Preventing Mold in Your Waycross Motel or Hotel

2/13/2018 (Permalink)

Mold is unsightly and unhealthy, and can cost you business. Take steps today to mold-proof your motel or hotel business so your Waycross guests can rest easy.

IDENTIFY PROBLEM AREAS

Do an audit of your business premises; where are the problem areas? Are the windows in some rooms frequently damp? Are there any persistent leaks in ceilings or hallways? Preventing mold from growing and spreading can be as simple as ripping up carpet or using mold-resistant cleaning and renovation products, or just cleaning out rain gutters.

KEEP THINGS DRY

Mold will not grow without moisture, so take care of wet areas immediately; water damage often leads to mold growth. Seepage after heavy rainfalls or melting snow and ice, or even carpet spills or minor flooding due to broken pipes, etc. need to be fully dried within 24 to 48 hours. Make sure any bedding and furniture that may have been affected are either completely dried or removed from the area.

VENTILATION

Make sure all staff is educated as to good practices in the prevention of mold. All areas need to be properly ventilated at all times, from the kitchen to the on-site laundry, if you have one. Housekeeping staff need to keep a lookout for leaking AC units in guest areas, and all staff should know what to look for in break areas, bathrooms, and other areas where they work daily. In overall damp weather, dehumidifiers might be appropriate to use, especially in more humid regions.

KEEP A WEATHER EYE OUT

Regular inspection of exterior doors, windows, and roofing can expose any leaks or improper fits right away. Even the smallest leaks can, over time, cause a mold issue that can be difficult to eradicate.

GREEN STUFF

Do you use live plants in your decorating scheme? They are beautiful and useful, too; they help to purify the air of indoor spaces, which is always helpful. They can also accumulate mold on their leaves and in their pots. Make sure that part of their care involves checking for mold. Natural food stores carry products that can be added to water for your plants to keep excess moisture down, while being safe for the environment.

RESISTING MOLD

When it comes time to repair or renovate, keep in mind that there are many mold-resistant products on the market today, such as drywall or Sheetrock. Many paints now include mold-inhibitors, which are a great asset in the battle. Some cleaning products can be a benefit, as well.

Whatever your region’s climate, either the warm, wet South or the hot, dry Southwest, and everything in-between, make sure you know how mold starts and spreads. Knowledge is power, even in the battle against mold!

Here at SERVPRO of Waycross/ Hinesville & Douglas, we are experts when it comes to water damage, fire damage, mold remediation, and all of your emergency service needs! If your business has received water damage of any kind, or any other such emergency, you can reach us at  (912) 266-8609, or visit our website at http://www.SERVPROwaycrosshinesvilledouglas.com/