5 Steps to Follow if You Have a Restaurant with Mold

Every restaurant owner knows the importance of a clean and sanitary restaurant. From the dining area to the back of house, there’s a lot to keep up with on a daily basis. But one persistent problem can come up no matter what you do to avoid it, and that’s mold. If you have a restaurant with mold, you’ve experienced just how frustrating it is to deal with. Between keeping your customers happy and healthy and passing health inspection, mold can prove to be a disaster. Luckily, you can follow steps to remove mold from a restaurant and avoid low marks on your assessments or potential closures.

What Causes Mold in Restaurants?

Dining establishments around the world find mold around their restaurants every day. While the source of the mold may differ, the problem is typically the same. Mold loves a humid environment, but that doesn’t mean that drier climates aren’t susceptible to mold issues. Damp areas exist in nearly every restaurant, whether that’s under a leaky ice machine or faulty sink. However, more humid environments like here in Florida can create the ideal breeding ground for mold on nearly every surface.

But why is that? It takes more than just humidity for mold to grow. Because it’s a living thing, mold requires a food source, and one that’s organic will do the job. Unfortunately, that could end up being carpet, drywall, and even dust on a surface, so any hidden or neglected area could fall victim to mold. So no matter how diligent you are during cleaning, mold could still be hiding away, growing, and spreading.

5 Steps to Take Care of a Restaurant with Mold

If you do notice mold, your first instinct is probably to start scrubbing. However, that’s one of the worst things that you could do. Whether you find it in the dining area or the kitchen, trying to tackle mold by yourself will inevitably spread it to other areas of the restaurant, creating an even bigger problem. That’s why it’s important to follow these steps to clear mold from your restaurant.

Inspection

First of all, if you do suspect mold, schedule an inspection with a licensed mold professional. Not only will they know all the signs, but they’ll also have the equipment and knowledge to identify mold – even where it might be hidden. Identifying mold allows you to act quickly to remove it because the longer you leave it, the more likely it will spread and worsen.

Identify the Source

There’s no point in beginning the mold removal process unless you know the reason it’s there in the first place. Your mold inspector can help you find the source of the mold with leak detection technology, moisture meters, and other methods. Then, once you know whether it’s a broken shingle or humidity problem, you can address the source and start taking care of the mold problem.

Mold Removal

Once you’ve taken care of the source, it’s time to tackle the mold itself. Your mold removal expert will seal off the affected area, then start cleaning and removing the mold. They’ll have the right tools for the job, along with the knowledge and training to keep mold contained when dealing with a restaurant with mold. Preventing spores from spreading is crucial at this step since the last thing you want is for mold to pop up again.

Repairs

Because mold can eat away at materials like wood and carpet, you might need to do some repairs. Restaurants with mold often require repairs to replace the affected area, such as replacing a cut-out piece of drywall. Some areas are so affected by mold that experts can’t fully clean them since stains or traces of spores might remain.

Prevention

Finally, the mold is removed. You might think the problem is gone forever, but mold is tricky and can return for other reasons. Preventing further infestations will save you time, money, and stress. If the original problem was caused by a leak or burst pipe, consider checking the area routinely. Do you have high humidity? Then it might be time to make an investment in dehumidifiers, fans, or another way to ventilate your restaurant. Regular cleaning and visual inspections can help prevent spores from settling and developing into mold. Plus, don’t be afraid to ask your mold remediator for advice. Since they deal with it every day, they could give you some insight into stopping mold from taking over again in the future.

Keep Your Restaurant Mold-Free in Southwest Florida

At iMold, we specialize in mold inspections and removal to keep your restaurant up to code. We’ll create a safe and healthy environment with thorough mold removal, water damage services, and more. We offer free inspections along with fast mold removal across Southwest Florida, so contact us today with all your mold questions.

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