Mold behind wardrobe: DIY check or call professional?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed a patch of black spots growing behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom in Jumeirah Village Circle. It wasn't there during the summer, but since the weather got more humid last month, it's gotten worse and the room has started to smell damp. Is this something I can check myself with a kit from the hardware store, or should I call a professional for a proper mold inspection right away?
Posted by Youssef El-Masri
Asked on May 19, 2026 4:10 am
That black patch behind your wardrobe in JVC is a classic Dubai issue, especially with the recent humidity spike. The combination of year-round AC use creating cold surfaces and high ambient moisture leads to condensation in hidden spots, which is exactly what mould needs.

You can perform a preliminary check yourself. Wipe a small area with a cloth dipped in diluted bleach; if the discolouration lightens significantly and returns within a few days, it's likely active mould growth. Store-bought kits can confirm its presence but are unreliable for identifying the specific species, which is critical for understanding the health risk and planning remediation.

Given the description—a growing patch, a persistent damp smell, and its location in a bedroom—a professional inspection is strongly recommended. The smell indicates it may be more extensive than what's visible, potentially spreading behind the drywall. A certified inspector will use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the moisture source and take air and surface samples for lab analysis to identify the mould type. This is essential, as some species common in damp interiors here can cause more than just irritation.

For a case like this, the cost of a proper inspection is justified. It provides a definitive action plan, ensuring the root moisture problem is solved and the remediation is done correctly, not just the visible spots cleaned.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 22, 2026 2:03 am