How to remove mold from clothes and closet?« Back to Previous Page

Black mold on clothes in humid climates like Dubai is a common issue, particularly in enclosed spaces like closets. For your clothes, dry cleaning is the most effective method for delicate or non-washable items like winter jackets, as the solvents kill mold spores. For machine-washable fabrics, use the hottest water safe for the material with a mold-killing additive; a cup of white vinegar or a borax solution in the wash cycle can be effective. Sun-drying is highly recommended, as UV light is a natural disinfectant.

The closet itself is the source. That persistent dampness indicates high humidity and likely poor air circulation. First, remove everything and clean all surfaces with a solution of one part water to one part white vinegar or a diluted bleach solution (wear gloves and ensure ventilation). However, this only addresses surface growth. The underlying issue is the moisture.

For a lasting solution, you must control the closet's environment. Use a robust dehumidifier or constantly run a desiccant dehumidifier bag inside the closet. Ensure the room's AC is running sufficiently to manage humidity levels, and leave the closet door ajar to promote air circulation. If the dampness is coming from the walls, this could indicate a more serious condensation or seepage problem common in villas here.

Given the climate and the fact the walls feel damp, a professional inspection is wise to rule out hidden condensation within the wall cavity or AC system issues, which are frequent contributors in the UAE. They can use moisture meters to pinpoint the source and recommend targeted remediation, as simply cleaning will only provide a temporary fix if the moisture problem isn't resolved.