How to clean AC mold and fix leak in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment seems to be leaking a small amount of water onto the floor in the bedroom closet, and I’ve just spotted some black mold starting to form on the wall behind the vent. We’ve lived here for 2 years in Jumeirah Village Circle and this is the first time it’s happened, right as the humidity is spiking. What’s the best way to clean this safely and who should I call to fix the chiller unit itself to stop the condensation for good?
Posted by Chen Le
Asked on March 17, 2026 4:07 pm
Good question. This is a very common issue here in Dubai, especially in areas like JVC with the current spike in humidity. That black mold is likely Cladosporium or Aspergillus – common in AC systems due to condensation. Here’s the breakdown.

First, safety: Do not just wipe it with bleach. This can aerosolize the spores. For a small area, wear an N95 mask and gloves. Use a HEPA vacuum to capture any loose spores from the surface, then clean with an EPA-approved fungicidal cleaner (read the label for mold efficacy). However, if the visible mold is more than a square foot or you see it inside the ductwork, STOP. This requires professional containment and remediation to prevent cross-contamination.

The cleaning is temporary if you don't fix the source. The water leak indicates a problem with the chiller unit's condensation removal system. This is almost always due to one of three things: a blocked condensate drain line, a damaged or disconnected drain pan, or a malfunctioning condensate pump. The unit itself needs to be inspected and repaired by a certified HVAC technician, not a general handyman. They will need to flush the drain line with a specialized vacuum and possibly repair or replace the pan.

For a proper fix and to ensure the mold is completely eradicated from the system, you need a two-prong approach: a mold remediation company to safely clean and treat the affected area and an HVAC specialist to repair the chiller. We handle the first part and can recommend trusted partners for the second.

Given the potential health risks and the complexity of AC systems here, I strongly recommend a professional inspection. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a comprehensive assessment. We'll identify the full extent of the mold and the exact cause of the leak to ensure it's fixed correctly the first time.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 20, 2026 8:03 am