Tips For Managing Commercial Cooler Mold Problems

One of the biggest problems encountered with commercial coolers is mold growth. Mold can grow in many different environments, and it can be difficult to combat once it starts. It's important that you do your best to keep it from ever actually forming to begin with. After all, mold found in your commercial walk-in is a violation of the health and safety codes, which could be expensive. Here are several things you should consider to help keep mold at bay in your commercial coolers.

Keep The Unit Properly Closed

Mold spores in the air can lead to mold growing inside your cooler if you don't keep it properly closed or sealed. Even if you only leave the door slightly propped during busy prep times, this can introduce mold spores into the cooler.

In addition, when your cooler doors aren't kept closed, it creates a situation where temperatures are uneven, condensation can form inside the cooler (which encourages mold as well), and makes it difficult for you to balance the levels of humidity inside the unit.

Part of keeping it properly closed also means keeping the gasket clean and ensuring that it is intact. So long as the gasket is clean and in good condition, the seal around the door will be secure.

Maintain A Clean, Sanitary Cooler

With the food stored in your commercial cooler, there's always a risk of spills, leaks, and other contamination inside the unit. Those leaks and spills create particles that mold spores can feed on if you don't clean them up in a timely manner.

Keep the inside of your commercial cooler clean on a regular basis. Make sure that any spills or leaks are wiped up immediately, and the cooler is cleaned thoroughly on a clear, enforced schedule. Use disinfectant cleaner as well to ensure that there are no residual spores. 

Prevent Condensation Accumulation

In most cases, the sealed unit of your commercial cooler will keep condensation from forming inside. However, if the unit starts to ice up, that ice leads to condensation and other moisture inside the cooler.

In addition, any standing liquids uncovered inside the cooler can also introduce humidity, moisture, and condensation. Left uncovered, that moisture will distribute inside the cooler and encourage mold growth inside your cooler. 

Place some food-safe moisture absorbers inside the cooler if you are struggling with moisture issues. That way, you can better manage the level of condensation and moisture that could potentially feed mold in the cooler.

Schedule Routine Maintenance

A key part of preventing mold growth and controlling moisture inside your commercial cooler is ensuring that the cooler is running at its best at all times. Routine inspections and maintenance can help with this. 

Those routine inspections and maintenance appointments will ensure that the condensing coils, cooler fans, evaporator, and other components are all working at their best. These components serve to keep airflow and circulation consistent inside the cooler, which discourages any kind of mold growth on the interior surfaces.

Schedule your routine upkeep a few times a year. That way, you can ensure that your coolers are constantly running at their best and protecting your food inventory. You will typically receive inspection reports as well as details of any repairs or other work that may be done so that you'll understand the precise condition of your equipment at all times.

The more you understand, the easier it is to protect your commercial coolers from mold growth. Use these tips and work with a commercial refrigeration and maintenance technician to take care of the machine as well. He or she will help you protect your commercial equipment, your food inventory, and your investment.

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