How to treat and prevent mold in my Dubai closet?« Back to Previous Page

My bedroom closet on the outside wall of our villa in Jumeirah has started getting black spots on the leather bags and shoes I stored there. I only noticed it after the recent humidity and I'm worried it's going to ruin everything. What's the most effective way to treat the items already affected and what can I do to stop the mold from coming back in that specific spot?
Posted by Kevin Moore
Asked on April 6, 2026 4:23 pm
Based on your description of black spots on leather goods in an exterior wall closet in Jumeirah, you are almost certainly dealing with a mold issue, a very common problem in Dubai due to our high humidity levels, especially after recent weather events. The exterior wall is likely a thermal bridge, where condensation forms as the warm, humid outdoor air meets the cooler, air-conditioned interior surface, creating the perfect damp environment for mold growth.

For the affected items, immediate action is required to prevent further damage. For leather goods, carefully wipe the surface mold with a soft cloth slightly dampened with a solution of water and isopropyl alcohol (70% concentration). Do this in a well-ventilated area and allow the items to dry completely away from the closet. For severe infestation on porous materials, professional hygienization using specialized techniques like ULV fogging or ozone treatment may be necessary to salvage them.

To stop the recurrence, you must address the moisture source. First, empty the closet and clean the interior surfaces with an EPA-approved fungicidal cleaner. The most critical step is to identify and rectify the condensation point. This often requires improving insulation on the cold wall and ensuring adequate airflow within the closet. Consider installing a small, battery-operated dehumidifier or a passive moisture absorber like silica gel inside. Keep the closet door ajar periodically to allow conditioned air to circulate and equalize the temperature and humidity.

For a persistent problem on an exterior wall, I strongly recommend a professional inspection. Our certified experts use thermal imaging cameras to precisely identify the condensation points and hygrometers to measure humidity levels, which is crucial for a permanent solution. We can provide a tailored remediation and prevention plan compliant with Dubai Municipality's environmental health standards.

For immediate assistance and to protect your property, call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Saniservice specializes in resolving such climate-specific mold issues across the UAE.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 8, 2026 8:13 pm