How to handle black mold in closet on outside wall?« Back to Previous Page

First, identify if it's a leak or condensation. Since it's on an exterior wall in Dubai's humidity, condensation from the AC meeting the warm outdoor air is a common cause. Move everything away from the wall to allow air circulation.

For a small patch (under one square meter), you can clean it yourself. Wear an N95 mask and gloves. Scrub the area with a mixture of detergent and water. Avoid bleach, as it doesn't prevent regrowth and can damage porous surfaces like drywall. After cleaning, ensure the area is completely dry.

However, if the mold returns quickly or covers a larger area, the underlying moisture issue isn't solved. In Dubai apartments, this often requires building management, as the leak or insulation flaw could be within the building's external structure (chiller pipe condensation ingress is very common). They are typically responsible for the building envelope.

For persistent problems, a professional inspection with moisture meters and thermal imaging can pinpoint the exact condensation source hidden within the wall cavity, which is often necessary for a permanent fix.