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

First, move the affected clothes outside to prevent spores from spreading through your home. For washable fabrics like cotton sweaters, pre-soak them in a solution of hot water and either baking soda or white vinegar for at least an hour. Then, wash them at the highest temperature the fabric allows with a quality detergent. Adding a cup of borax to the wash cycle can help kill mold spores.

For the wall, a solution of one part white vinegar to four parts water is effective for small patches. Scrub the area thoroughly, then dry it completely. In Dubai's humid climate, simply cleaning the visible mold is not enough; the underlying moisture issue must be addressed. The cupboard under the stairs is a classic spot for condensation buildup, especially with AC ducts often running through there.

To prevent recurrence, you must control the humidity. A small, plug-in dehumidifier or a rechargeable moisture absorber placed inside the cupboard is essential. Ensure there is some air circulation; leaving the cupboard door ajar for a few hours each day can help. For the wall, after cleaning and drying, repaint with an anti-mold, washable paint to create a protective barrier.

Given the strong damp smell and the fact it's behind items and on the wall, this indicates a persistent moisture problem. For your family's health, especially with the coughing, a professional inspection is warranted. They can use moisture meters to find the hidden source of the dampness, which could be a small condensation leak from an AC duct or rising damp. A reputable company with a microbiology lab can also test the mold type to confirm it's not a more hazardous species, providing peace of mind that the cleanup was sufficient.