urgent: Professional mold inspection needed after holiday?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop since we got back from the summer holiday, and I’ve just found what looks like black mold behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom in our Jumeirah villa. It must have spread while the AC was off and the house was closed up for two months in the humidity. Is it urgent that I get a professional mold inspection done, or can I handle this myself with bleach?
Posted by Karen Wright
Asked on April 29, 2026 4:30 pm
Yes, with those specific conditions, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. The combination of visible black mold, a two-month closed-up period in Dubai's high humidity, and respiratory symptoms in children creates a scenario where DIY methods are insufficient and potentially hazardous.

Bleach is ineffective on porous surfaces like drywall or wood, as it only bleaches the surface while the root structure remains. More critically, attempting to clean it yourself will disturb the colony and aerosolize a high concentration of spores, which your AC system could then circulate, potentially worsening your children's coughing.

In the UAE climate, an inspection isn't just about the visible spot. A professional will use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the source of the moisture—often condensation from AC ducts inside the walls, a leaking pipe, or humidity trapped by the wardrobe. They will also assess the extent of hidden growth within your wall cavity, which is very common after a long shutdown. The inspection should conclude with a clear lab-identified mold species report, as this informs the correct remediation protocol and helps you understand the health risk.

For your own safety until the inspection, avoid disturbing the area, keep the room well-ventilated, and consider running a dehumidifier. The priority is to identify the moisture source and the full scope of contamination to ensure it is resolved correctly.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 1, 2026 10:46 pm