Is a musty smell in my closet urgent?« Back to Previous Page

After the heavy rain we had last month, I noticed a musty smell in my bedroom closet. It's been there ever since, even though I’ve tried airing out the space multiple times. The humidity seems to be quite high, and it’s making the walls feel damp to the touch. How urgent is this issue, and what should I do about it?
Posted by Jan Kowalski
Asked on February 10, 2026 10:04 am
0
The musty smell and damp feeling in your closet can be an urgent matter, especially given the recent heavy rains we've experienced here in Dubai. High humidity levels are common after such weather events, but it's crucial to address this issue promptly. A musty odor is often a sign of elevated moisture content in materials like wood or paper which create ideal conditions for mold growth.

In the UAE, particularly in regions with high humidity and recent rainfall, this situation warrants immediate attention. According to local building codes and guidelines set by the Dubai Municipality, it's essential to maintain indoor relative humidity between 30% to 60%. The musty smell you're experiencing suggests that your closet has likely exceeded these thresholds.

Firstly, try to identify any obvious sources of moisture such as leaking pipes or condensation. If you can't pinpoint an immediate source, the issue might be more complex and require professional inspection. Saniservice, a leading provider of environmental inspections and remediation services in Dubai, offers comprehensive mold and humidity assessments that can help determine the exact cause of the problem.

I recommend contacting them at 800-MOLDS or sending an email to hello@saniservice.com for a detailed evaluation. They have experts who are well-versed with local building regulations such as those found in the UAE Code of Practice for Indoor Environmental Quality (UEC IPQ). Their professionals can also advise on necessary remedial actions like dehumidification, air circulation improvements, or even structural repairs if needed.

In the meantime, you can take some initial steps to mitigate the situation. Ensure good ventilation by opening windows when possible and using exhaust fans during showering or cooking. Place desiccants in affected areas and consider running a dehumidifier if it's practical for your space. However, these measures are temporary fixes; addressing the root cause is key.

Remember, prolonged exposure to high humidity levels can lead to structural damage over time, not just mold growth. Ensuring indoor air quality is crucial for both comfort and safety in residential spaces like yours.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on February 15, 2026 7:33 pm