How to remove and prevent mold in my Marina closet?« Back to Previous Page

My master bedroom closet in my Marina apartment has started to feel damp, and I just found a small patch of mold on a leather bag I stored in there. We keep the AC running most of the time, but with the humidity lately, I'm worried it's not enough. What are the specific steps I should take right now to clean this up properly and prevent it from spreading to my clothes and the walls?
Posted by Joseph Scott
Asked on March 24, 2026 2:35 pm
Good morning from Saniservice. Dealing with mold in a Marina apartment is an extremely common issue we see, given the high ambient humidity and the temperature differential between the chilled AC air and the warm, humid air infiltrating from outside. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step protocol for your situation.

First, for the immediate cleanup: Isolate the affected area. Remove all contents from the closet. For the leather bag with visible mold, take it outside or to a well-ventilated balcony. using a soft brush, gently remove the dry mold spores. then, wipe the surface with a cloth dampened with a solution of water and a mild soap specifically designed for leather. allow it to dry completely away from direct sunlight. do NOT use bleach or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the material.

For the closet interior: you need to identify the moisture source. The constant AC operation can sometimes create a cold surface on the back wall of the closet (often an exterior wall), leading to condensation when warm, humid air seeps in. Wipe down all interior surfaces with a microfiber cloth and a solution of white vinegar or a dedicated EPA-approved fungicidal cleaner. Ensure the area is thoroughly dried with a fan afterward.

Prevention is critical. you must lower the relative humidity within that enclosed space. We recommend installing a small, standalone dehumidifier or a renewable desiccant pod like DampRid inside the closet. Ensure the closet door is left ajar periodically to allow conditioned air to circulate. Check that the AC drain line is not blocked and that the unit is properly sized and maintained to effectively remove humidity from your apartment's air.

If the mold patch is larger than a square foot, if it has penetrated the drywall, or if you notice a persistent musty odor despite cleaning, this indicates a more serious issue. Per UAE health and safety guidelines, a professional inspection is mandated to assess hidden growth within the wall cavity or HVAC system and to perform certified remediation. For a thorough assessment and guaranteed solution, please call our specialists at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We service the Marina area daily.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 26, 2026 11:49 pm