Should I call building management or a pro for closet mold?« Back to Previous Page

That fuzzy black growth and earthy smell in your closet are clear signs of a significant moisture issue, which is unfortunately common in Dubai due to high humidity and condensation from year-round AC use. The dampness on the outside wall suggests the problem may be structural, like a leak from a pipe or seepage through the building envelope, which your building management is responsible for investigating and repairing. Your husband's increased sneezing is a typical reaction to mold spore exposure.

Contact your building management or landlord first. They are obligated under Dubai regulations to address the source of the moisture intrusion. Simply cleaning the visible mold without fixing the leak will result in it returning quickly. Document the issue with clear photographs and send a formal written notification to them, as this starts a paper trail.

While you wait for their response, keep the closet door open to improve air circulation and avoid disturbing the mold, as this releases more spores. Do not attempt to clean it with bleach, as this only removes the surface color and can push spores deeper into the porous materials.

After the building management identifies and fixes the water source, you will need professional mold remediation. The fuzzy texture indicates it has penetrated the wall material. A proper remediation company will contain the area, safely remove contaminated materials, and use HEPA filtration to clean the air, ensuring spores aren't spread throughout your home. For health concerns like your husband's, a post-remediation verification test from an independent lab is the only way to confirm the space is truly safe and the allergen load has been reduced.