Treat black mold in Jumeirah Village Circle myself?« Back to Previous Page

That black patch in your JVC closet is a classic sign of condensation due to the high humidity we've had, especially on an exterior wall. For a patch smaller than one square meter, you can attempt to treat it yourself safely.

First, address the moisture source. This is almost always condensation from the temperature difference between your air-conditioned room and the hot exterior wall. Ensure your AC is running efficiently and that the closet door is left open periodically to allow air circulation; a small battery-operated dehumidifier inside the closet can also help measurably.

To clean, never use bleach as it only removes the colour and can push spores deeper into porous materials like drywall. Instead, wear an N95 mask and gloves. Scrub the area with a mixture of detergent and water, or a dedicated fungicidal cleaner designed for building materials. After cleaning, the area must be kept completely dry to prevent regrowth.

However, if the mould has penetrated the drywall or plaster, or if the patch is larger than one square meter, the wall material itself may need to be removed and replaced. This is when a professional assessment is strongly advised. They can use moisture meters to find the full extent of the problem and recommend a permanent solution, which often includes improving the wall's insulation to prevent future condensation. For peace of mind, a company with its own microbiology lab can test a sample to confirm the mould type and ensure the treatment protocol is correct.