Treat black mold from AC leak ourselves or call professional?« Back to Previous Page

The symptoms your wife is experiencing are consistent with mould exposure, especially from a bedroom closet where spores can circulate while sleeping. Dubai's high humidity and constant AC use create ideal conditions for this, particularly from a slow leak you may not notice.

For a small patch (under one square meter), a thorough DIY approach can be effective if the moisture source is completely fixed first. Stop the AC leak immediately. Then clean with a dedicated mould remover or a solution of white vinegar, not bleach. Bleach only removes surface discolouration and doesn't kill the mould roots in porous materials like drywall. Wear an N95 mask, gloves, and seal the area to prevent spore spread.

However, given the persistent health symptoms and the likelihood the mould has penetrated the wall or backing material from a long-term leak, a professional assessment is strongly recommended. They use moisture meters and borescopes to see inside the wall cavity. What's visible is often just the tip of the iceberg. Remediation cost for a small area is typically a few hundred to a low thousand dirhams, but this varies significantly based on the extent of hidden damage and the company's scope of work. Always request a detailed assessment and quote that includes containment, removal of affected materials, and verification of clearance post-remediation.