a massive cloud of spores throughout your bedroom, significantly worsening the air quality and your family's exposure. Your priority is to contain the area.

Immediately close the wardrobe doors and seal the gap with masking tape. Remove the contaminated winter clothes by carefully bagging them inside the wardrobe—use a damp cloth to wipe off any visible spores from the clothes before sealing them in plastic bags for professional cleaning or disposal. Keep the children out of the room.

This situation requires a professional inspection. The damp wall behind the wardrobe indicates a moisture source, which could be condensation from the external wall (common in Dubai's climate due to the high humidity outside meeting cooled interior walls) or a hidden plumbing leak. A certified mould assessor will use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the extent of the hidden moisture and mould growth, which is almost certainly more widespread than what you see.

They should provide a detailed report with lab analysis of the mould type. This is critical, as it confirms the hazard level and dictates the proper remediation protocol. Remediation involves containing the area with negative air pressure, physically removing the contaminated materials, HEPA vacuuming, and addressing the root moisture problem to prevent it from returning. Look for providers who can show certification (like IICRC) and promise to provide before-and-after lab results to verify the air quality is safe.