How do I safely clean mold from my kids' room?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing nonstop for the past two weeks and we just can't shake it. I finally pulled their mattress away from the wall in our Deira apartment and found a large patch of black mold hiding behind it, probably from the humidity. I’m really worried about their health. What are the immediate steps I should take to protect them and clean this safely?
Posted by Matthew Jones
Asked on April 15, 2026 2:00 pm
First, move the children to another room and keep the door to the affected room closed to prevent spores from spreading. Do not let them sleep in that room until the issue is fully resolved.

For cleaning, wear an N95 mask, gloves, and eye protection. Open a window for ventilation if possible. The black substance is likely Cladosporium or Aspergillus, both common here due to our high humidity and condensation from AC units. Scrub the wall with a mixture of detergent and water. Avoid bleach, as it can irritate the lungs and doesn't prevent regrowth on porous surfaces. After cleaning, dry the area thoroughly with a fan.

The critical step is identifying and fixing the moisture source. In Deira apartments, this is often condensation from an AC unit dripping behind furniture or a hidden pipe leak. The mattress against the wall trapped the humid air, creating a perfect environment for mold. Reposition the bed to allow for air circulation and ensure your AC is serviced and draining properly. A dehumidifier can help maintain a dry environment.

Given the health symptoms and the size of the patch, a professional inspection is strongly advised. DIY cleaning addresses surface growth but not the spores released into the air or potential growth inside the wall. An inspector can use moisture meters to find the exact water source and perform air quality testing to ensure the room is safe. In Dubai, remediation companies should provide a detailed report with lab results to verify the cleanup's effectiveness.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 15, 2026 5:55 pm