Another long winter is drawing to a close. In about a month or so, spring will be at the doorstep. So will the spring rains so many of us are familiar with. And with rain comes the potential for mold and mildew. What can you do to keep mold and mildew from joining your spring party?
Some of the same things we practice at home are also applicable in the workplace. But there are other things we do with commercial spaces that are quite different. Regardless, preventing mold and mildew from arriving with the spring is really a proactive exercise. If you can keep mold and mildew away, you never have to worry about trying to get rid of it later on.
Maintain Diligent Cleaning Practices
Given the nature of our business, our starting point for preventing mold and mildew is maintaining diligent cleaning practices. Whether your business is daycare, healthcare, manufacturing, or financial services, cleaner spaces are less attractive to mold and mildew. We recommend:
- Intentionally cleaning to eliminate dust and organic matter
- Regularly cleaning and disinfecting high-moisture areas
- Quickly and properly disposing of wet and moldy materials
- Using only vacuums and upholstery cleaning equipment equipped with HEPA filters.
Keeping moisture, airborne particles, and organic matter at bay will take away some of the key things that mold and mildew need to survive.
Pay Attention to Maintenance Needs
Hand-in-hand with cleaning is routine maintenance. Spring is a great time to look around your property for things that could promote mold and mildew. On the exterior, give the gutters a cleaning and check to ensure that drainage systems are functioning. Also check the lawn and landscaping to ensure that rainwater is being directed away from the building.
Indoors, give the plumbing a once over. Any minor leaks should be repaired immediately. Make sure kitchen and restroom drains are flowing as they should. Finally, check air conditioning units to make sure they are draining properly.
Look at Humidity Levels and Ventilation
Mold and mildew love water. That’s why they grow so easily in moist environments. To keep them at bay this spring, look at the humidity levels in your space. If they are too high, portable dehumidifiers will do the trick. Aim for a stable humidity level of 30-50%.
You will need good ventilation this spring as well. Have the HVAC system cleaned and checked by a professional. Filters should be replaced as well. As temperatures begin to warm up, consider opening the windows on fair weather days. This encourages air circulation which, in turn, can reduce excess humidity.
Keep Your Eyes Open
Finally, you could do everything right and still end up with a spot of mold or mildew. So our final tip is to keep your eyes open throughout the spring. Wherever there tends to be excess moisture, like in restrooms and boiler rooms, there is also the potential for mold and mildew growth. Make an effort to look more closely in those areas.
If you do see small spots of mold and mildew forming, sound the alarm so that cleaning crews can address it immediately. Mold and mildew should never be allowed to sit for any length of time, because it can grow rapidly to the point of requiring expensive remediation.
Spring is the time for new life and new beginnings. However, we don’t want mold and mildew joining the party in our workplaces. You and your team can keep it away with a proactive approach. At the very least, keep up on your cleaning and maintenance to minimize the risks.
