How to treat closet mold and control humidity in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Based on your description of black speckles on leather goods in an exterior wall closet in an older Bur Dubai building, this is a classic case of mold growth initiated by high ambient humidity and likely exacerbated by thermal bridging or minor condensation on the cooler exterior wall.

The most effective treatment is a two-pronged approach: remediation and environmental control. First, address the existing growth. For non-porous surfaces like the closet walls and shelves, a thorough cleaning with an EPA-approved fungicidal disinfectant is necessary. However, porous materials like leather bags and shoes are problematic. Surface mold on leather can often be carefully wiped with a dilute solution of white vinegar or a specialized leather cleaner, but the mycotoxins can penetrate the material. I strongly recommend professional assessment for these items to determine if they can be salvaged or require specialized remediation.

Crucially, you must control the humidity to prevent recurrence. In Dubai's climate, where high external humidity meets year-round AC, closed spaces like closets on external walls are prime for condensation. Simply cleaning without fixing the moisture source is a temporary fix. For a closed closet, install a renewable desiccant dehumidifier (like silica gel packs). Ensure there is a small air gap between your stored items and the exterior wall to allow for air circulation. Evaluate your AC system; it should be correctly sized and maintained to effectively manage indoor humidity levels below 60%. In many older buildings, the AC may run but not adequately dehumidify.

For a definitive diagnosis and to ensure the mold is not also growing within the wall cavity—a common issue in such scenarios—a professional inspection is advised. We use thermal imaging and moisture meters to identify hidden condensation points and assess the full extent. For expert inspection and remediation, please call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.