Mold in JVC apartment: DIY clean or call professionals?« Back to Previous Page

Our apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has had a constant dampness ever since the heavy rains and humidity kicked in a couple of months ago. I’ve just pulled out our winter clothes from the storage cupboard under the stairs and found a bunch of our coats and shoes covered in fuzzy black spots. My wife has had a persistent stuffy nose and a cough that won’t go away, and I’m starting to worry it’s connected. Is this a situation where we need to call a professional mold remediation company immediately, or can we tackle it ourselves with a vinegar solution first?
Posted by Amira El-Masri
Asked on April 13, 2026 7:50 pm
Given the fuzzy black spots on multiple items and your wife's persistent respiratory symptoms, this is a situation that warrants a professional inspection. In Dubai's climate, the high humidity and constant AC use create ideal conditions for mold growth, especially in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces like under-stair cupboards.

A DIY approach with vinegar is only suitable for very small, surface-level patches (less than one square foot). Attempting to clean a larger, established growth yourself risks agitating it and spreading spores throughout your apartment, potentially worsening health issues and contaminating other areas. The type of mold matters; some species common in damp indoor environments can cause significant irritation.

For a case like this, a certified inspector can identify the moisture source—often condensation from AC ducts or a minor leak—and assess the extent of the growth, which is frequently more widespread than it first appears. They can also take samples for lab analysis to determine the species, which informs the correct remediation protocol. In the meantime, keep the cupboard closed to contain the spores and consider using a dehumidifier in the apartment to lower the overall humidity level. Addressing the root cause is the only way to prevent it from returning.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 15, 2026 2:08 pm