Is this mold behind my kids' wardrobe?« Back to Previous Page

Given the black spots behind the wardrobe, your children's persistent cough, and the conditions of an older Bur Dubai flat with little sunlight, it is highly likely to be mold. The combination of high humidity, lack of air circulation behind furniture, and year-round AC use creates a perfect environment for mold growth, especially after a long summer break when the room was closed up.

You should first avoid disturbing the area, as this can release spores into the air. Do not attempt to clean it with bleach, as this can worsen the problem by adding moisture and only bleaches the surface without addressing the root cause. The immediate step is to improve ventilation in the room by opening windows when possible and using a dehumidifier or your AC's dry mode to lower humidity levels below 60%.

For proper testing and removal, you need a professional inspection. In serious cases like this with health symptoms, a certified mold inspector can identify the species and moisture source. In the UAE, look for a provider that uses a certified microbiologist and can deliver verifiable, lab-cultured results—not just a visual assessment. This is crucial for determining the actual health risk and appropriate remediation method. The remediation process should include containment of the area, proper removal of contaminated materials, and fixing the underlying moisture issue to prevent recurrence.