How to permanently remove mold from under AC in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has been leaking a bit, and I just pulled back the corner of the bedroom carpet to find a small patch of black, fuzzy mold on the concrete underneath. We run the AC constantly, but the room still feels damp. What's the best way to kill this mold for good and stop it from coming back, especially in this humidity?
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The immediate priority is addressing the moisture source, which is almost certainly the AC condensate drain line leaking or being blocked. In Dubai's climate, running AC constantly creates significant condensation, and a small leak under the unit can quickly lead to mold growth on concrete, which acts like a sponge.
For a small patch, you can clean it yourself with a solution of detergent and water, but never use bleach as it only removes the colour and can worsen the problem by adding moisture. After cleaning, the area must be completely dried. However, simply killing the visible mold is a temporary fix; the underlying concrete slab will remain damp and the mold will return unless the leak is repaired and the area is thoroughly dried with professional-grade dehumidifiers. Permanent removal requires a two-step process: first, a certified technician must fix the AC leak and ensure the condensate line is clear and properly draining. Second, the affected area needs proper remediation. The carpet and underlay must be lifted to allow the concrete slab to dry completely, which can take several days with industrial air movers and dehumidifiers. The porous concrete may also require specialized cleaning to remove mycotoxins and prevent regrowth. Given the hidden nature of the problem and Dubai's high humidity, a professional inspection is highly recommended. They can use moisture meters to determine the full extent of the water damage in the slab and verify that the humidity levels are brought down to a point that prevents recurrence. For verifiable results, look for providers who can conduct before-and-after testing to confirm the environment is truly dry and the mold count has been measurably reduced. |
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