How to permanently stop bedroom mold and dampness?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black mold I just found behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed it when we were rearranging furniture, and the wall feels damp to the touch. I’m worried it’s because our bedroom is on the side of the building that never gets any direct sun. What’s the best long-term solution to stop this dampness and mold from coming back after we clean it?
Posted by Carmen Smit
Asked on May 20, 2026 5:50 pm
The damp wall behind your wardrobe is a classic sign of condensation buildup, a very common issue in Dubai bedrooms, especially on shaded sides of buildings. The lack of direct sun prevents the wall from drying out, and year-round AC use creates a constant temperature differential that promotes moisture.

The immediate step is to address the moisture source. For a long-term solution, you need to improve air circulation and reduce humidity against that cold wall. First, pull all furniture at least 10-15 cm away from the exterior walls to allow air to circulate behind them. Consider using a portable dehumidifier in the room, aiming for an indoor humidity level below 60%.

For the building structure itself, the most effective permanent fix is often addressing thermal bridging. This can involve professional application of internal insulation or waterproofing coatings on that specific wall to create a thermal barrier, preventing the cold surface that condenses humid air. In many UAE villas and older buildings, this is the core issue.

Simply cleaning the visible mold is a temporary measure; it will return without tackling the dampness. For a case with health symptoms and hidden dampness, a professional inspection is advised to identify the exact cause and extent. They can use moisture meters and thermal imaging to see what’s happening inside the wall structure and recommend targeted remediation, which should include fixing the moisture problem before any mold removal.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 21, 2026 1:40 am