How to remove mold from clothes in humid Dubai?« Back to Previous Page
|
My kids have been coughing for a couple of weeks and their allergies are acting up terribly. I just pulled out some winter clothes from the back of the wardrobe in our spare room and found a bunch of them covered in black and green fuzzy spots. We live in a villa in Jumeirah and it's been so humid lately.
What's the best way to clean this mold off the clothes and how can I stop it from coming back in this climate?
|
|
The mold you've described on your winter clothes is a serious concern, particularly given the health symptoms your children are exhibiting. The combination of Dubai's extreme humidity and the stagnant, cool air inside wardresses creates a perfect environment for mold proliferation. The black and green fuzzy growth is likely a combination of species like Cladosporium and Aspergillus, which are known respiratory irritants and common allergens.
For clothing, the remediation process must be thorough. Do not simply brush off the mold, as this will aerosolize spores. For washable fabrics, pre-treat the affected areas outdoors by scrubbing with a solution of white vinegar or a specialized mold-killing detergent. Then, wash the clothes at the highest temperature the fabric allows, adding either borax or a commercial mold remover to the cycle. Sun-drying is highly recommended, as UV radiation is a natural disinfectant. For dry-clean-only items, you must inform the cleaner about the mold contamination beforehand. However, the presence of mold on stored items indicates a significant humidity problem within the wardrobe and likely the entire room. This is not an isolated issue. The mold spores are airborne and have contaminated the space. Simply cleaning the clothes will not solve the problem; the source of the moisture must be identified and the environment professionally remediated to protect your family's health. Given the health symptoms and the extent of growth, a professional inspection is strongly advised. Our certified technicians use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to pinpoint condensation issues and hidden moisture sources, often related to AC duct condensation or building envelope leaks common in Dubai villas. We then perform contained removal and hygienization of the affected areas, including wardrobes and contents, using UAE-approved biocides and HEPA filtration to ensure spores are eradicated. To prevent recurrence, maintain indoor humidity below 60% with dehumidifiers, ensure your AC system is regularly serviced to prevent condensation, and improve air circulation in storage areas. For a comprehensive assessment and safe remediation, please contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. |
Please log in to post questions/answers: