How urgently should I remove mold from my bedroom?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing for a couple of weeks, and I finally checked behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. I found a patch of black mold about the size of a dinner plate on the wall. We're in an older building in Bur Dubai and with the humidity lately, I'm really worried. How urgent is it that I get a professional to deal with this, or is it something I can handle myself with a bleach spray this weekend?
Posted by Anita Mukherjee
Asked on April 17, 2026 9:40 pm
Given the size (dinner plate) and the health symptoms (kids coughing for weeks), this requires prompt professional assessment within days, not weeks. Black mold often indicates sustained moisture, and in Bur Dubai's humid climate with older building structures, the wall cavity behind may harbor more growth.

While small spots on non-porous surfaces can sometimes be cleaned with diluted bleach, a patch this size on a wall suggests a deeper issue. DIY cleaning often addresses only surface mold, leaving the root moisture problem and hidden colonies untouched, leading to quick regrowth. The constant AC use needed here creates condensation that can feed mold inside walls if there's any breach in the vapor barrier.

Professional remediation is advised to properly contain the area, remove contaminated porous materials like drywall, and use HEPA vacuuming to prevent spores from spreading. They will also identify and rectify the moisture source, which is critical in our climate. For verification, a company with its own microbiology lab can provide a culture to identify the species, which is important for understanding potential health risks.

The Dubai Municipality has guidelines for healthy indoor environments, and addressing this promptly aligns with those standards. Given the symptoms, it's better to err on the side of caution and get a professional inspection to ensure your home environment is safe.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 18, 2026 3:08 am