How to treat moldy clothes and bedroom wall safely?« Back to Previous Page
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Our master bedroom closet on the outside wall has had a damp, earthy smell for a couple of months, but after last week’s heavy dew, I pulled out my winter jackets and found patches of black mold on a few of them. My two-year-old has been waking up with a stuffy nose and I’m really worried it’s connected. What’s the most effective way to clean the clothes and who should I call to properly treat the wall itself to make sure it’s safe?
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Mold on clothes from a damp closet is often due to condensation forming on the exterior wall, a common issue in Dubai's climate where high outdoor humidity meets cold AC-cooled surfaces.
For the clothes, do not attempt to clean them with bleach. For washable fabrics like cotton jackets, a hot wash cycle with a cup of white vinegar can be effective, followed by sun-drying if possible. For dry-clean-only items like wool coats, take them to a professional cleaner and explicitly inform them the items have mold so they can use appropriate treatments. The wall itself requires more attention. Wiping visible mold with a detergent solution is a temporary fix; the hidden moisture source within the wall cavity is the real problem. This is not a typical DIY job. You need a professional inspection to identify the root cause, which could be interstitial condensation, a tiny plumbing leak, or compromised insulation. They will use moisture meters and borescopes to assess the wall's condition without unnecessary demolition. For a child with symptoms, addressing the underlying issue is critical. Reputable remediation companies in Dubai follow standards like the IICRC S520 for mold remediation. The process should include containment of the affected area, HEPA filtration to capture spores, and proper removal of contaminated porous materials, followed by verification that the space has been returned to a normal fungal ecology through post-remediation testing. Always request this documentation. For a thorough assessment, look for providers with certified mold remediators on staff and their own microbiology lab for accurate analysis. |
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