Urgent to professionally clean shower mold or DIY?« Back to Previous Page

My bathroom in our Jumeirah apartment has had this musty smell for weeks, but I just pulled back the silicone sealant around the shower and found a bunch of black and green mold underneath. We run the exhaust fan, but the humidity here is just relentless. How urgent is it that I get this professionally cleaned, or is it something I can tackle myself with a trip to ACE Hardware this weekend?
Posted by Anthony Torres
Asked on May 4, 2026 2:35 am
The urgency depends on the extent of the growth behind the sealant. If it's a surface-level patch, a DIY approach can be effective. However, if the mold has spread behind tiles or into the grout, professional assessment is recommended to prevent structural damage and potential health issues, especially for those with allergies or asthma.

For a small area, use a hydrogen peroxide-based cleaner or a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) from ACE. Scrub thoroughly, let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse. The critical step is to let the area dry completely before reapplying a high-quality mold-resistant silicone sealant. Simply cleaning without addressing the moisture source is a temporary fix.

In Dubai's climate, bathroom humidity is a constant battle. Running the exhaust fan during and for at least 30 minutes after a shower is essential, but it often isn't enough. Wiping down wet surfaces and using a dehumidifier can help measurably reduce the moisture that mold thrives on.

If the musty smell persists after a thorough cleaning, or if you see discoloration on walls suggesting hidden growth, the mold may have penetrated porous materials like drywall or the substrate behind the tiles. In these cases, a professional inspection with moisture meters and, if necessary, lab identification of the mold type is the most reliable way to resolve the issue permanently.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 6, 2026 3:08 am