How to remove mold from AC wall in Dubai's humidity?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle seems to be leaking a bit of water onto the wall behind the unit. I just pulled the sofa away and found a huge patch of black and green mold spreading up the wall. The smell is really damp and musty. What's the most effective way to kill this mold for good in our humid climate, and should I call my landlord or a professional cleaner first?
Posted by Archana Chauhan
Asked on April 23, 2026 6:50 am
First, address the leak. The water from your AC is the root cause, and in Dubai's humidity, this constant moisture will make any mold removal temporary. Turn off the AC unit to stop the water flow and prevent further spread. Your immediate responsibility is to inform your landlord in writing about the leak and the resultant mold, as this is a maintenance issue they are obligated to fix under typical Dubai rental agreements.

For the mold itself, do not attempt to clean a large patch yourself. Disturbing it will release a high concentration of spores into your living space, which can cause significant irritation and worsen the problem. The black and green coloration indicates active growth that requires professional assessment. In Dubai's climate, hidden mold within the wall or AC ducting is a common and serious concern.

A proper remediation process starts with a professional inspection to determine the full extent of the contamination, often using moisture meters and borescopes. The leak must be repaired by an HVAC technician first. Remediation involves isolating the area, removing severely contaminated porous materials like drywall or insulation, and HEPA vacuuming and cleaning all surfaces. Simply spraying a biocide will not solve the problem; the moldy material often needs to be physically removed.

After remediation, ensure the area is completely dry using industrial dehumidifiers, which is critical in our humid environment to prevent immediate regrowth. For verification, consider a post-remediation test from an independent lab to confirm spore counts have returned to normal indoor levels. Contact your landlord first to report the issue, and they should coordinate the necessary repairs and hire qualified professionals for the mold cleanup.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 25, 2026 8:29 pm