Urgent: DIY mold removal safe for toddler's breathing?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has been leaking a bit and now we've got a patch of black mold, about the size of a dinner plate, on the bedroom wall behind the unit. My landlord is being slow to respond and I'm worried about my toddler's breathing. What’s the realistic cost range to get this professionally treated by a company here, and is it something I can safely handle myself with bleach if it's contained to that one spot?
Posted by Khalid Hamid
Asked on March 20, 2026 4:05 am
Based on the situation you've described with a toddler present, I strongly advise against any DIY mold removal, especially using bleach. The patch of black mold behind the AC unit in Jumeirah Village Circle is a clear indicator of a persistent moisture issue, most likely from the leaking condensate drain pan or a clogged drain line, a very common problem in Dubai's humid climate where AC units run year-round.

While the visible growth is dinner-plate-sized, the moisture has likely penetrated the gypsum board wall, creating a larger colony within the wall cavity. Bleach is ineffective on porous surfaces, only bleaching the surface color while leaving the root structure intact. More critically, the act of scrubbing will aerosolize mold spores, significantly increasing the concentration your toddler breathes, which poses a serious respiratory risk.

The realistic cost for professional assessment and remediation of a contained area like this in the UAE typically ranges from AED 1,500 to AED 3,500. This includes containment to prevent cross-contamination, HEPA-filtered air scrubbing, safe removal of contaminated materials, and antimicrobial treatment. This is not just a cleaning exercise; it's a controlled environmental procedure.

Given the health risk to your child and the landlord's delayed response, you need immediate professional intervention. I recommend you contact a certified mold remediation specialist like Saniservice for a proper inspection and quote. They can provide a formal report that can also be used to expedite action from your landlord.

For an immediate assessment, call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Do not disturb the area until a professional evaluation is completed.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 21, 2026 10:40 pm