Microbial Growth in Commercial Buildings

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Old food storage containers are a perfect breeding ground for mold.

Why should you be worried about mold in your Northern Virginia building? According to OSHA, some mold, over time, may cause structural damage to wood along with damage to furnishings and finishes. Use the recommended tips below to help prevent microbial growth in your business.

Clean Out The Refrigerator

It can be difficult to keep track of shared refrigerators. Some people will always remember to clear out their leftovers, others will not. Old food storage containers are a perfect breeding ground for mold. Over time, mold can travel to the shelving and even outside the refrigerator. Consider instituting an office refrigerator policy. If something is left in the fridge by a certain time each week, it goes in the garbage.

Look For And Repair Leaks

Leaks from plumbing, windows, roofs, and more can lead to significant water damage in your business as well as an increased risk of mold growth. If you are not regularly inspecting your property, it’s easy for these leaks to go unchecked until they create a larger, more costly problem. Watch for telltale signs of a leak such as lower water pressure; wet spots on the floors, ceilings, or walls; and condensation around windowsills and in attic spaces.

Keep It Clean

It’s easy for anyone to get caught up in work and let clutter take over his or her workspace. However, clutter creates lots of hiding spots for crumbs and dust, which are both great food sources for mold. Make sure to clear the clutter and wipe down hard surfaces regularly. Make sure to promptly clean all spills as well. Clean and sanitize break rooms and bathrooms frequently. Both rooms provide ample opportunity for mold growth. These rooms should be cleaned at least weekly depending on how regularly people use each room.

Turn On The AC/Dehumidifier

Leaks are not the only way for moisture to accumulate in your business. High humidity levels can lead to moisture and mold as well. On hot days, fans can cool you off, but they don’t do much for humidity levels. Run your AC or a dehumidifier to cut down the humidity in the building.

Clean Out Trash Cans

While you might switch out the liners regularly, can you remember the last time you washed out the trash cans? It’s easy for bits of food and condensation to sneak beneath liners into the can, which is all mold needs to grow. Try washing office wastebaskets about once a month to prevent mold growth.

Take Care Of Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system can quickly distribute mold spores throughout your building if there is a problem. Make sure your HVAC system receives regular inspections. Sometimes moisture condenses inside air ducts or leaks drip onto ducts from ceiling tiles, which can lead to mold growth inside the ducts. Make sure to keep the HVAC drip pans clean and unobstructed. Additionally, replace your filters as needed.

Slope The Ground Away From The Foundation

If the ground around your building slopes toward the foundation, water can accumulate and weaken your building’s structure. Additionally, it provides an ideal environment for mold to grow. The ground should slope away from the building. You should also make sure your building follows the local building codes for drainage. Mold is persistent. Even if you follow all the right steps, it’s still possible for mold to grow and spread in your building. Fortunately, at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton, we have the right experience in mold remediation to make your place of business “Like it never even happened.” Unfortunately, mold doesn’t stay put, it grows quickly. You’ll want to give us a call as soon as you notice it, so we can start the remediation process. Our team has the training, equipment, and knowledge necessary to help locate and remediate mold efficiently. If you find mold in your place of business, call SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton at 703-583-8484.  We’re always here to help!