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

My bedroom closet on the outside wall of my villa in Al Barsha has started getting black speckles on the leather bags and shoes I stored there. I noticed it after that period of heavy dew we had last month, and even though I wiped everything down, the smell is still there and it's starting to come back. What's the most effective way to treat this and prevent it from happening again next winter, especially with the humidity?
Posted by Charles Lee
Asked on March 25, 2026 1:05 am
Based on your description of black speckles on leather goods and a persistent musty odor in your Al Barsha villa, this is a clear case of mold growth, a very common issue in Dubai due to our high humidity levels, especially during the cooler months with heavy dew. The outside wall location suggests the problem is likely exacerbated by thermal bridging, where the cold AC interior meets the warmer, humid exterior air, leading to condensation within the wall cavity or on the closet's interior surfaces.

The most effective treatment requires a systematic approach. First, the affected leather items must be professionally cleaned and treated with specialized antimicrobial agents designed for such materials; improper cleaning can set the stains and spread spores. For the closet itself, simply wiping surfaces is insufficient. The area requires a full hygienization process. This involves using HEPA vacuums to remove all visible and non-visible spores, followed by the application of EPA-approved, non-toxic antimicrobial solutions to kill the root structure of the mold and prevent regrowth. The wall cavity may need to be inspected for hidden moisture and mold, which would require more invasive remediation.

To prevent recurrence, address the humidity source. Ensure your AC is running consistently to manage indoor humidity, ideally keeping it below 60%. Improve air circulation within the closet by leaving doors ajar or installing a small battery-operated dehumidifier or moisture absorber. critically, have a professional assess the insulation and vapor barrier on that external wall to mitigate condensation issues.

For a problem of this nature, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. Our certified experts at Saniservice can conduct a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to identify the exact extent of the contamination and the underlying moisture source. We then execute a precise remediation protocol to ensure the mold is eradicated permanently. Please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 26, 2026 6:25 pm