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

Stop the leak first. The black spots are mold feeding on moisture from your AC condensate drain line, which is likely clogged. In Dubai's humidity, a small leak creates a perfect breeding ground. Unclog the drain line using a wet/dry vacuum on the outlet pipe outside or a specialized drain pan tablet. This is the only way to permanently stop the moisture source.

For the wall, cleaning the surface mold is not enough. The porous drywall has absorbed water and the mold roots (hyphae) are growing inside it. Scrubbing with a bleach solution will only remove surface discoloration. To prevent recurrence, the affected drywall section must be cut out and replaced once the leak is fully resolved and the area is completely dry.

The strong musty smell at night indicates active microbial volatile organic compound (MVOC) production, meaning the colony is established. Given the hidden location behind a wardrobe, the extent of damage is likely worse than visible. For a permanent fix, a professional inspection is advised to assess wall cavity saturation and ensure the AC unit itself isn't harboring mold in its internal ducts, which is common here. They can verify the leak is fixed and the area is properly dried with industrial equipment before reconstruction.