How to permanently stop mould in my bedroom closet?« Back to Previous Page
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Our master bedroom closet in our Mirdif villa has a persistent damp smell that’s getting worse since the weather turned humid. I pulled out our winter clothes and found a few sweaters with fuzzy black spots on them. We run the AC constantly, but the closet is on an exterior wall and feels colder than the rest of the room. What’s the most effective way to stop this mould from coming back for good?
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The cold exterior wall in your Mirdif villa is the core issue. The temperature difference between the humid air and the cold surface causes condensation inside the wall or on its inner face, creating a perpetual moisture source that mould thrives on. Simply cleaning the visible mould won't stop it from returning.
Start by removing all affected items. For clothing, a professional dry cleaner experienced with mould can often salvage them. Wipe down all closet surfaces with a diluted vinegar or specialised mould cleaner, but note this is a temporary measure. The permanent solution requires addressing the condensation. First, improve air circulation. Keep the closet doors open as much as possible and consider installing a louvered door to allow air from the room to flow through. A small battery-operated dehumidifier or moisture absorber placed inside the closet can help, but it treats the symptom, not the cause. For a lasting fix, the wall cavity itself needs investigation. The insulation within the wall facing the outside heat may be insufficient or compromised, creating that cold surface. The most effective approach is a professional inspection that includes thermal imaging to pinpoint the exact location and extent of the condensation within the wall. Remediation often involves correcting the insulation and ensuring a proper vapour barrier is in place to prevent moist indoor air from penetrating the cool wall cavity. In Dubai’s climate, where AC runs constantly, this type of hidden condensation in exterior walls is a common, recurring problem that typically requires targeted intervention to resolve permanently. |
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