Should I clean black mold myself or call a professional?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing for a couple of weeks now, and I just found patches of black mold behind our wardrobe in the master bedroom of our villa in Mirdif. It’s on the wall and I think it might be from the humidity. Is this something I can clean myself with bleach or vinegar, or do I need to call a professional mold removal company here?
Posted by Maha Al-Hassan
Asked on April 1, 2026 3:02 pm
Based on the symptoms you've described—persistent coughing in children and visible black mold growth on a wall—this is a situation that warrants immediate and professional attention. The climate in Dubai, particularly with high humidity and continuous air conditioning use, creates ideal conditions for mold proliferation, especially on cold exterior walls behind furniture like wardrobes, where condensation accumulates.

Attempting a DIY remediation with bleach or vinegar is strongly discouraged. These methods are superficial; they may temporarily remove the visible discoloration but fail to address the root moisture problem or the hyphal roots of the mold growing within the porous wall material. More critically, improper cleaning can aerosolize the mold spores, significantly increasing their concentration in the air your family breathes and exacerbating respiratory issues like coughing.

For a situation involving health symptoms and a significant patch of mold, a professional inspection is not just recommended, it is essential. A certified inspector will conduct a thorough assessment to identify the exact moisture source, the species of mold present (as "black mold" can refer to several types, some more hazardous than others), and the full extent of the contamination, often using tools like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras. The remediation process itself requires industrial-grade HEPA filtration, antimicrobial agents, and containment procedures to prevent cross-contamination to other areas of your villa, all in line with best practices and UAE health and safety guidelines.

For the health of your family and to ensure the mold is eradicated correctly, I advise you to contact a professional company immediately. You can reach Saniservice, a certified mold remediation specialist, for a comprehensive inspection and solution at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 4, 2026 7:24 am