Can I clean black mold myself or hire a professional?« Back to Previous Page

It depends on the size and cause. For a small patch (under one square foot) caused by surface humidity, you can clean it yourself. However, professional remediation is strongly advised for anything larger, if it's inside walls, or if household members are experiencing symptoms like coughing.

For a DIY approach, do not use bleach. It is mostly water and can feed the mold roots inside porous materials like drywall. Instead, use a dedicated mold cleaner or a solution of white vinegar and water. Scrub the area, let it dry completely, and address the humidity source—this is critical in Dubai's climate. Ensure the room is well-ventilated and wear an N95 mask, gloves, and eye protection to avoid inhaling spores.

Given that your children are coughing, this indicates potential exposure. Surface cleaning may not address spores that have become airborne or mold growing inside the wall behind the wardrobe. The constant AC use here can spread these spores throughout the home. A professional inspection can identify the full extent and the specific species present, which is important for health concerns. They also use containment and air scrubbing to prevent cross-contamination during removal, which a DIY clean cannot achieve. For health-related cases, an assessment is the safest first step.