How to treat black mold in closet or call professional?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah apartment for 2 years and just noticed a large patch of black mold in the corner of our master bedroom closet, behind some storage boxes. It must have been growing slowly for months, but I only found it yesterday while doing a deep clean. The wall there feels a bit damp, and I'm worried it's spreading. What's the best way to treat this ourselves, and at what point do we absolutely need to call a professional company?
Posted by Timothy Clark
Asked on April 9, 2026 11:25 am
The damp wall indicates an active moisture source, which must be resolved first. In Dubai’s climate, this is often due to a hidden AC condensation leak from a blocked drain line or a breach in the building’s external thermal envelope, allowing humid air to condense on cooler interior walls.

For a small patch (under one square meter), you can clean it yourself. Wear an N95 mask, gloves, and safety glasses. Scrub the area with a solution of detergent and water. Avoid bleach, as it doesn’t prevent regrowth. Dry the area completely with a fan after cleaning. However, this is a temporary fix if the moisture source remains.

You absolutely need a professional assessment. The wall feeling damp suggests the moisture is internal, and the mold growth behind the boxes is likely more extensive than what is visible. Remediation requires isolating the area, using HEPA filtration, and physically removing contaminated materials like drywall or insulation. In the UAE, reputable providers follow IICRC S520 standards for remediation and should provide before-and-after lab reports to verify the spore count has been returned to safe, ambient levels.

For a confirmed leak and growth of this size, a DIY approach risks spreading spores and failing to address the root cause, leading to rapid regrowth. A professional inspection will identify the exact moisture source and the full scope of contamination.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 9, 2026 6:03 pm