How to treat black mold from damp AC room?« Back to Previous Page

Black mold behind furniture in a humid room is a common issue in Dubai, often caused by condensation from the AC unit. The wall likely stays cold, and when humid air hits it, moisture accumulates unseen, creating a perfect environment for mold.

For your children's coughing, it's wise to consult a doctor, as mold exposure can irritate airways and worsen allergies. To treat it yourself, first move the wardrobe to let the wall dry completely. Scrub the visible mold with a mixture of white vinegar or a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 4 parts water), but ensure excellent ventilation and wear an N95 mask and gloves. Simply painting over it will not solve the problem.

However, DIY cleaning only addresses the surface. The dampness indicates a persistent moisture source. Your AC might be set too cold, causing excessive condensation, or it could be undersized for the room, failing to manage humidity effectively. In many villas and older buildings, insufficient insulation in external walls leads to cold bridges, which condense moisture from our humid air.

To stop it from returning, you must identify and control the moisture. Adjust your AC to maintain a consistent temperature (around 22-24°C) to reduce condensation and ensure it's set to "cool" mode, not "dry," to properly remove humidity. Improve air circulation in the room by periodically using a fan. For a definitive answer on the AC's role, a professional inspection with a thermal moisture meter can pinpoint the exact condensation source. In serious cases with recurring dampness, remediation is needed to treat the wall cavity itself to prevent regrowth.