Is mold behind wardrobe urgent for my sneezing child?« Back to Previous Page

My kids' bedroom in our villa in Al Barsha has had this damp, earthy smell ever since the heavy rains a couple of weeks ago. I finally moved their wardrobe today and found a patch of black and green mold, about the size of a dinner plate, spreading on the wall behind it. My youngest has been sneezing a lot lately. How urgent is it that I get a professional to handle this, or can I tackle it myself with bleach this weekend?
Posted by Meena Mukherjee
Asked on April 24, 2026 6:35 pm
That situation requires immediate attention, not necessarily panic. Given the recent heavy rains and your child's symptoms, the mold growth is a health concern that should be addressed professionally.

The damp smell and visible growth indicate a moisture issue, likely from water intrusion through the wall or severe condensation exacerbated by our high humidity. Bleach is a common but ineffective solution; it only removes surface discoloration and does not address the moisture source or kill the root structure of the mold. More importantly, cleaning it yourself can aerosolize spores, potentially worsening your child's respiratory irritation.

For a patch that size and with a symptomatic individual in the home, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They will identify the exact moisture source—critical to preventing rapid regrowth—and contain the area during remediation to prevent spore spread throughout the house. The urgency is high to stop the growth and protect your child's health. Look for a provider that can conduct a post-remediation verification test to confirm the space is truly clean and the spore count has returned to acceptable levels.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 26, 2026 1:11 pm