If the moldy area is smaller than one square meter and confined to a non-porous surface like tile or painted drywall, you can attempt a DIY approach. Wear an N95 mask, gloves, and safety glasses. A solution of detergent and water is often more effective than bleach for scrubbing it away, as bleach doesn’t penetrate porous materials to kill the roots. Thoroughly dry the area afterwards with a fan to prevent immediate regrowth.

However, given its location in a closet—a confined space with likely poor air circulation—and the high humidity, there’s a strong chance the growth is more extensive behind the wall or under the flooring. Spores will aerosolize during cleaning. For anything over a square meter, or if there’s a musty odor, professional assessment is advised. They use containment barriers and HEPA filtration to prevent cross-contamination to other rooms, which is a significant risk in a villa.

Dubai’s climate means hidden condensation and high indoor humidity are primary drivers. A professional inspection can identify the moisture source—often a small AC condensate leak, plumbing seepage, or external water intrusion—which must be fixed first. Otherwise, the mold will return regardless of how well you clean. They can also perform air and surface sampling to identify the species, which dictates the remediation protocol.