Mold poses a health risk to customers and employees alike. Mold spores aggravate asthma symptoms in adults and children. Mold spores can trigger allergies in all age groups. Mold itself can stain walls, ceilings, and furniture with unsightly patterns and leave discoloration behind long after you’ve had it removed. Thus, fast mold removal and mold risk management should be at the forefront of business thought. The air around us is always full of a few spores, but there are things that you can do to cut down the risk that your business will harbor an infestation.
CLEAN SPILLS PROMPTLY
The best thing to do to prevent mold is to clean up all spills promptly. Molds need dampness to thrive; standing water, even if it’s not very deep, makes the air into a mold playground.
Where some businesses go wrong is thinking that they can skip the cleanup when they know the floor is just going to get dirty again. For example, in a professional kitchen, the area around the sink is almost always going to be covered with water. Dishes are scrubbed, water is sloshed around, and it happens. To prevent mold, prevent the water from stagnating. Mopping the area a few times a shift with a mild anti-fungal cleanser should be enough to cut your risk down drastically.
BE AWARE OF DAMP AREAS
If any part of your business lends itself to steam, drips, or other wetness, be aware of where the water collects or where the air is humid. Pay special attention to these areas while cleaning. Periodically check on chronically damp or humid areas for signs of mold. The sooner you catch it, the easier it will be to clean it right up.
USE ANTIFUNGAL CLEANING SUPPLIES
There are a variety of antifungal cleaning supplies out there. It’s possible to get ones that aren’t dangerous for people or animals, only mold. Some businesses are hesitant to add anything else to their cleaning regimen and hope that their regular supplies will get it. Using an antifungal won’t add much to your cleaning bill, but will specifically target mold spores and reduce your risk of a health hazard.
CHECK THE ROOF FOR LEAKS
Mold doesn’t just happen out where you can see it. A leaky roof can allow lots of moisture into the very structure of your building. Mold and mildew love to call these pools of dampness home. Before the winter rains start in earnest, get your roof inspected. A little money up front could save you a huge mold removal bill down the line.
PERFORM REGULAR MAINTENANCE ON ALL APPLIANCES
You can help prevent mold by preventing flooding. Indoors, the greatest cause of floods are burst pipes and broken appliances. Getting your appliances maintained is the best way to stay on top of your mold risk. You avoid the potential for water damage and could even keep warranties current. Some appliances will void the warranties if there’s no maintenance done.
Mold spores are in the air all around you. At low levels, they don’t matter much—but you don’t want to have to battle a whole mold infestation. You can cut your business’s risks with simple planning and a little preventative cleaning.