How to professionally clean and test mold for kids' safety?« Back to Previous Page

We’ve lived here for 2 years and just noticed some black spots in the corner of our master bedroom closet where we keep our winter clothes. My youngest son has been sneezing non-stop and has a runny nose, and I'm terrified it's because of this mold. What's the best way to get this professionally cleaned and tested to make sure it's safe for the kids?
Posted by Shruti Chopra
Asked on May 2, 2026 6:30 am
The black spots you're describing, especially in a humid climate like Dubai's, are a common sign of mold growth often fueled by condensation and lack of airflow in closets. Your son's symptoms are a significant red flag that should be taken seriously, as children are more susceptible to mold-related irritation.

For a situation involving health symptoms, a professional inspection is strongly advised over a DIY approach. The goal is to first identify the moisture source—often a small AC leak in the wall, condensation from temperature differences, or even humidity from stored items. A certified inspector will use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the root cause, otherwise the mold will return quickly after cleaning.

The cleaning itself must be contained to prevent spores from spreading into your living space. Professionals will seal the area, use HEPA filtration to clean the air, and safely remove the contaminated materials. Simply wiping or spraying the visible spots is insufficient and can aggravate the problem.

Testing is crucial for peace of mind. A surface sample of the mold should be sent to an accredited microbiology lab for analysis to identify the species. This determines the potential health risk and confirms the cleanup was successful. Some inspectors, like our team at Saniservice, operate their own labs for this specific purpose, providing documented evidence that the area is safe.

After remediation, controlling humidity with a dehumidifier or ensuring your AC is properly maintained is key to preventing recurrence. For your son's health, I would recommend consulting a pediatrician and sharing the lab results once you have them.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 3, 2026 12:00 pm