How to safely remove black mold and who to call in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

That damp patch on your exterior wall is a classic sign of condensation or a slow leak, both common here due to our high humidity and temperature swings. The wall's internal temperature differs from the outside, causing moisture to condense, especially when the AC is running constantly.

For a small patch (under one square meter), you can clean it yourself safely. Wear an N95 mask, gloves, and goggles. Scrub the area with a mixture of detergent and water, or a dedicated mould remover. Do not use bleach, as it only discolours the surface and doesn't kill the roots. Dry the area completely with a fan afterwards. Discard any porous items like cardboard boxes that have mould on them.

However, since the wall feels damp, this indicates an ongoing moisture issue you cannot solve with surface cleaning alone. The mould inside the wall cavity is likely more extensive than what is visible. This requires a professional assessment.

You should call a building maintenance company first. As this is on an exterior wall, the problem could be a breach in the building's waterproofing or a leaking pipe within the wall, which is the responsibility of your building management. They need to investigate and repair the source of the moisture.

For independent verification of the mould type and extent, you would call a specialised indoor environmental professional. Look for a company that uses a borescope to inspect inside the wall and can provide lab analysis from air or surface samples. This data is crucial to understand the full scope before any remediation begins. In Dubai, reputable providers will follow guidelines from entities like the Dubai Municipality and DHA, and their final report should include post-remediation verification testing to confirm the issue is resolved.