Found mold on clothes; dangerous for coughing kids in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month and we can't figure out why. I just pulled out some winter clothes from the storage cupboard under our stairs in Jumeirah and found a bunch of our jackets and shoes covered in black fuzzy spots. I'm terrified they've been breathing this in. How do I safely clean everything and who in Dubai should I call to properly check the apartment for hidden mold?
Posted by Manoj Das
Asked on March 24, 2026 9:55 pm
The situation you've described is a serious indoor air quality concern, particularly for children with persistent respiratory symptoms. The black, fuzzy growth on your stored items is almost certainly mold, a direct consequence of Dubai's high humidity and condensation issues, which are exacerbated by year-round air conditioning. The storage cupboard under the stairs is a classic problem area; it is likely poorly ventilated, allowing warm, humid air to become trapped and condense on cooler surfaces, creating the perfect environment for mold proliferation.

Your primary concern is correct: the mold spores have become aerosolized and are being circulated by your AC system, directly contributing to your children's non-stop coughing. Do not attempt to clean the items yourself. Disturbing the mold will release a massive cloud of spores, significantly worsening the air quality and potential health impacts. The porous nature of fabrics like jackets and shoes makes them extremely difficult to decontamate completely.

This scenario requires immediate professional intervention. You need a certified mold inspection to identify the full extent of the contamination, including hidden growth within the walls, ceiling, and AC ductwork of that cupboard and adjacent areas. In the UAE, remediation must adhere to strict guidelines to prevent cross-contamination. A professional company like Saniservice will conduct air and surface sampling to speciate the mold and determine the appropriate remediation protocol, which will include containment, HEPA filtration, and antimicrobial treatment.

For the health of your family, I strongly advise you to cease use of the area and contact a specialist immediately. Call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a comprehensive assessment and a plan to safely remediate your apartment and belongings.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 26, 2026 10:20 pm