How to safely clean mold from damp clothes?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing a lot lately and I'm getting worried. I pulled out some old winter clothes from the storage cupboard under our stairs in Jumeirah and found a bunch of our jackets and shoes covered in fuzzy black spots. The room has felt damp ever since the heavy rains we had a few weeks back. What's the best way to clean this safely without putting my family at risk?
Posted by Gary Johnson
Asked on April 6, 2026 12:35 am
Based on the symptoms you've described and the discovery of fuzzy black spots, it is highly recommended that you cease handling the contaminated items immediately. The combination of a damp, enclosed storage space in a Jumeirah villa following the recent rains presents a classic scenario for significant mold growth, including potentially hazardous types like Stachybotrys chartarum (true "black mold"). The coughing in your children is a serious indicator of exposure to mycotoxins and mold spores.

For porous materials like clothing and shoes, cleaning is often not advisable as the fungal hyphae can penetrate deep into the fibers, making complete eradication with DIY methods nearly impossible. Attempting to clean them yourself risks aerosolizing a high concentration of spores throughout your home's AC system, which is a significant health risk in Dubai's climate where windows are often closed. The UAE's high humidity and constant AC operation can quickly spread this contamination.

The safest and most effective protocol is to call a professional. Certified mold remediation specialists, like our team at Saniservice, are equipped with industrial-grade HEPA filtration units to contain the area, assess the extent of the infestation with moisture meters and air quality tests, and safely dispose of severely contaminated items. We follow strict UAE guidelines for the disposal of hazardous biological waste. For items of high value that may be salvageable, we utilize specialized ozone and UV-C treatment chambers, a process not available to consumers.

Your family's health is paramount. I strongly advise a professional inspection to assess the full scope of the problem, both in the storage cupboard and potentially in your AC ducting. For immediate assistance, please call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a consultation.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 7, 2026 1:05 pm