How to treat mold and fix an AC leak?« Back to Previous Page

The black spots are likely active mold growth, a common issue here caused by the combination of an AC leak and our high humidity. Your immediate priority is stopping the moisture source to prevent it from spreading.

For the AC leak, contact a licensed HVAC technician. The issue is often a clogged condensate drain line, which is a routine fix. Ensure they are certified, as proper handling of refrigerants is regulated by Dubai's Regulation and Supervision Bureau. For the mold, first address the wet carpet. Dry it thoroughly within 24-48 hours using wet/dry vacuums and fans to prevent further growth. Small visible mold on a hard surface can be carefully cleaned with a detergent solution, but never on porous materials like drywall.

For anything more than a very small, isolated area, a professional indoor health inspection is recommended, especially given your neighbor's history. They can identify the mold species and the full extent of the problem, which often spreads behind walls. Remediation involves containing the area, removing contaminated porous materials, and HEPA vacuuming. In Dubai's climate, simply cleaning the surface without fixing the humidity and leak guarantees it will return. A company with its own microbiology lab can provide the before-and-after testing needed to verify the space is truly remediated.