Mould in the office can not only look unsightly but can be harmful to your employees too. Keeping mould at bay will ensure your office remains a pleasant workplace and your workforce remains healthy.
Why is it essential to prevent mould in the office?
Moulds can cause allergic reactions in people. If mould is prevalent in your workplace and your employees touch or breathe in the mould spores, an allergic reaction such as sneezing, wheezing, red eyes, rashes, and a runny nose can occur. Moulds contain not only allergens but also irritants and can also be toxic. Some groups of people tend to be more sensitive to mould than others, for example, children and babies, older people, and those with respiratory conditions, skin problems, or allergies. However, it is possible that anyone can be affected by mould spores.
What causes dampness and mould in an office?
Mould grows when there is excess moisture in a building. Excess moisture can occur because of many different factors, such as leaks, inadequate ventilation, inadequate seals around windows and doors, or rising dampness in basements.
Tips to prevent mould in the office
Discover the source
If you notice mould growing in your workplace, the first step is to find out where the excess moisture is coming from. You need to know the source of the problem to ensure you take action to remove the mould, or else it will simply keep coming back again. Check for leaking pipes or other leaks around the office building. Check windows and doors to ensure they are working properly, and consider whether you have adequate ventilation in the space – telltale signs that you don’t might be a build-up of condensation around window frames or on mirrors.
Open windows
While it can be somewhat unappealing to face opening windows during the winter months, once the weather warms up, keeping windows open can help ensure that condensation doesn’t build up, that warmer air escapes, and that air circulation is optimal.
Keep doors closed
In kitchen areas or bathrooms, steam can build up. While it might seem counterintuitive to close doors, if you keep them open, the warm air will travel around the building and cause problems in a wider area. Keeping doors closed and ensuring good ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms can help keep mould and damp at bay.
Clean and vacuum carpets regularly
Staying on top of your office cleaning routine is important. By vacuuming and cleaning carpets and floors regularly, you will help prevent mould spores from building up. This is important from a hygiene perspective and will also stop that unpleasant damp odour from manifesting, which will be appreciated by your employees and clients alike!
Keep your office neat and tidy
The more clutter you have in the workplace, the less room air has to circulate freely. By keeping your office organised, having a clear desk policy, and ensuring your whole team works together to minimise clutter and take responsibility for their mess, you will allow for better air circulation and therefore minimise the risk of mould developing.
Use a dehumidifier
A dehumidifier can be an excellent way to remove moisture from the air if your office is particularly susceptible to mould and dampness. Using a dehumidifier can be especially beneficial in winter, when opening windows is not an option.
Tackle existing mould with anti-mould cleaning products
If you already see mould patches emerging, you can use special mould-busting products to get rid of them. Try to use non-toxic products where possible and always follow the instructions carefully. Killing mould spores completely so they do not reoccur can be difficult with DIY methods, and if your mould is widespread, calling in a professional to help you may be the best option.
Keep your office mould free with Alliance Cleaning’s range of services
At Alliance Cleaning, we offer a range of professional cleaning services to help prevent mould in the office and keep your workspace sparkling clean. From daily office cleaning to removing clutter and keeping your office organised and hygienic, to deep office cleaning and specialised deep cleans, whatever your need, we can create a tailored cleaning plan that’s right for you. Get in touch with our friendly team, or get a quote today.
