Is closet mold causing our stuffy noses?« Back to Previous Page

The black speckles in your closet are very likely contributing to the stuffy noses, especially in Dubai's high humidity where mold thrives on organic materials like cotton and wool. The confined space and lack of air circulation from your AC allow spores to concentrate, which you then inhale while sleeping.

For a small, visible patch (under one square foot), you can clean it yourself with a vinegar solution (1:1 with water), not bleach. Bleach only removes surface colour and doesn't kill the roots on porous drywall, and its fumes can irritate airways more. Scrub gently, let the area dry completely, and use a dehumidifier in the room. However, if it has spread behind baseboards or the drywall feels soft, the growth is likely more extensive inside the wall. This requires professional assessment.

Given the symptoms and that it's spreading, a professional inspection is wise. They use moisture meters and borescopes to see inside walls, as the visible mold is often just the tip of the iceberg. In Dubai, remediation must follow standards like the NYDOH guidelines to properly contain the area and remove the contaminated materials, preventing spores from spreading to other parts of your home during cleaning. They can also identify the source, which is often condensation from an AC duct running through the closet or external wall seepage. Addressing that source is the only way to prevent it from returning after cleaning.