How to permanently fix mold in Dubai closet?« Back to Previous Page

My walk-in closet in our Jumeirah apartment has developed black speckles along the back wall, and my clothes have a faint damp smell. It’s been like this since the humidity spiked a few weeks ago, and I’m worried it’s going to ruin my stuff and get worse. What is the most effective way to get rid of it for good and stop it from coming back, especially with our humid climate?
Posted by Sanjay Sen
Asked on April 24, 2026 4:05 am
The black speckles and damp smell in your Jumeirah closet are classic signs of a mold issue, almost certainly fueled by our high humidity and the temperature difference between your air-conditioned room and the warmer wall. Permanently fixing it requires addressing both the existing growth and the moisture source.

First, for the current mold, a small affected area (under one square meter) can often be managed by carefully cleaning the wall with a detergent solution. However, never use bleach, as it doesn't kill the roots and can worsen indoor air quality. For porous items like drywall or severely affected clothes, disposal is the safest option to prevent spores from spreading.

The critical step is identifying and stopping the moisture. The back wall is likely a cold surface where condensation forms continuously. This could be due to insufficient insulation (a common issue with external walls in older buildings) or an AC unit not adequately dehumidifying the space. Ensure your AC is set to a consistently cool temperature and that the room is well-ventilated.

For a persistent or recurring problem, a professional inspection is strongly advised. They use thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint the exact source of condensation and moisture meters to confirm the wall is dry after remediation. In many cases, improving insulation or adding a dehumidifier in the closet space is necessary for a long-term solution. Verifiable before-and-after lab testing is the only way to confirm the mold has been effectively removed and the environment returned to a healthy state.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 24, 2026 6:28 pm