10 Ways to Deal With Mold in Your Business

Mold poses a real risk to your business and your employees. It can aggravate allergies and asthma, irritate the eyes and skin, and in extreme cases, even lead to lung infections. If your building becomes unsafe for employees, your productivity will decline — and so will your income.

It’s vital that you deal with mold as soon as possible, whether through preventative measures or a fast response. Below, we explore 10 ways to deal with mold in your business for the benefit of your employees and your success.

#1. Invest in Effective Ventilation

Good ventilation is essential in areas prone to moisture and / or steam, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Fans and vents should be installed to prevent build-up, otherwise you’re making it too easy for mold to form.

#2. Watch your Humidity

You can’t always identify when humidity levels are high enough to encourage mold to develop. Investing in monitoring devices should be a priority, as these will alert you if there are any major rises in humidity.

#3. Take Care of Leaks Immediately

If you notice you have a leak anywhere in your business site, take care of it straight away: mold can grow wherever moisture lurks, even if it’s only a trickle. Tend to leaky pipes and fix structural problems to minimize rainwater. Stop leaks at their source to minimize the risk of mold.

#4. Clean Regularly

Your building should be clean inside and out, right down to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) areas. If these are left dirty for years without being cleaned, they can transfer mold spores in the air with disturbing ease.

#5. Stock up on Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers will make a big difference to your building’s susceptibility to mold. This is especially true if you’re based in an environment more prone to humid conditions. Keep multiple units around the site for equal coverage throughout.

#6. Avoid DIY Clean-ups

You might be tempted to try cleaning mold yourself, with bleach and a sponge. While it might seem to be a cheap, easy solution, it isn’t. Even bleach contains water, and this can contribute to the mold’s growth instead of destroying it.

#7. Contain the Mold

When you notice mold, keep the affected area closed off to prevent the spores spreading. Lock doors and close vents as needed, and make sure all employees know to stay away.

#8. Dispose of Contaminated Objects

Remove all items — such as chairs, rugs, curtains — affected by mold to reduce the risk of it spreading. Cardboard, paper products, upholstered items and foods may all have to be thrown out if already moldy or under water.

#9. Respect Employees’ Concerns

If your employees are worried about working in a space affected by mold, or if they have health conditions that may be exacerbated, take their concerns seriously. Look into getting your building inspected by mold remediation specialists for everyone’s reassurance.

#10. Call in the Professionals

The best thing you can do if you spot mold or experience a leak or flood is to call in mold remediation experts. The water damage will be handled and the mold removed, leaving your building safe once more.

Follow these 10 tips to deal with mold in your business and you can protect your building and your workforce from its risks. Do you have any other ideas to help businesses prevent and deal with mold?