How to remove mold myself or call a pro in Dubai?« 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. The wall feels damp and there's a large patch of black and green fuzzy spots.
What's the best way to handle this ourselves, and at what point should I call a professional cleaning company here in Dubai?
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The damp wall and fuzzy spots indicate active growth, which is likely releasing spores into your bedroom air and could certainly be contributing to the coughing. Dubai's high humidity and constant AC use create perfect conditions for this, especially on exterior walls where condensation can form.
For a patch smaller than one square meter, you can attempt to clean it yourself. Wear an N95 mask, gloves, and safety glasses. Scrub the area with a mixture of detergent and water, then follow with a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to ten parts water) to disinfect. Dry the area completely within 24-48 hours using a fan or dehumidifier. The critical step is identifying and fixing the moisture source; it could be a hidden plumbing leak, condensation from the AC, or humidity from the bathroom. If the area is larger than one square meter, the wall remains damp after cleaning, the mold returns quickly, or you suspect it has spread into the wall cavity, you must call a professional. DIY efforts on larger infestations can aerosolize a high volume of spores, worsening the problem. Professionals use containment barriers, HEPA filtration, and specialized antimicrobials. In Dubai, look for a company that provides verifiable before-and-after testing from an accredited lab to confirm the spore count has been returned to safe levels, which is the only way to know the environment is truly safe for your children. |
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