How to remove and prevent mold in toddler's bedroom?« Back to Previous Page

My toddler's bedroom has a persistent damp smell that started a few months ago, and I just found black spots behind his heavy wardrobe on the wall. We live in an older villa in Jumeirah and with the humidity being so high, I'm really worried about his health and this spreading. What's the most effective way to treat the existing mold and prevent it from coming back for good?
Posted by Lisa Young
Asked on April 16, 2026 6:05 pm
The black spots behind the wardrobe are a clear sign of a moisture issue, a common problem in older Dubai villas due to high humidity and temperature fluctuations causing condensation. For a toddler's room, addressing this properly is critical.

First, do not attempt to scrub it yourself. Disturbing the mold without containment can send spores into the air. Move the wardrobe and isolate the area. For a small area, a solution of white vinegar or a dedicated mold cleaner can be effective on non-porous surfaces. However, the wall material (plaster, drywall) may have absorbed moisture, meaning surface cleaning won't solve the root cause. The persistent damp smell suggests a deeper issue.

The most effective strategy is to identify and eliminate the moisture source. In Jumeirah villas, this is often penetrating damp from external walls or interstitial condensation within the wall cavity itself, exacerbated by constant AC use creating temperature differentials. A professional inspection with a thermal imaging camera and moisture meter is the only way to accurately locate the source. They can determine if the issue is internal humidity, a plumbing leak, or a building envelope flaw.

Prevention is entirely about moisture control. After remediation, keep the wardrobe slightly away from the wall to allow air circulation. Use a dehumidifier, especially during the more humid winter months, to maintain indoor humidity below 60%. Ensure your AC unit is serviced regularly and that the room is well-ventilated when the weather permits. For health assurance post-remediation, a lab test can verify the air quality is safe.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 17, 2026 6:30 pm