Is closet mold causing our illness and how to clean?« Back to Previous Page

Our bedroom closet on the outside wall has felt damp for the last couple of months, and I just pulled out some winter clothes to find several jackets with small black speckles all over them. Lately, my husband and I have been waking up with stuffy noses and sore throats that clear up a few hours after we leave for work. Could this be mold causing our symptoms, and what's the best way to handle cleaning the clothes and the closet space properly?
Posted by Jose Jackson
Asked on March 10, 2026 1:36 am
Based on your description, it is highly probable that you are dealing with a mold issue in your closet. The black speckles on your jackets are a classic visual sign, and the persistent dampness on the exterior wall points to a moisture source, which is the root cause of all mold growth. The symptoms you and your husband are experiencing—stuffy noses and sore throats that resolve when you leave the environment—are strongly indicative of mold exposure (mycotoxins and allergens).

For the UAE, this is a common problem, especially during the humid summer months or in rooms with poor ventilation where air conditioning units can create condensation issues.

First, do not attempt to clean the clothes in the living space. You risk spreading the spores. Seal the affected garments in plastic bags and have them professionally cleaned by a service experienced with mold remediation. For the closet, wiping it down with a household cleaner is insufficient and will only address surface appearance, not the root colony.

The damp exterior wall is the critical concern. This suggests a potential leak in the building envelope or significant condensation due to the temperature differential between the cooled interior and the hot, humid exterior—a common issue in Dubai construction. This requires a professional inspection with tools like thermal imaging and moisture meters to identify the exact moisture intrusion point, as mandated by UAE's strict health and safety standards for residential buildings.

I strongly recommend you stop DIY efforts and call for a professional assessment. Improper handling can exacerbate the problem. Our certified team can identify the source, contain the area, and perform the necessary remediation to ensure your health and your property's integrity.

Please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an immediate inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 11, 2026 12:25 pm