Urgent mold behind closet; DIY or call professional?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing for a couple of weeks and I’m starting to worry. I just pulled out a storage box from the corner of our master bedroom closet in Jumeirah and found a patch of black fuzzy stuff on the wall behind it. We had that unexpected heavy dew a few weeks back and the room felt really humid. How urgently do I need to get a professional mold inspection, or is this something I can handle myself first?
Posted by Arjun Mehta
Asked on March 24, 2026 11:45 am
Based on your description, this situation warrants a professional mold inspection, and I would recommend acting with a sense of urgency. The combination of visible black fungal growth, a known moisture event (the heavy dew), persistent humidity, and, most critically, health symptoms in your children is a significant red flag.

In Dubai's climate, high ambient humidity and year-round AC use create perfect conditions for mold, especially in poorly ventilated areas like closets where condensation can form. The "black fuzzy" description is concerning, as it could indicate Stachybotrys chartarum or other species known to produce mycotoxins that can exacerbate respiratory issues like the coughing you've described.

DIY attempts are strongly discouraged. Disturbing the mold without proper containment can aerosolize spores, drastically increasing airborne contamination and potentially spreading the problem throughout your HVAC system. Over-the-counter sprays often only bleach the visible surface, leaving the root colony within the wall cavity alive to regrow. Furthermore, improper handling violates Dubai Municipality's guidelines for contaminant control and could create a larger, more expensive remediation problem.

A certified professional from a company like Saniservice will conduct a comprehensive inspection. This includes moisture mapping with thermal imaging to find the water source, air and surface sampling to identify the species and spore count levels, and a detailed report outlining the scope of remediation required to ensure your family's health and the property's integrity.

For the safety of your children, I advise you to avoid the area and contact a specialist immediately. Please call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an urgent assessment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 26, 2026 3:26 pm