How to treat moldy leather and control closet humidity?« Back to Previous Page

First, treat the affected leather items immediately to prevent permanent damage. Wipe them down with a soft cloth lightly dampened with a 1:1 solution of rubbing alcohol and distilled water. Test on a small, hidden area first. Allow them to dry completely away from direct sunlight, which can crack the leather. For valuable items, a professional leather restorer is the safest option to avoid further damage.

The core issue is the elevated humidity in that closet, a common problem in Dubai villas during humid months. Even with AC running, closets on exterior walls or with poor air circulation become pockets of stagnant, damp air. The AC may be cooling the room's air but not adequately removing its moisture content.

To control the humidity, start by improving air circulation. Leave the closet doors open for a few hours each day and use a small battery-operated dehumidifier or a renewable desiccant dehumidifier box inside it. For a more permanent solution, have an HVAC technician assess if your AC unit's condensate drain is clear and functioning properly, as a blockage can cause excess humidity. They can also check if the unit is correctly sized for the space.

For a problem this persistent, a professional inspection is recommended to identify any hidden sources of moisture, such as a minor pipe condensation leak in the wall or insufficient insulation. They can take precise humidity readings and may suggest installing a dedicated duct to supply conditioned air directly into the closet space.