How to safely remove black mold from my daughter's room?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah villa for 2 years and just noticed a patch of black, fuzzy mold spreading along the baseboard in my youngest daughter's bedroom closet. It started after that period of heavy humidity last month, and now she's developed a persistent cough that gets worse at night. What's the safest and most effective way to clean this myself without risking our health?
Posted by Malgorzata Dubois
Asked on April 27, 2026 7:30 pm
Black mold in a Dubai villa closet is a common issue due to the high humidity and condensation that forms on cooler surfaces, especially after a humid period. The first step is to address the moisture source; this is often condensation from an AC supply duct running through the closet or a small water leak. Check for any plumbing leaks in the wall and ensure the AC unit is draining properly and not overcooling that specific space.

For a small patch (under one square meter), you can clean it yourself with proper precautions. Wear an N95 mask, gloves, and safety glasses to avoid inhaling spores or skin contact. Isolate the area by closing the closet door and sealing the bottom gap with tape and a towel. Use a solution of detergent and water to scrub the mold off the baseboard. Avoid using bleach, as it only lightens the color and does not kill the root structure of the mold on porous surfaces. After cleaning, dry the area thoroughly with a fan to prevent immediate regrowth.

However, given your daughter’s persistent cough that worsens at night—which could be a reaction to the spores—this situation warrants caution. Disturbing the mold during cleaning can aerosolize spores and exacerbate respiratory issues. The safest approach is to have a professional inspection to identify the exact mold species and the extent of the problem, as mold can often spread inside walls or under flooring unseen. In Dubai, reputable inspectors use lab analysis to determine the specific type and provide a targeted remediation plan, which is crucial for health-sensitive cases. This is the only way to be certain the environment is safe for a child with respiratory symptoms.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 29, 2026 6:03 pm