Who to call first for hidden black mold removal?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing for a couple of weeks and I finally checked behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. I found a huge patch of black mold spreading on the wall, probably from a hidden AC leak. We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed this now. What is the most effective way to get rid of this safely and who should I call first, a cleaning company or my building's maintenance?
Posted by Karen Moore
Asked on May 14, 2026 7:50 am
Call your building's maintenance or landlord first. In Dubai, they are legally responsible for fixing the source of the leak, which is the AC unit or its condensate drain line in this case. Until the leak is repaired by them, any cleaning or mold removal will be ineffective as the moisture problem will continue.

For a patch you describe as "huge," professional mold remediation is strongly advised over a standard cleaning company. The process requires containment to prevent spores from spreading to other parts of your home during removal, specialized HEPA filtration, and the safe disposal of contaminated materials. Look for a provider certified in mold remediation who will follow IICRC S520 standards; this ensures they address the hidden moisture and contamination, not just the visible growth.

Given the Dubai climate, with high humidity and year-round AC use, hidden condensation leaks are a common cause of this issue. Since your children are already experiencing respiratory symptoms, it's crucial that the removal is handled professionally to avoid exacerbating their condition. After the source is fixed and the mold is remediated, a post-remediation verification test (like a surface or air sample analyzed by a microbiology lab) can confirm the area is safe and the allergen load has been measurably reduced.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 14, 2026 8:55 pm