Urgent: Professional Needed for Shower Mold Under Sealant?« Back to Previous Page
|
My bathroom in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment has had this musty smell for weeks, but today I finally pulled back the silicone sealant around the shower and found a bunch of black and greenish mold underneath. We’ve been running the exhaust fan, but with this humidity, it doesn't seem to be enough. How urgent is it that I get a professional to deal with this, or can I handle it myself with a bleach spray?
|
|
Mold under silicone sealant is a common issue in Dubai bathrooms due to the high humidity and condensation from year-round AC use. The urgency depends on the extent. If it's a small, localized patch (under 10 sq. ft) and you are not experiencing health symptoms, you can attempt a DIY approach. However, if the mold has spread behind tiles or walls, or if household members have respiratory sensitivities, professional assessment is recommended.
Bleach is ineffective on porous surfaces and only bleaches the surface color; it does not kill the root structure. For a DIY attempt, use a hydrogen peroxide-based cleaner or a dedicated mold remover. Scrub thoroughly, but the most critical step is to completely remove and replace the old silicone sealant. Any moisture trapped behind it will cause regrowth. In the UAE climate, an exhaust fan alone is often insufficient. Run it for at least 30 minutes after showering and keep the bathroom door open to improve air circulation. Wipe down wet surfaces after use to remove standing moisture. If the mold reappears quickly after a thorough DIY clean, covers a large area, or has a persistent musty odor, the moisture source is likely deeper. In such cases, a professional inspection can identify hidden leaks or condensation issues within the wall. Companies with microbiology labs can test to identify the species, which is important for assessing potential health risks and ensuring the correct remediation protocol is used. |
Please log in to post questions/answers: