What's the safest way to clean black mold?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing more than usual and I just found what looks like black mold in the corner of their bedroom closet, behind some boxes. It's been so humid lately and I think it might have started after we left for the summer holiday. I'm really worried about their health. What's the safest way to clean this myself without making the spores spread everywhere?
Posted by Michiko Saito
Asked on March 13, 2026 1:07 am
First off, I understand your concern, especially with the kids involved. That's a classic spot for mold here in the UAE—stagnant air, high humidity, and stuff stored in closets are a perfect storm.

The absolute safest approach for a suspected black mold situation, especially in a living area, is to get a professional inspection first. Spores are invisible, and what you see is just the tip of the iceberg. Disturbing it without proper containment can aerosolize those spores, making the air quality worse and potentially spreading it to other areas of your home. In Dubai, we follow strict guidelines from entities like the DM and Dubai Municipality for a reason: to protect occupant health.

However, if the area is very small (less than 1 square meter), you can proceed with extreme caution. You MUST seal off the room from the rest of the house. Turn off the AC to prevent spore circulation. Wear an N95 mask, goggles, and gloves.

Do NOT use bleach. It doesn't kill mold roots and its high water content can actually feed the problem later. For a non-porous surface like a closet wall, a solution of distilled white vinegar or a proprietary mold removal cleaner is more effective. Lightly mist the area to dampen the spores before wiping to minimize them becoming airborne. Scrub with a stiff brush, then dry the area completely within 24-48 hours using a dehumidifier—this is critical in our climate.

But honestly, with your children's health at stake and given the location was hidden, I strongly recommend a professional assessment. We can identify the moisture source and the exact mold type, which is crucial. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a proper inspection. It's just not worth the risk.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 15, 2026 7:58 am