How to clean moldy clothes and prevent wall spread?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing constantly for the past two weeks and their allergies are going crazy. I’ve just pulled out some winter clothes from the back of the bedroom wardrobe and found a bunch of them covered in black and green fuzzy spots. We live in an older building in Jumeirah and I’m worried the humidity is getting trapped in there. What’s the best way to clean the clothes and should I be concerned about the mold spreading to the walls behind the wardrobe?
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Mold on clothes in a Jumeirah villa is a clear sign of high humidity and poor air circulation, especially common during seasonal transitions. For cleaning, do not simply wash them, as this can spread spores. For non-valuable items, the safest option is disposal. For washable fabrics, take them outside to brush off the mold spores thoroughly, then wash at the highest temperature the fabric allows with a mold-killing additive like white vinegar or baking soda. Sun-drying is highly effective.
The presence on clothes strongly suggests the walls behind the wardrobe are already affected. In Dubai's climate, this is a frequent issue where cool interior walls meet humid air, creating condensation that mold thrives on. You must move the wardrobe and inspect the wall for discoloration, a musty smell, or a powdery texture. For a small area (less than one square meter), you can clean it yourself with a mixture of water and vinegar or a specialist mold cleaner, ensuring you wear a mask and gloves. However, given the persistent health symptoms in your children—which are classic indicators of mold exposure—and the building's age, a professional inspection is strongly advised. Spores travel through the air and the root cause is likely a humidity issue that needs identifying. Proper remediation involves containing the area, removing the mold at its source, and addressing the moisture problem to prevent recurrence, which is why a certified assessment is crucial for your family's health. |
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