Is it safe to clean mold myself or call a pro?« Back to Previous Page

Small-scale mold on non-porous surfaces can sometimes be cleaned with a vinegar solution, but what you've described requires a professional assessment. The combination of fuzzy growth on clothing (a porous material), a damp smell, and child health symptoms points to a significant moisture issue. In Dubai's climate, hidden condensation within walls or from AC drip pans is a common source that DIY cleaning won't address.

For your children's safety, the priority is identifying the mold type and the moisture source. Many species common in humid environments here are irritants that can cause the coughing you described. Attempting to clean a large colony yourself risks aerosolizing spores throughout your apartment, potentially worsening their exposure.

A proper remediation involves isolating the area, using HEPA filtration to capture spores, and disposing of heavily contaminated porous items like those sweaters. The underlying cause, likely excess humidity in that enclosed space or a leak, must be found and fixed; otherwise, the mold will return quickly.

Given the health symptoms and scale, I would recommend a professional inspection. They can perform air and surface sampling to identify the species and concentration, which guides the correct remediation protocol. This provides peace of mind that the environment is truly safe, not just superficially clean.