Is mold in clothes causing my kids' cough?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been having this nagging cough and stuffy noses for the last couple of weeks, and I’m starting to panic. I pulled out our winter clothes from the storage cupboard under the stairs and found a bunch of sweaters covered in black fuzzy spots. The whole cupboard smells damp and earthy. Could this mold be the reason they’re sick, and what’s the safest way to clean it all out without making things worse?
Posted by Gary Moore
Asked on April 4, 2026 5:27 pm
Based on your description, it is highly probable that the mold growth in your storage cupboard is a significant contributor to your children's persistent respiratory symptoms, specifically the nagging cough and stuffy noses. The black, fuzzy spots are indicative of active fungal colonization, likely from genera like Cladosporium or Stachybotrys (often referred to as "black mold"), which are known to produce allergens and mycotoxins that irritate the respiratory tract.

The damp, earthy smell you detected is a clear sign of microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs), released by actively metabolizing mold colonies. In the Dubai climate, this is a common issue. Our year-round reliance on air conditioning creates significant temperature differentials between cooled rooms and unconditioned spaces like storage cupboards, leading to intense condensation. This trapped moisture, combined with organic materials like cotton or wool in clothing, provides the perfect environment for rapid mold proliferation.

Do not attempt to clean the affected sweaters yourself. Agitating the mold will release a massive concentration of spores and fragments into the air, which will spread throughout your home and exacerbate your family's health issues. For porous materials like fabric, professional remediation is almost always required. The cupboard itself will need a thorough inspection to identify the moisture source and assess the extent of contamination, which may have spread to the walls or structure.

I strongly recommend you cease use of the area immediately and seek a professional indoor environmental inspection. Our certified team at Saniservice uses tools like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint the source of humidity and conducts air and surface sampling to identify the specific mold species, which guides the appropriate remediation protocol. This is not just about cleaning; it's about restoring a healthy indoor air quality for your family.

For immediate assistance, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 5, 2026 9:26 pm