How to safely clean mold in my Dubai home?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing for the past two weeks and their allergies are going crazy. I just pulled out some winter clothes from the storage room in our Jumeirah villa and found a bunch of dark, fuzzy spots on a few sweaters and the wall behind the rack. It must have been the humidity from the last few weeks. What’s the safest way to clean this up myself without making my family sick?
Posted by Lakshmi Mishra
Asked on March 26, 2026 11:35 am
Based on your description, you are likely dealing with a significant mold contamination event, exacerbated by Dubai's high humidity and the condensation cycles created by year-round air conditioning. The dark, fuzzy spots on both the clothing and the wall indicate active growth. Your primary concern is correct; improper cleaning can aerosolize spores, significantly worsening the air quality and your family's respiratory symptoms.

For the contaminated clothing, do not attempt to wash them in your home machine. Seal them in plastic bags for professional hygienization or disposal. For a small, contained area on a hard surface like the wall, you can carefully clean it with a solution of diluted detergent. However, extreme caution is required. You must wear an N95 mask, nitrile gloves, and eye protection. Isolate the area by sealing it off with plastic sheeting and ensure maximum ventilation. Turn off the AC system to prevent spores from circulating throughout the villa.

Crucially, the visible growth on the wall is only a fraction of the problem. Mold colonies penetrate porous materials like drywall and concrete. The moisture source must be identified and corrected, which often requires professional diagnostic tools like thermal imaging and moisture meters. Given the health symptoms your children are experiencing and the scale of the problem (affecting both contents and the building structure), a professional inspection is not just recommended, it is essential for your family's safety.

Self-cleaning is a high-risk interim measure. For a definitive assessment and safe, compliant remediation that adheres to Dubai Municipality standards, you should contact a certified specialist. I strongly recommend calling Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) for a comprehensive inspection and a protocol to resolve this safely.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 27, 2026 8:30 am