If you are new to Dubai, you might be surprised to learn that mould can be a problem here, too. Because many of us associate mould with dampness and cold, you might think a home in a desert city like this is an odd place for mould to grow. Unfortunately, it’s not.
Sometimes household mould in Dubai is down to the usual culprits you might experience anywhere in the world. Leaky plumbing and steamy bathrooms, for example. However, the air-conditioning units we rely on to get us through the warmest weather are behind many of Dubai’s mould issues. Humidity, which promotes mould growth, can be high here too, especially in the summer.
Understanding a little about how mould grows and what it thrives on will help you avoid this unsightly and unhealthy problem. Here’s everything you need to know about preventing mould growth in your Dubai home.
Mould loves excess moisture
Mould loves damp surfaces. When mould spores find their way to a damp spot, they’ll have everything they need to grow fast.
Mould spores are airborne. They float through indoor and outdoor air without being spotted. They are too small to be visible to the naked eye, but you can guarantee they are there, looking out for a home.
If mould spores land on a damp wall or any other perpetually wet surface, they have the optimal conditions to thrive and multiply. Before long, you’ll see ugly black patches. This is a problem that needs addressing quickly.
Mould can cause health problems as they emit allergens and some forms of mould produce very dangerous toxins. Mould is a particular issue for people with asthma as it can bring on attacks.
Fix leaks and damp patches quickly
It only takes a tiny bit of damp to start a mould patch. And it will grow fast, too. If you notice any kind of leak or damp patch on the wall or ceiling, you need to address the problem right away.
Identifying the cause of a damp or mouldy wall or ceiling can be difficult. Sometimes it may be caused by condensation. A plumbing problem can also cause them.
If you are living in an apartment building, the root problem may not even be in your own home and could be prompted by a problem on a neighbouring property. It may take some detective work to track the issue down. Professional plumbers and maintenance services are adept at finding the cause, thanks to their years of experience with similar problems.
You can find a local professional to help by searching for ‘plumbing services in Dubai (or near me)’ on the internet. They will be able to locate and fix the problem quickly to prevent the mould from spreading.
Avoid the buildup of excessive moisture
Good air flow and optimal humidity levels are key to preventing the excess moisture that causes mould to grow.
Bathrooms, kitchens and laundry areas are places where activities cause condensation. Where areas are frequently damp like this, you need to keep a lookout for the first signs of mould. If certain sections of your home do not dry out quickly, you’ll find that mould is quick to grow. Use extraction fans in these areas if possible.
Throughout the home, you need to keep humidity levels low and remove excess moisture. Monitor humidity levels and take steps when your home gets above around 70% humidity. Remember that external humidity can be high in Dubai in the summer, which will then push humidity levels up in your home, too. Running an extractor fan or dehumidifier will help. Check the seals on doors and windows too and keep them well maintained.
Keep your AC in tip-top condition
As we’ve already said, good air flow can help prevent mould and air conditioning units are a vital bit of kit in Dubai for doing just that. However, they can also do more harm than good if you don’t maintain them properly. Clogged air filters can cause mould problems.
The dust and debris on the air filters in your AC, along with damp, provide optimal conditions for mould growth. If your AC already contains mould, it’s going to be blowing around your home.
What you need to do:
- Turn your AC off. If you detect any mould at all, then call a professional to clean and disinfect your unit thoroughly.
- Make sure the air filters are regularly cleaned to stop dust from accumulating.
- Run your clean unit from time to time, even when it’s not needed, to improve airflow in your home.
- If you own a car, the same tips apply to its AC, too.
Inspect water tanks regularly
If you live in a villa, your water tank is another place you need to check for mould growth. Water tanks require regular cleaning to make sure they are giving optimal quality water. Dirt, debris and other contaminants can build up in the water and risk your and your family’s health. Like any other damp area, they are also at risk of mould growth.
Dubai Municipality recommends you get your water tank cleaned every six months by a fully certified company. It’s worth doing a visual inspection more often, however, so you can detect mould and other problems early.
What to do if you detect mould
Following the tips here on keeping your home dry and the air flowing should prevent mould from becoming a problem.
However, if you do spot the early signs, the important thing is to act quickly as mould can grow fast. Get the root cause identified and then fixed.
Next, you’ll need to get the mould cleaned up. Exposure to mould can be dangerous to your health so if you plan to clean it up yourself, make sure you have the right equipment. A minimum of a respirator mask, goggles and gloves are required.
Better yet, calling out an experienced professional service will mean getting the mould safely removed with no risk to you and your family. Finally, an experienced handyman in Dubai can get any stains left behind removed and freshen up the area, so it looks as good as new.
