How to permanently fix AC leak and stop mold?« Back to Previous Page

The black spots are mold, caused by the combination of the AC leak and Dubai's high humidity. Wiping it only removes surface growth; the hidden mold in the damp drywall and carpet backing will continue to return until you fix the moisture source.

Your immediate priority is stopping the leak. The most common cause is a clogged condensate drain line from dust and microbial growth. Try flushing the line with a mixture of warm water and vinegar. If that doesn't work, the issue could be a misaligned drain pan, a cracked pan, or a refrigerant leak, all of which require a certified HVAC technician to permanently resolve.

For the existing mold, a surface clean is insufficient. The damp carpet pad underneath likely harbors mold and may need to be cut out and replaced. The affected section of drywall must be professionally dried and treated. In many cases, cutting out and replacing a portion of the wall is the only permanent solution to ensure the mold colony is fully removed.

After the leak is fixed and the mold remediated, prevent recurrence by having your AC units serviced at least twice a year. This includes cleaning the drain pans and condensate lines. For a situation like this with visible mold regrowth, a professional inspection is strongly recommended to assess the full extent of the damage behind the walls and under the carpet.