How to clean moldy clothes and treat wardrobe in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Our family has been living in our Jumeirah villa for about five years, and I’ve just pulled out the winter clothes from the wardrobe in the guest room. I found a bunch of our sweaters and jackets have these black and green fuzzy spots all over them. The room has a bit of a damp, earthy smell that I never noticed before. What’s the best way to get this cleaned and who should I call in Dubai to properly treat the wardrobe so it doesn't come back?
Posted by Tuan Ito
Asked on March 29, 2026 8:11 pm
Based on your description, you are dealing with a significant mold infestation, a common issue in Dubai due to the high humidity, year-round AC operation, and condensation buildup, especially in less-frequented rooms like guest bedrooms. The damp, earthy smell confirms active microbial growth.

For the moldy clothes, do not attempt to brush or vacuum them, as this will aerosolize spores. For washable fabrics like cotton sweaters, a professional-grade approach is recommended. Pre-soak the items in a solution of hot water and a mold-specific detergent, then wash at the highest temperature the fabric allows. Adding white vinegar or a proprietary antimicrobial additive to the rinse cycle can help eliminate residual spores. For delicate or dry-clean-only items, you must disclose the mold issue to a specialized dry cleaner, as standard cleaning will not suffice and may spoil the garments.

The wardrobe itself is the source and requires professional intervention. DIY cleaning with supermarket solutions is a temporary fix; it addresses surface mold but not the root cause or hidden colonies. The mold has likely penetrated the porous materials of the wardrobe and possibly the wall behind it. Proper remediation involves a certified inspection to identify the moisture source (e.g., condensation from an AC vent, a hidden leak, or high ambient humidity) and the full extent of contamination.

The treatment process includes containment of the area, HEPA vacuuming, abrasive cleaning with EPA-approved biocides, and application of a sealing primer to prevent regrowth. This must be conducted in accordance with DM and Dubai Municipality guidelines for environmental hygiene.

For a permanent solution, I strongly recommend a professional inspection and remediation. Our team at Saniservice is certified and equipped to handle this precisely, using industry-standard protocols. Please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment and protect your home from further damage.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 31, 2026 10:23 am