How to remove mold in Dubai apartment and prevent recurrence?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the mold I just found behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed it when we were rearranging furniture – it's a big black patch on the wall. We're in a ground-floor apartment in Jumeirah and it feels quite damp there.
What's the best way to get rid of this properly and make sure it doesn't come back, and should I be calling my landlord or a professional cleaning company first?
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That damp wall behind the wardrobe is a classic sign of condensation or a hidden leak, which is very common in Dubai's humid climate, especially on ground-floor apartments. The black patch suggests active growth, and it's very possible it's contributing to your kids' coughing.
For a patch that size, you should notify your landlord immediately. Under Dubai rental regulations, the structural integrity of the property, including issues with dampness and water intrusion, is the landlord's responsibility. They are obligated to address the root cause. Do not attempt a DIY cleaning with bleach, as it can aggravate spores and doesn't address the moisture source. A professional inspection is recommended to identify why the moisture is there. It could be a leaking pipe in the wall, rising damp from the slab, or extreme condensation from the AC unit being set too cold. They will use moisture meters to find the source. Proper remediation involves isolating the area, removing contaminated materials like drywall, and HEPA vacuuming to capture spores. To prevent recurrence, the moisture issue must be fixed. This could involve repairing a leak, improving apartment ventilation, or installing a dehumidifier. After remediation, a post-testing verification is the only way to confirm the spore count has returned to a normal level. For health-related cases like yours, a lab culture can identify the mold type, which is useful information for your family doctor. |
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