5 Foolproof Ways to Prevent Mould Growth in Commercial Buildings
Mould and bacteria love to grow in dark, moist areas exposed to water, or in places that are overlooked in the cleaning process.
When left unattended, they can spread at an alarming rate and create health issues, particularly for those with compromised or weakened immune systems.
When it comes to your office space, there are many places where this potentially dangerous mould can grow. Fortunately, with the right cleaning methods, products, and staff awareness, we can work together to help you prevent mould and bacterial build-up.
1. Promote staff awareness
Giving your staff the tools and resources to aid in the general cleaning of the office not only allows them to take pride in their workspace, but also helps you to reduce the risk of mould.
Washrooms are one of the hot spots as they are communal areas that see a lot of traffic. The constant use of faucets for hand washing and toilet flushing can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
Staff kitchens and water cooler areas are other spots that have the potential to harbour mould, as splashes of water can sit and fester unless cleaned up quickly. Reminding staff to wipe down counters and sinks after handwashing, dishwashing, or following any spills can help prevent mould from growing in the first place.
Reporting any water leaks immediately also helps to reduce the risk of mould. By addressing these faults and making the repairs, mould and spores will have nowhere to grow.
2. Do regular maintenance
Maintenance is essential in any building, home, or office. Even if the areas are just inspected, you can detect leaks and other issues contributing to the growth of bacteria and mould, and then deal with the issue before it develops further.
Leaking pipes, faucets, and water heaters create a breeding ground for germs due to pools of standing water and increased humidity. If such issues are not addressed, mould will grow at an alarming rate and become a health hazard.
If there have been any burst pipes or flooding in the building or the surrounding areas outside, checking the walls and basement areas is paramount. Even if nothing is visible on the floor, should the walls be damp, you can have mould growing in areas you cannot see.
3. Clean HVAC systems
The larger the building, the more likely it is to have an HVAC cooling and heating system. If not regularly checked and cleaned, you can unknowingly allow mould growth, which then spreads at an alarming rate when the system is turned on. Within moments, spores can blast their way through the system and into the air throughout the office.
This can drastically increase the risk of respiratory issues and pose a real health risk to both employees and visitors. In some cases, you may need to shut down the office until the system is cleaned and the mould has been dealt with. This affects productivity and sales, so regular cleaning and inspection are critical.
4. Consider weather conditions
During the summer, long, hot days are the norm. While great to enjoy when relaxing on the beach or your deck with a cool drink in hand, it’s a different story in an office setting.
The increased heat raises the humidity levels inside buildings. If you have windows and vents that close tightly, then humidity levels rise even more.
Cold days are irritating, but they’re all part of the weather cycle. As it gets colder, however, the heating system kicks in and increases the temperature in the building. This warm, toasty feeling is great for staff but can also wake up dormant mould.
Heat and cold temperatures in quick succession can trigger mould growth, and when high humidity levels are included, this creates the perfect storm for bacteria. By keeping an eye on the weather conditions and making sure there are no leaks, you can reduce the risk of mould.
5. Think about commercial cleaning services
While there are many things you can do to prevent mould growth, such as regular maintenance, fixing issues quickly, and controlling the workspace environment, teaming up with a professional commercial cleaning service is your second line of defence.
Being able to clean the areas that can be missed on a regular basis and carrying out visual inspections so that any issues can be reported all help to prevent mould from growing.
With products designed to destroy and protect against mould, particularly in hard-to-reach places or on caulked seals in bathrooms and kitchens, the cleaning experts can add a layer of protection without interfering with your staff’s daily duties.
Not only will a commercial cleaning service ensure that the floors are cleaned, garbage is removed, and the space smells nice, but your staff and clients can be safe in the knowledge that all surfaces have been disinfected to prevent the spread of common germs like the cold and flu.
Contact the Experts at RBC Clean
Should the dreaded mould growth be discovered and the issues addressed, how do you prevent regrowth?
Contractors should use a special mould barrier during the repairs. This could be placed within the walls or even painted with a mould inhibitor. This helps to prevent the regrowth of mould. The space should also have improved ventilation.
Your commercial cleaning crew should be made aware of the issue, not only so that they can focus on cleaning the area, but because they may require special clothing during the cleanup.
RBC Clean has been looking after its clients in Toronto and the GTA for many decades, and has the experience necessary to protect them against mould and bacterial threats.
With our specialized cleaning products, training, and determination to provide the ultimate in service for your office, RBC Clean is your team to keep mould and bacteria away.
You can call us at 1-855-493-9259 or go online for a free quote, and see how RBC Clean can work with you to improve the air quality and health of everyone.