How to treat and prevent mold behind bedroom wardrobe?« Back to Previous Page
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The wall behind our wardrobe in the master bedroom has started showing these black and green fuzzy patches. We're in an older building in Bur Dubai and I first spotted it a couple of weeks ago, right after that period of heavy dew in the mornings. I'm worried it's making our allergies worse. What's the most effective way to treat this and prevent it from coming back, especially with the humidity here?
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Based on your description, you're likely dealing with a significant mold colony, probably Aspergillus (black) and Penicillium (green). The heavy dew you mentioned is the key—it dramatically increased the relative humidity, and that trapped airspace behind the wardrobe became a perfect breeding ground with no airflow.
Treatment must be systematic. First, do NOT just wipe it with bleach; this can aggravate spores and doesn't address the root cause. For a case like this, we strongly recommend a professional inspection. The wall's internal moisture content needs to be measured with a protimeter to see if the issue is superficial condensation or a deeper leak from the building envelope, which is common in older Bur Dubai constructions. For containment, the wardrobe must be carefully moved to prevent massive spore dispersal into the bedroom. The affected wall area then needs to be physically removed—this isn't a surface clean. All contaminated porous materials (drywall, insulation) are bagged and disposed of according to Dubai Municipality guidelines. The underlying structure is then sanded, treated with an EPA-approved antimicrobial coating, and rebuilt with mold-resistant drywall. Prevention is critical here. You must address the humidity. Ensure your AC is running consistently and is correctly sized for the room. A standalone dehumidifier is highly recommended for the bedroom, especially during humid months. Crucially, leave a 2-3 inch gap between the wardrobe and the wall to allow for air circulation. This simple step prevents the micro-climate that caused this problem. Given the allergy symptoms and the extent of growth you describe, this is a job for professionals to ensure it's done safely and effectively. Call our team for a comprehensive assessment at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide a detailed protocol and quote. |
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