Can I clean this black mold myself or call professional?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed a patch of black mold in the corner of our master bedroom closet, behind some storage boxes. It wasn't there during my last clean-out a few months ago, but with all the humidity lately, it's appeared and spread about the size of my hand. I’m worried it might be from a small AC leak we had fixed last year. Is this something I can safely clean myself with bleach or vinegar, or do I need to call a professional company to check for hidden moisture?
Posted by Tomasz Dubois
Asked on April 23, 2026 8:00 pm
0
Given the UAE's high humidity and your recent AC leak history, this mold likely indicates a persistent moisture issue. For a patch the size of your hand that appeared recently, you can attempt to clean it yourself if you have no respiratory sensitivities.

Wear an N95 mask and gloves. A solution of distilled white vinegar is often more effective than bleach on porous surfaces like drywall, as it can kill the mold beneath the surface. Scrub the area thoroughly and allow it to dry completely. However, this is only a temporary fix if the moisture source remains. The repaired AC leak may have left residual dampness inside the wall or under the flooring, which Dubai's climate will quickly exploit.

If the mold returns after cleaning, you are dealing with an ongoing moisture problem that requires a professional inspection. They use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find hidden dampness that isn't visible. In many cases here, the mold you see is just a fraction of what's growing out of sight behind walls or under closets. A proper remediation plan addresses this hidden growth and the root cause to prevent recurrence. For a situation with a prior leak, a professional assessment is the most reliable way to ensure your home is truly healthy.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 26, 2026 6:01 pm