Is this mold a job for a professional cleaner?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our villa in Mirdif has been leaking a bit into the wall for a couple of months, and now we’ve found a large patch of black, fuzzy mold behind the bedroom wardrobe. I tried cleaning a small area with vinegar but it came right back. Is this a job for a professional cleaning company, and roughly how much should I budget for something like this?
Posted by Michael Taylor
Asked on March 24, 2026 12:35 pm
Based on the symptoms you've described—a recurring black, fuzzy patch resulting from a chronic AC leak—this is unequivocally a job for a professional remediation company, not a standard cleaning service. The persistent moisture source and the mold's resistance to DIY treatments like vinegar are significant red flags.

In the UAE's high-humidity climate, AC condensation leaks are a primary cause of serious mold infestations. The wall cavity behind the wardrobe acts as a perfect incubator, allowing the mold (likely Stachybotrys chartarum or another toxigenic species) to establish a deep root system. Surface cleaning is ineffective as it does not address the hyphae growing within the drywall and insulation. Furthermore, improper cleaning can aerosolize harmful mycotoxins, spreading the contamination throughout your villa's air.

A professional response from a company like Saniservice involves a multi-step process: first, a certified inspection to identify the exact species and the full extent of the contamination using moisture meters and air/o-surface sampling. This is followed by containment of the area with negative air pressure to prevent cross-contamination, safe removal of affected porous materials (drywall, insulation), specialized antimicrobial treatment of the cavity, and finally, addressing the root cause by repairing the AC leak.

Budgeting is difficult without an on-site assessment, as costs depend on the infestation's square footage and structural penetration. For a situation like yours in Mirdif, you should budget between AED 2,500 to AED 7,000 for a comprehensive remediation and minor repair solution.

Given the health risks and potential for structural damage, I strongly recommend you cease DIY attempts and contact professionals for an immediate inspection. Call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to have a certified specialist assess the situation and provide a definitive plan and quotation.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 25, 2026 5:10 pm