How to clean black mold from AC leak and who to fix?« Back to Previous Page

Our AC unit in the bedroom of our Jumeirah Park villa has been leaking a bit, and I just pulled back the corner of the carpet near the vent and found a patch of black mold. This has probably been a slow leak for a few months that we didn't notice. What's the most effective way to clean this properly and who should I call to fix the AC so it doesn't just come back?
Posted by Susan Davis
Asked on March 23, 2026 4:14 am
The black mold you've discovered is a serious concern, particularly in Dubai's climate where high humidity and continuous AC use create ideal conditions for microbial growth. This is not a simple cleaning task. The visible patch is likely just the fruiting body; the actual hyphae (root system) will have penetrated deep into the carpet underlay and possibly the concrete screed below.

The most effective protocol begins with addressing the source. You must contact a certified HVAC technician to repair the AC condensate drain line or pan that is leaking. Without this fix, the moisture problem will persist, and mold will return immediately after any cleaning.

For the remediation itself, this requires a professional approach. In the UAE, companies like ours, Saniservice, follow strict guidelines from bodies like the DMCC and Dubai Municipality for mold remediation. The process is technical: the area must be isolated with negative air pressure containment to prevent cross-contamination. The contaminated carpet and underlay should be removed and disposed of as per biohazard protocols. The subfloor then needs specialized abrasive cleaning (e.g., sanding, soda blasting) and treatment with EPA-approved, non-toxic biocides to kill the embedded hyphae. Post-remediation verification (PRV) via air and surface sampling is crucial to confirm the spore count has returned to safe levels.

Attempting a DIY clean with bleach or vinegar is highly discouraged. It will only bleach the visible growth, leaving the root structure intact, and can agitate the spores, making them airborne and a respiratory hazard.

For a proper and guaranteed remediation, I strongly recommend calling our certified team for an inspection. We can handle both the mold removal and coordinate with trusted HVAC partners to ensure the problem is resolved at its root. Please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an immediate assessment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 25, 2026 9:53 pm