How to clean and prevent mold on leather in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my master bedroom closet has been leaking a little, and now I’m finding black spots on the leather bags and shoes I have stored in there. It’s been a problem since the humidity spiked a couple of weeks ago, and I’m worried it will ruin my things and spread. Besides fixing the AC leak, what’s the most effective way to clean the mold off my leather items and prevent it from coming back in our Dubai apartment’s closet?
Posted by William King
Asked on April 11, 2026 10:00 am
The black spots you're observing are a direct result of the AC leak creating a micro-environment with elevated humidity, a common issue exacerbated by Dubai's high ambient humidity and year-round AC use. On porous materials like leather, this is a serious concern as the mold hyphae can penetrate the material, causing permanent damage.

For immediate cleaning, first isolate the affected items to prevent cross-contamination. Using a soft, dry cloth, gently wipe away any surface spores. Then, prepare a solution of 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% distilled water. Dampen a clean, white microfiber cloth with the solution and wring it out thoroughly. Test this on an inconspicuous area first. Wipe the leather surface using gentle, circular motions, ensuring you do not oversaturate the material. Allow it to air dry completely away from direct sunlight, which can crack the leather. Once dry, treat with a high-quality leather conditioner to restore suppleness.

However, this addresses only the symptom. The root cause is the moisture from the AC leak and the residual mold contamination within the closet and potentially the AC system itself. Effective remediation requires fixing the leak, followed by a professional assessment. Our certified technicians use moisture meters and thermal imaging to identify all hidden moisture and then employ HEPA vacuuming and antimicrobial applications to eliminate the colony at its source, ensuring it meets Dubai Municipality's health and safety standards for indoor environments. Without this professional remediation, the mold will almost certainly return.

To prevent recurrence, consider installing a small dehumidifier or desiccant bags in the closet and ensure the AC is regularly serviced to prevent condensation buildup. For a definitive solution and to save your valuable belongings, we strongly recommend a professional inspection. Call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an immediate assessment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 13, 2026 7:09 pm