How to treat mold and find moisture source?« Back to Previous Page

That damp wall and black spots are a clear sign of a moisture issue, and the timing with your kids' coughs makes professional assessment important. In Dubai's climate, hidden condensation or a slow plumbing leak behind the wall is a common culprit, especially with heavy furniture blocking airflow.

For immediate action, do not attempt to scrub the mould yourself. Disturbing it will release a large number of spores into your bedroom air. Instead, mix a solution of 4 parts water to 1 part white vinegar in a spray bottle, lightly mist the visible area to dampen it and prevent spores from becoming airborne, and let it sit for an hour before wiping with a disposable cloth. Wear an N95 mask and gloves. This is a containment step, not a fix.

The critical task is finding and stopping the moisture source. The wall feeling damp indicates an active leak or severe condensation. You need a specialist to investigate. For a potential internal leak (plumbing, AC drain line), a licensed plumber or AC technician is your first call. For condensation or a suspected external water ingress issue—which is common after Dubai's occasional heavy rains—a building envelope or dampness specialist can identify the breach.

Given the health symptoms and the scale of hidden moisture you're describing, a mould inspection is also recommended. An inspector uses moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the full extent of the dampness without destructive probing and can take samples for lab analysis to identify the mould type. Resolving the moisture problem is the only permanent solution; without it, the mould will return.