How to find the source of recurring bedroom mold?« Back to Previous Page

We’ve lived in our villa in Al Barsha for two years and just noticed a patch of black mold in the corner of our master bedroom closet, which is on an exterior wall. The weird thing is it’s only in that one spot, but it came back a week after I just wiped it down with bleach. With the humidity coming back soon, what’s the best way to find the actual source of the moisture so we can fix this for good?
Posted by Susan Wilson
Asked on May 9, 2026 3:01 pm
Recurring mold after cleaning points to a persistent moisture source, not just surface contamination. In Dubai's climate, the most common culprits are condensation from AC systems or hidden water intrusion.

Start by inspecting the exterior wall. Check for cracks in the render, gaps around window frames, or damaged sealant that could allow humid air or occasional rainwater to seep in. A plumbing leak from an adjacent bathroom is another possibility. Since the mold returned quickly after wiping, focus on the AC system. The closet's exterior wall location is a prime spot for condensation if the cold air supply duct runs inside that wall or if the room's AC unit is improperly balanced, causing the area to become significantly colder than the rest of the room (a thermal bridge). This temperature difference causes moisture in the air to condense on the wall surface, feeding the mold.

For a definitive answer, a professional inspection is the most effective path. They use tools like thermal imaging cameras to identify cold spots indicating condensation and moisture meters to quantify dampness within the wall itself. This identifies the exact source without guesswork. Simply wiping the mold with bleach addresses the symptom, not the cause, and the mold will continue to return until the moisture issue is resolved.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 12, 2026 1:09 pm