How to remove black mold and when to inform building?« Back to Previous Page

The black mold in your closet is likely due to water intrusion from the heavy rains, a common issue here when building seals are compromised. For a patch smaller than one square meter, you can handle it yourself. Wear an N95 mask and gloves. Scrub the area with a mixture of white vinegar and water or a dedicated mold remover, then dry it thoroughly with a fan. Discard any contaminated porous materials like cardboard boxes.

However, since it's on an outer wall, this is almost certainly a building envelope issue. Condensation from your AC unit can also contribute to hidden moisture in these cavities. The mold you see is often just the visible part of a larger problem inside the wall. DIY cleaning only addresses the surface and it will almost certainly return if the moisture source isn't fixed.

You should escalate this to building management now. Under Dubai regulations, the building owner is responsible for the structural integrity and waterproofing of external walls. Provide them with clear photos and a written notification. They should send a maintenance team to investigate the source of the leak from the outside and repair it.

If the mold returns after their repair or spreads, a professional inspection is recommended. They use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find hidden dampness and can take samples for lab analysis to identify the species, which is important for assessing risk and guiding the proper remediation protocol for the building to follow.