How to permanently remove mold in Dubai's humid climate?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's because of the black spots I just found behind our wardrobe in the master bedroom. We've lived here in Jumeirah for 2 years and never had an issue, but I'm guessing the recent humidity made it worse. I wiped it with vinegar but it came right back.
What's the most effective way to get rid of this mold for good in our climate, and should I be calling a professional company to handle it?
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The mold returned because vinegar only treats the surface. In Dubai's high humidity, the root cause is persistent moisture within the wall or behind it, likely from condensation or a small, undetected leak.
For a permanent solution, start by identifying and stopping the moisture source. Move the wardrobe and check for plumbing leaks, cold spots from AC creating condensation, or cracks in the external wall allowing humid air in. The mold must be physically removed, not just wiped. Scrub the area with a dedicated mold remover or a diluted bleach solution, wearing an N95 mask and gloves to avoid inhaling spores. However, given the location and that it's affecting your children's health, this indicates a more serious issue. Surface cleaning alone rarely solves the problem when the colony is established. The spores are likely deep within the porous building materials, which is common here with our concrete block construction. For a case like this, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the exact moisture source hidden from view. The most effective remediation involves removing and replacing any contaminated drywall or insulation, followed by HEPA vacuuming and antimicrobial treatment to ensure spores are gone. They can also advise on improving ventilation to prevent recurrence. A certified company can provide before-and-after lab testing to confirm the environment is safe, which is crucial when children are experiencing respiratory symptoms. |
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