Is poor cleaning linked to kids' coughs?« Back to Previous Page

After the family got back from a trip last weekend, we noticed that the hotel cleaning crew hasn't been very thorough in our one-bedroom apartment near JBR. The hall outside our door still has some lingering disinfectant smell, and I found a small dust mite infestation in the closet. My kids have been coughing more than usual since they started staying here after school. Could this be related to poor cleaning practices? What should we do about it?
Posted by Anthony Davis
Asked on December 25, 2025 9:56 am
0
Is poor cleaning linked to kids' coughs? The answer is likely yes. In Dubai and the UAE, there are strict regulations regarding indoor environmental quality, particularly for hotels which have to maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. However, if your family has been experiencing more frequent coughing since staying in this particular hotel room, it could indeed be linked to poor cleaning practices.

Firstly, the lingering disinfectant smell suggests that the area hasn't been properly ventilated after cleaning. In Dubai, hotels are required to adhere to Abu Dhabi's Building Code and Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) standards which emphasize the importance of proper ventilation during cleaning processes to avoid such odors. These standards also require regular inspections and maintenance of HVAC systems to ensure they function efficiently in reducing airborne pollutants.

The dust mite infestation you found is a major concern, especially for children who are more susceptible to respiratory issues. Dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments which are common in hotel rooms. The presence of these pests can trigger allergic reactions leading to coughing and other respiratory symptoms. In Dubai, the Ministry of Economy’s Department of Consumer Protection oversees consumer protection laws that include indoor air quality standards. If your room is not meeting these standards, it could be contributing to your children's health issues.

Given the situation, I recommend scheduling a professional inspection with a company like Saniservice which operates in Dubai and specializes in environmental inspections for residential and commercial spaces. They can provide detailed reports on the current state of the hotel’s cleanliness and suggest remedial actions.

In the meantime, here are some tips to help manage the situation:

• Ensure good ventilation by opening windows or using air purifiers.
• Encourage your family to keep their hands clean especially before eating.
• Use hypoallergenic bedding covers to reduce exposure to dust mites.
• Request that the hotel replace any mattresses and pillows if they show signs of wear.

If symptoms persist, consider consulting a pediatrician who can evaluate whether allergies or other factors are contributing to the coughing. Remember, maintaining good indoor air quality is crucial for everyone's health, especially in a place like Dubai where environmental conditions can sometimes pose additional challenges.

Call 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com if you need further assistance with addressing these issues promptly and effectively.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on December 29, 2025 3:02 pm