How to remove mold from carpet after AC leak?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah seems to be leaking a bit of water onto the carpet below it, and now I’ve spotted a small black patch of mold growing there. I got the AC unit serviced last week to stop the leak, but I’m worried the mold will just come back in this humidity. What’s the best way to completely remove this mold from my carpet and treat the area to make sure it doesn’t spread?
Posted by Christopher Young
Asked on May 8, 2026 4:35 am
The leak has created a classic mold-growth scenario common in Dubai's humidity. Since the AC is now fixed, the source is addressed, but the existing mold needs proper removal to prevent it from spreading through spores.

For a small patch (under one square foot), you can handle this carefully. Wear an N95 mask and gloves. Isolate the area by closing the door and covering vents. Apply a carpet-safe antimicrobial solution (never bleach, as it can damage fibers and doesn't prevent regrowth) according to the product's instructions, scrubbing gently. Extract as much moisture as possible and use fans to dry the carpet and underlying padding completely within 24-48 hours. However, if the mold has penetrated the carpet padding—which is highly likely with a water leak—the padding must be removed and replaced. You cannot effectively clean or dry soaked padding; it will remain a reservoir for mold.

Given the high humidity and that the mold resulted from an AC leak, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They can use moisture meters to confirm the subfloor is dry and apply targeted treatments to the area to help prevent regrowth. In many cases, the most reliable solution is cutting out the affected carpet and padding section and treating the concrete slab beneath before installing new materials. For verifiable results, companies with their own microbiology labs can take surface samples post-remediation to confirm the mold has been effectively removed.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 9, 2026 6:55 pm