Mold behind wardrobe causing coughs: DIY or professional needed?« Back to Previous Page

The mold behind your wardrobe is likely contributing to the coughing, especially in children who are more sensitive. Dubai's high humidity, particularly during summer months and in villas like those in The Meadows, creates ideal conditions for mold growth behind furniture and on cold walls where condensation forms.

For a small patch (less than one square meter), you can DIY with a solution of detergent and water—never bleach, as it doesn't kill the roots and its fumes can worsen respiratory irritation. Scrub thoroughly, dry the area completely with a fan, and address the moisture source, which is often condensation from the AC making the external wall cold.

However, given the symptoms and the location (a bedroom), a professional inspection is strongly advised. Visible mold is often just the tip of the iceberg; it can spread inside wall cavities. A proper inspection uses moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the full extent of the problem and identify the precise moisture source, which is critical for a permanent fix. They can also take air or surface samples for lab analysis to identify the mold species, which helps assess the potential health risk and confirms the cleanup was effective. For health concerns and to ensure it's solved correctly the first time, the cost of an inspection is a worthwhile investment.