Urgent to call for mold removal from AC leak?« Back to Previous Page

Our AC unit in the bedroom of our Jumeirah apartment has been leaking a bit, and now I’m seeing small black spots along the base of the wall behind the bed. We first noticed a damp smell about ten days ago, but the spots just appeared. Given how humid it’s been, how urgently do I need to call a professional for mold removal before it gets worse?
Posted by Richard Brown
Asked on May 13, 2026 4:54 am
Yes, you should treat this with urgency. The combination of a persistent leak and visible black spots in a bedroom indicates an active mold colony, which can degrade air quality and building materials quickly in Dubai's climate.

The damp smell you noticed ten days ago was the first sign of microbial growth, and the visible spots confirm it. Given the high humidity, mold can colonize drywall and insulation behind the wall within 7-10 days of a leak. The priority is to stop the moisture source immediately. Turn off the AC unit to prevent further water leakage and move the bed away from the wall to improve air circulation.

For a situation like this in an apartment, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They will identify the exact extent of the damage, which often spreads behind the wall. Remediation involves stopping the leak, removing the contaminated materials like affected drywall or insulation, and properly drying the area with industrial equipment to prevent immediate regrowth. DIY cleaning with bleach or vinegar only addresses the surface and will not resolve a problem originating from a leak.

In Dubai, this is a common issue due to year-round AC use and condensation problems. While there's no specific UAE-wide regulation for residential mold, reputable remediation companies follow IICRC standards for water damage restoration. The goal is to return the area to a dry, clean state and verify the fix with moisture readings.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 14, 2026 9:32 pm