After rain, a leak or a flood: drying a UAE home before mold starts

The first 48 hours

1. Make it safe. Switch off power to wet areas if water has reached sockets or appliances.
2. Stop the source. Close the water supply for a leak, or block where rainwater is coming in.
3. Remove standing water and lift rugs, cushions and anything soaked off the floor.
4. Dry actively. Run the AC, close the room and use a dehumidifier with a drain hose so it does not stop when the tank fills.
5. Move furniture away from damp walls to let air reach them.

Why speed matters

Mold can start on damp materials within a day or two. The US EPA advises drying wet materials within 24 to 48 hours of a leak to help prevent mold growth. After heavy rain in the UAE, such as the record storms of April 2024, acting in those first two days matters more than anything else.

Check what you can't see

• Under flooring and skirting boards.
• Inside wardrobes and cabinets on affected walls.
• Wall cavities and ceilings below a leak.

A humidity reading that stays high in a room days after the water is gone usually means moisture is still trapped somewhere. That is the time for a professional moisture and mold assessment.

Choosing a unit for drying out

Drying a wet room calls for higher capacity and continuous drainage. A 50 L/day unit with a drain hose suits large or badly affected spaces; a 20 L/day unit suits a single room. Keep it running until readings return to normal and stay there.

Frequently asked questions