Mold behind wardrobe causing coughs: who to call first?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the mold I just found behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed it when I was rearranging furniture – it's a big black patch on the wall and the air just feels damp. What's the best way to handle this properly here in Dubai, and should I call the building management first or just get a professional cleaning company myself?
Posted by Jisoo Dang
Asked on May 11, 2026 1:31 am
Mold behind furniture is a common issue in Dubai due to high humidity and condensation from year-round AC use. The damp, stagnant air behind a wardrobe is a perfect breeding ground. Your children's coughing is a legitimate concern, as exposure to mold spores can irritate the respiratory system and worsen allergies.

For a patch you've just discovered, your first call should be to your building management or landlord. Under Dubai's rental regulations, they are typically responsible for addressing the source of the problem, which is often a hidden leak in the wall or a condensation issue from the AC unit. They need to send their maintenance team to investigate and fix the water intrusion; otherwise, the mold will simply return after cleaning.

Do not attempt to clean a large black patch yourself. Disturbing it will release a massive amount of spores into your bedroom air, potentially making the coughing worse. A professional inspection is strongly recommended to assess the extent and identify the species, as some types common in our climate require specific remediation protocols.

A proper remediation company will contain the area, remove the contaminated materials safely, and use HEPA filtration to clean the air. The key is to solve the moisture problem first, then address the mold. For health-related cases like yours, a company with its own microbiology lab can provide the crucial step of testing the air after remediation to confirm the spore count has returned to safe levels.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 12, 2026 10:22 pm