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

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black mold I just found behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed it when we moved the furniture to clean. The wall feels a bit damp and it's spread about the size of a dinner plate. Should I try to clean this myself with vinegar or bleach, or is it time to call in a professional cleaning service?
Posted by Barbara Hill
Asked on April 6, 2026 11:35 pm
Based on your description, this is a situation that warrants a professional inspection and remediation. The combination of a damp wall, the size of the growth (a dinner plate indicates a significant colony), and, most critically, the health symptoms in your children strongly suggests that a DIY approach is not only insufficient but potentially hazardous.

In Dubai's climate, the persistent high humidity and constant air conditioning use create ideal conditions for mold, particularly Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold), behind furniture where air circulation is poor. The dampness indicates a potential moisture intrusion issue, which must be identified and resolved to prevent recurrence. Attempting to clean it yourself with vinegar or bleach is a surface-level solution. These household products do not address the root moisture problem, cannot penetrate porous materials like drywall to kill the roots, and can inadvertently aerosolize toxic mold spores during scrubbing, significantly worsening indoor air quality and potentially exacerbating respiratory issues like the coughing you've observed.

UAE regulations and best practices for indoor environmental quality emphasize the importance of proper containment, air filtration, and removal of contaminated materials to safeguard occupant health. Our certified professionals at Saniservice use specialized equipment like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to locate the moisture source, implement engineering controls to prevent cross-contamination, and safely remove and dispose of affected materials according to Dubai Municipality guidelines.

For the health of your family and to ensure the problem is resolved permanently, I strongly recommend a professional assessment. Please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 9, 2026 4:24 pm