Mold on leather shoes and wall: DIY clean or call pro?« Back to Previous Page

Our apartment in Jumeirah has had a constant damp feeling since the humidity really kicked in last month. I just pulled our leather shoes out of the bedroom closet and found a bunch of white, fuzzy mold spots on them and the back wall. I’m worried it’s spreading but don’t know if this is something I can clean with vinegar myself or if I need to call a professional mold removal company.
Posted by Ajay Sen
Asked on April 16, 2026 5:20 am
White fuzzy mold on leather and walls indicates a significant humidity issue, which is common in Jumeirah apartments during humid months. You can attempt to clean the leather shoes with a solution of one part white vinegar to one part water, testing on a small area first. Wipe the wall with the same solution. This can address surface growth you can see.

However, the mold on the wall, especially behind items in a closet, is a strong indicator of a larger problem. The persistent damp feeling confirms high moisture levels in the apartment's structure. In Dubai’s climate, this is often caused by condensation from AC systems, hidden leaks, or inadequate ventilation. Surface cleaning alone will not resolve the underlying cause, and the mold will almost certainly return.

For this scenario, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They will use moisture meters and thermal imaging to locate the source of the dampness—whether it’s a leaky pipe, thermal bridging causing condensation inside the wall, or insufficient AC dehumidification. Without identifying and rectifying this root cause, any cleaning is temporary. A reputable inspector will provide a clear assessment and a scope of work, often supported by lab analysis to identify the mold type, which dictates the proper remediation protocol.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 16, 2026 5:51 pm