How to treat mold in Al Barsha villa closet?« Back to Previous Page

The damp, earthy smell and black speckles are classic signs of a mold issue, likely triggered by the January rains compromising that wall. In Dubai's climate, this moisture gets trapped and creates an ideal environment for mold, especially in enclosed spaces like closets with less air circulation from the AC.

For a small area, start by cleaning it with a solution of white vinegar or a dedicated mold-cleaning product available at hardware stores. Wear an N95 mask and gloves. Scrub the affected wall thoroughly. However, if the mold has penetrated porous materials like drywall or the backing of the closet, cleaning the surface will not be sufficient; the material itself must be removed and replaced.

The most critical step is to identify and eliminate the source of moisture. Given the timing after the heavy rains, this is likely a leak in the building envelope or capillary rising damp. Simply painting over it with any paint, even "mold-resistant" types, will fail. The moisture will seep through, and the mold will return. The wall must be completely dry before any repainting is considered.

For a persistent problem like this, especially following major weather events, a professional inspection is highly recommended. They can use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the exact source of the water intrusion behind the wall—this is almost always invisible to the naked eye. Treating the symptom without fixing the leak is a temporary solution. A proper assessment will determine if the issue requires remediation and structural drying to prevent it from recurring and impacting your indoor air quality.