how to quickly remove mold frm clothes for health?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop since the summer humidity started, and I'm starting to panic. I just pulled out some winter clothes from the storage cupboard under our stairs in Jumeirah and found a bunch of our jackets and sweaters covered in black and green spots. The smell is really strong and musty in that closet now. What's the fastest and safest way to get this cleaned for my family's health?
Posted by Ewa De Vries
Asked on April 25, 2026 1:20 am
Stop using the moldy clothes immediately and move them to a well-ventilated area like a balcony to prevent spreading spores through your home. The musty smell indicates active growth, and inhalation is the primary health concern, especially for children.

For non-porous items like shoes or plastic, a solution of white vinegar or a diluted bleach mix (1 part bleach to 4 parts water) can be effective. However, for porous materials like cotton jackets and sweaters, surface cleaning often isn't enough. Mold roots (hyphae) penetrate the fibers, and the allergens and mycotoxins they produce can remain even after the visible stain is gone. In Dubai's high humidity, improperly cleaned items will likely regrow mold quickly.

Your family's persistent coughing is a significant indicator that this is not an isolated issue. The storage cupboard is a symptom; the mold likely exists in the walls or subfloor due to condensation, a common problem in sealed villas with year-round AC. Cleaning the clothes without remediating the source is a temporary fix.

The safest approach is to have a professional inspection. They can identify the moisture source in the cupboard and assess the extent of the contamination. For health safety, heavily affected porous items are often recommended for disposal. For lightly affected, valuable items, professional ozone or hydroxyl treatment can deodorize and sanitize them without harsh chemicals, but this is a decision best made after understanding the mold type, which requires lab analysis. Focus on identifying and fixing the dampness in your home first.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 25, 2026 6:24 pm