Mold behind sofa after AC service: who to call first?« Back to Previous Page

The wall behind our sofa in the living room of our Jumeirah apartment has these dark, fuzzy patches that we never noticed before. We had the AC unit serviced last week, and the technician mentioned the drainage pipe was a bit clogged. Now the room has a really damp, earthy smell that won't go away. What's the best way to handle this—should I call the building management first, or get a specialized cleaning company in to assess it?
Posted by Giuseppe Meyer
Asked on March 16, 2026 12:25 am
Based on the symptoms you've described—dark fuzzy patches, a recently serviced AC unit with a clogged drain, and a persistent damp, earthy odor—you are almost certainly dealing with active mold growth. This is a common issue in Dubai due to our high humidity levels, which create ideal conditions for mold when combined with condensation from air conditioning systems.

Your immediate priority should be to get a professional mold inspection. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and spread the contamination. In the UAE, mold assessment and remediation are specialized fields. Building management should be notified as a secondary step to address the potential HVAC issue building-wide, but they are not equipped to handle the biological contamination inside your unit.

The initial service likely cleared the immediate blockage but may not have addressed microbial growth already present in the ductwork or drain pan, which is now being distributed. A certified inspector will conduct air and surface sampling to identify the mold species and the full extent of the contamination, which is crucial for determining the correct remediation protocol.

For a thorough assessment and a compliant remediation plan, I strongly recommend contacting a specialist. Saniservice is a leading provider in Dubai with the expertise and equipment to handle this safely. You can reach them for a consultation at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com. They will ensure the remediation is performed to the highest standards, protecting your health and your property.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 17, 2026 9:34 am