How to safely remove AC mold causing health issues?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has been leaking a little for a couple of months, and now I’ve found black, fuzzy mold spreading on the wall behind the unit. My husband and I have both had constant sinus headaches and a dry cough that won’t go away since it started. What’s the most effective way to get rid of this mold safely and permanently, and should we be getting our AC ducts professionally cleaned too?
Posted by Akira Guo
Asked on May 9, 2026 1:00 pm
Stop using the AC immediately and address the moisture source first. The leak must be repaired by a certified HVAC technician to prevent the mold from returning. For the visible mold on the wall, a small patch can be cleaned with a solution of diluted detergent, but given your symptoms and the fuzzy growth, this is likely a more serious infestation requiring professional assessment.

The persistent sinus headaches and cough are strong indicators that this is not a surface-level issue. In Dubai's humid climate, mold behind an AC unit often signifies deeper contamination within the system itself, particularly in the drip pan and evaporator coils. A full remediation protocol involves containment to prevent spores from spreading, HEPA vacuuming, and antimicrobial treatment of affected building materials.

You should absolutely get the AC ducts professionally cleaned, but only after the source leak is fixed and the wall is remediated. Otherwise, spores from the wall will simply recontaminate the cleaned system. Look for a provider that uses video inspection to show you the before-and-after state of the ducts and can provide post-remediation verification, such as air quality testing, to confirm the environment is safe. This documented evidence is crucial for your health and peace of mind.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 11, 2026 7:00 pm