Where To Look For Mold In Your Business

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

Mold thrives in dark, moist, and unventilated places such as closets, warehouses, and office storage, and since the spores are always in the air looking for a place to land, it’s smart to check your commercial property routinely to see if a colony has established itself, especially with the darker and more humid months of winter ahead of us. It might be too cold outside for a mold colony, but it’s warm inside your business, so you need to be vigilant. 

Move machinery, furniture, and office equipment so you can see any of the places where the walls join the floor and in the corners as you make your inspections, and be sure to check out the ceiling carefully at this time. Regular inspections can also keep you informed as to whether your roofing or walls have experienced any kind of damage that can result in leaks, which is another ideal spot for a mold colony to get started. Here at SERVPRO, we always recommend proactive and preventive maintenance to save you both time and money. 

As you look for mold in your business, keep these 8 common spots in mind:

• Basements or cellars that have been flooded
• Underneath kitchen and bathroom sinks
• Underneath or behind refrigerators
• Behind walls that also house plumbing
• Stacks of damp or wet newspaper or cardboard boxes
• Around air-conditioning units
• Wallboard or around windows that leak
• Under carpeting that has gotten damp or wet

You should pay special attention to particular areas of your business, such as:

Bathrooms. Mold thrives in damp, dark, moist environments, so your bathroom is the perfect fungal breeding ground. Check for mold and mildew growth in showers, bathtubs, sinks, and other fixtures.

Kitchen/Break Areas. Your kitchen or break area probably has a water source for clean up, so you will want to check underneath your sink for mold growing in the cabinets regularly. You also need to make sure that you're cleaning your refrigerator pantry out regularly, as mold often grows on outdated food items. Make a schedule that encourages your workforce to take their food leftovers and utensils home weekly for cleaning to avoid a mold issue. 

Lobby/Waiting Area. Spills that occur in your waiting area can leave your carpeting at risk for mold damage. All spills must be cleaned up immediately - and thoroughly - in order to protect your carpeting. Mold can also appear in your household plants if you tend to overwater them.

Storage/Basement. Any unfinished storage areas are also at risk for mold growth, so check any exposed water piping for signs of mold or mildew, especially after leaks or other types of water damage. Mold can also grow in insulation. 

If you suspect that your business has developed a mold problem, the team here at SERVPRO of Hermitage/Donelson has all the skills and training necessary to handle the issue. We are also experienced in cleanup after water damage and fire damage, and we can get your home or business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, too! Ask us how.