How to remove closet mold and is it a health risk?« Back to Previous Page

Our family villa in Jumeirah 3 has a persistent damp smell in the master bedroom closet that we've been ignoring for months, but now my husband and I are waking up with stuffy noses and sore throats. I finally pulled everything out and found a bunch of black fuzzy spots covering the back wall, especially behind the winter clothes. What is the most effective way to get rid of this for good, and should we be worried about our health from this long-term exposure?
Posted by Francois Sanchez
Asked on April 21, 2026 5:25 pm
That black mold in your Jumeirah closet is a health risk, especially given your symptoms and the duration of exposure. The persistent stuffy noses and sore throats are classic signs of mold-related irritation. Long-term exposure can worsen allergies and asthma, particularly in individuals with existing respiratory conditions or weakened immune systems.

For effective removal, start by isolating the area. Keep the closet closed and consider sealing it with plastic sheeting to prevent spores from spreading to other parts of the bedroom. Do not attempt to dry-scrub or vacuum the mold, as this will aerosolize the spores.

The most critical step is identifying and fixing the moisture source. In Dubai villas, this is often condensation from an AC supply duct running through the closet or a small leak in the external wall that's exacerbated by our high humidity. The mold will return unless the root cause is addressed.

For a confirmed, persistent case like yours—covering a large area and already causing health effects—professional remediation is strongly advised. Look for a provider that follows IICRC S520 standards for mold remediation. They will contain the area with negative air pressure, safely remove the contaminated materials (like the drywall), HEPA-vacuum the space, and treat it with antimicrobial solutions. The final step should always be a post-remediation verification test from an independent lab to confirm the spore count has returned to normal indoor levels. This is the only way to be sure it's truly gone for good.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 24, 2026 2:51 pm