How to safely remove black mold from kids' bedroom closet?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it’s from the black mold that’s been growing in the corner of their bedroom closet. We live in a villa in Mirdif and it started appearing about a month after the heavy rains in March. The closet is on an exterior wall and it just feels damp. How can I safely clean this myself to make sure it’s gone for good and not harmful to them?
Posted by Khalid Al-Hamdi
Asked on May 2, 2026 2:00 am
Black mold in a child's bedroom after heavy rains is a common issue in Dubai villas, especially on exterior walls where trapped moisture from humidity and temperature differences creates condensation. Your situation points to a likely moisture intrusion.

For immediate safety, limit your children's exposure to the area. The damp feeling suggests active growth. Before cleaning, identify and stop the moisture source; otherwise, it will return. Check for leaks from the roof or window sealant failure, which are frequent after seasonal rains.

For small patches (under one square meter), you can clean it yourself. Wear an N95 mask, gloves, and goggles. Never use a brush dry, as this aerosolizes spores. Scrub the area with a solution of detergent and water. After cleaning, disinfect with a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to ten parts water) to kill remaining spores. Ensure the room is extremely well-ventilated during and after the process.

However, given this is a child's room and the mold is on a structural wall, a DIY approach may not address the root cause hidden within the wall cavity. The persistent dampness indicates a deeper issue. For health assurance, a professional inspection with moisture meters and thermal imaging can locate the exact source of water ingress. A lab test of the mold can also confirm the species, which is crucial for understanding potential health risks and guiding the most effective remediation strategy. Many reputable companies in Dubai offer this diagnostic service.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 4, 2026 10:24 am