How to safely remove black mold with family in house?« Back to Previous Page

Relocate your family, especially the children, to another room during the cleanup and for several hours afterwards to minimize their exposure to airborne spores. The high humidity we're experiencing in Sharjah creates the perfect environment for this exact scenario, where condensation builds up on cooler walls behind large furniture.

For a patch smaller than one square meter, you can handle it yourself. Wear an N95 mask, gloves, and safety glasses. First, mix a solution of one part household bleach to four parts water. Do not mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners. Lightly mist the mould patch to dampen it and prevent spores from becoming airborne, then scrub the area with a stiff brush. Wipe everything down with the bleach solution and allow it to dry completely.

However, the critical step is addressing the moisture source. This is almost always due to condensation from the room's air conditioner making that wall colder than the dew point. After cleaning, move the dresser slightly away from the wall to improve air circulation. Consider using a moisture absorber or a small dehumidifier in that room, as our year-round AC use can create constant condensation issues.

If the mould covers a larger area, has a strong musty odour, or the coughing persists after cleaning, a professional inspection is recommended. They can use moisture meters to identify hidden dampness and air sampling to confirm the spore count has returned to a safe level, which is crucial for a family with children. The goal is to solve the moisture problem, not just remove the visible growth.