Should I remove mold behind shower sealant myself or call pro?« Back to Previous Page
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My bathroom in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment has had this musty smell for weeks, but I just pulled back the silicone sealant around the shower and found a bunch of black and green mold underneath. It’s been so humid lately that I’m worried it’s spreading quickly behind the tiles. Is this something I need to get a professional to handle immediately, or can I tackle it myself with a cleaner from ACE Hardware this weekend?
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It depends on the extent. For surface mold on a small section of sealant, a DIY approach is often sufficient. However, discovering mold behind the sealant suggests a moisture problem that has been ongoing, and in Dubai's high humidity, it's very likely there is more hidden growth behind the tiles or in the wall cavity.
For a small, contained area, you can clean it yourself. Use a dedicated mold remover or a solution of distilled white vinegar or diluted bleach (ensure proper ventilation). Scrub thoroughly, let the area dry completely, and then apply a high-quality, mold-resistant silicone sealant to prevent recurrence. The key is not just cleaning but addressing the moisture source—ensure your bathroom's exhaust fan is working correctly and run it during and for at least 30 minutes after showers. If the mold covers a large area (more than one square meter), if it returns quickly after cleaning, or if you have respiratory issues, a professional assessment is recommended. They can use moisture meters and borescopes to check for hidden dampness inside the wall, which is a common issue here due to condensation and AC condensate drain line leaks. Remediation involves removing affected materials to properly dry and treat the structure, which isn't a DIY task. For peace of mind, a professional inspection can confirm whether the problem is superficial or structural. |
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