urgent: moldy closet smell, call maintainance today?« Back to Previous Page

My master bedroom closet has started giving off a really strong, damp, moldy smell since the weather got more humid last week. I opened it this morning and the smell was so strong it made me cough, and I'm worried it's spreading to our clothes. Is this something I need to call maintenance about urgently today, or can it wait until the weekend?
Posted by Lakshmi Malhotra
Asked on April 27, 2026 6:00 am
0
Yes, call maintenance today. That level of smell causing a cough indicates active microbial growth, which can spread spores to your clothes and the room's air. In Dubai's high humidity, mold can establish itself quickly.

The immediate cause is likely a combination of trapped humid air and a cold surface, creating condensation inside the closet. This is common when an exterior wall or a cold water pipe runs through the space. Your building's maintenance team needs to identify and rectify the moisture source—it could be a small plumbing leak, inadequate insulation, or a breach in the building envelope.

Until they arrive, keep the closet door closed to contain the spores. If possible, move clothing to another area to prevent cross-contamination. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this only addresses surface discoloration, not the root moisture problem or the allergens.

For a persistent issue like this, a professional inspection that includes moisture mapping is needed to find the hidden source. In many cases, a lab analysis of a swab sample is the only way to identify the specific type of mold present and confirm the remediation was successful.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 29, 2026 8:32 pm