Should I call a pro for mold in my kids' room?« Back to Previous Page

My kids' bedroom in our Jumeirah villa has had this damp, earthy smell since the heavy fog a couple of weeks ago. I finally moved their wardrobe today and found a patch of black and green speckles, about the size of a dinner plate, spreading on the wall behind it. My youngest has been sneezing a lot lately, and I'm starting to panic. Is this something I need to call a professional to handle immediately this week, or can it wait until the weekend?
Posted by Michiko Nakamura
Asked on April 6, 2026 9:56 am
Based on your description of the situation in your Jumeirah villa, I strongly recommend you call a professional for inspection and remediation immediately, not wait until the weekend. The presence of a visible patch the size of a dinner plate, combined with the damp smell and your child's allergic symptoms (sneezing), indicates an active and significant mold colony.

In the UAE's climate, this is a serious concern. The recent heavy fog created a massive spike in humidity. When this humid air enters your home and meets the cooler surfaces of your exterior walls (a common phenomenon with year-round AC use), it leads to condensation. This trapped moisture behind a large piece of furniture like a wardrobe creates the perfect incubator for mold. The species you describe (black and green speckles) could include common allergenic types like Cladosporium or, more concerning, potentially toxigenic types like Stachybotrys.

Attempting to clean this yourself risks aerosolizing a high concentration of spores throughout your children's bedroom, potentially exacerbating their respiratory issues. Furthermore, the visible growth is often just the "tip of the iceberg"; the hyphae (root structure) can penetrate deeply into the building material.

Professional assessment is critical. A certified inspector will conduct air and surface sampling to identify the species and spore count, determine the full extent of the moisture intrusion, and provide a protocol for safe, contained remediation following industry best practices. This is not a simple wipe-and-paint job; the source of moisture must be identified and corrected to prevent rapid regrowth.

For the health of your family and the integrity of your property, you should contact a certified professional without delay. I recommend calling Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or emailing hello@saniservice.com. They are equipped to provide a thorough inspection and execute a safe, effective remediation plan for your villa.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 8, 2026 10:05 am