The battle against mold has been around for ages. Many different industries and businesses work hard to prevent mold from infiltrating their buildings, products, environment, and more. Mold developing inside walk-in refrigerators and freezers poses a triple threat to your business. Mold growth can damage inventory, cause illnesses in employees or customers, and lead to health code violations.
Mold loves humidity and requires a relative humidity level of above 70% to establish itself and grow. The first mode of attack for combating mold is to lower humidity levels if possible. Some inventory (like floral arrangements or fresh fish and meat) requires high humidity levels and lowering the humidity below 70% isn’t an option.
In these instances, here are a few precautions and preventative measures you can take to try and stop mold growth:
MINIMIZE CONDENSATION.
Condensation means that there is more moisture in the air, which leads to higher humidity levels. Make sure that there is no standing water in your walk-in cooler that can contribute to condensation build up.
ENSURE THE CONDENSING COIL, EVAPORATOR, AND FANS ARE WORKING PROPERLY.
All of the components above help regulate air flow inside of your walk-in cooler. Proper air flow helps to dry up excess moisture that can cause mold to grow and spread.
KEEP DOORS OF WALK-IN COOLERS CLOSED.
Propped open doors can cause problems by allowing outside air to change temperature and humidity levels in your cooler in a way that is hard to control. Not only do open doors allow the environment inside your walk-in cooler to change but they can also allow mold spores from the outside to enter your unit and spread.
CLEAN UP SPILLS QUICKLY AND COMPLETELY.
Spilled foods and liquids on shelves or the floor of a walk-in cooler can serve as a tasty treat for mold and bacteria. If you take away its food source it is harder for mold to spread and thrive. Cleaning up spills will help keep your walk-in cooler free of mold growth.
If you find that you have mold in your walk-in cooler and it is extremely difficult to get rid of it may be hiding in the nooks and crannies of your shelves and products. A complete clean out of your unit may be necessary. Some businesses may opt to have their walk-in cooler sprayed with a sanitation mist that helps prevent mold growth from developing. In most cases, regular maintenance and care of your walk-in cooler will keep your unit clean and safe for inventory storage.