Treat black mold on bedroom wall ourselves or call professional?« Back to Previous Page
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We've lived in our villa in Jumeirah for 2 years and just noticed a patch of black and greenish mold spreading on the wall behind our bedroom wardrobe. It’s on the interior wall that faces the outside, and I’m worried the recent humidity and condensation from the AC might be making it worse. What's the most effective way to treat this ourselves, or should we call a professional company here in Dubai straight away?
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The mold behind your wardrobe is likely due to a combination of Dubai's high humidity and cold spots created by your AC on that exterior wall. This is a common issue in villas here, where condensation forms on cooler walls.
For a small patch (under one square foot), you can attempt to clean it yourself. Wear an N95 mask, gloves, and safety glasses. Scrub the area with a mixture of detergent and water, then disinfect with a solution of one part household bleach to ten parts water. Ensure the room is well-ventilated during and after the process. The critical step is identifying and rectifying the moisture source. Move the wardrobe away from the wall to improve air circulation and use a dehumidifier in the room to lower ambient moisture levels. However, if the mold covers a larger area, has a strong musty odour, or returns after cleaning, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. The mold may be growing within the wall cavity due to a hidden leak or persistent condensation. Professionals use moisture meters and thermal imaging to locate the exact source of the problem, which is often not visible. They can also conduct lab testing to identify the mold species, which is important for determining the appropriate remediation protocol, especially if it's Stachybotrys (often called "black mold") which requires more stringent handling. Given its location on an exterior wall and the potential for hidden growth, getting a professional assessment would be the most effective way to ensure it is resolved completely and does not recur. |
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