Mold from AC leak: professional fix needed and cost?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment seems to be leaking into the wall behind it in our Jumeirah Village bedroom, and now there's a big black splotch of mold spreading on the wallpaper. We tried wiping it with vinegar but it came back worse after a couple of days. Is this something I need to call a professional company for, and roughly how much would it cost to get this properly fixed?
Posted by Lisa Rodriguez
Asked on May 16, 2026 10:06 pm
Yes, you need a professional company for this. The recurring mold after a vinegar wipe means the moisture source is active and the fungal growth has penetrated the porous materials. In Dubai's climate, this hidden moisture will continue to feed the mold, making surface cleaning ineffective.

The immediate priority is stopping the AC leak, which is likely a clogged condensate drain line—a very common issue here due to dust and high AC usage. A qualified AC technician must address this first. Until the leak is fixed, the mold will keep returning regardless of any cleaning.

For the mold itself, professional remediation is necessary because it's on wallpaper and has likely spread into the wallboard behind it. The process typically involves isolating the area, removing the contaminated porous materials (wallpaper, possibly some drywall), HEPA vacuuming, and antimicrobial treatment. The final step is ensuring the area is completely dry before any repairs to prevent regrowth.

Cost is variable and depends entirely on the extent of the hidden damage. The final price is driven by how much wall material must be removed and replaced, not just the cleaning. For a leak of this nature, you should request a detailed assessment from a provider that includes moisture mapping and diagnostic tools; they can then give you a scope of work and a fixed project cost. Avoid companies that give quotes without a physical inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 19, 2026 1:16 am