Mould in a commercial building isn’t just a visual issue it can compromise indoor air quality, damage materials and lead to workplace health risks. The longer it stays, the harder it is to manage. And in buildings with regular foot traffic or climate-controlled systems, it spreads quickly if not handled correctly.
Mould removal in a commercial setting requires more than bleach and a scrub. It needs a structured approach based on the source, surface type, ventilation, and how the space is used.
Here’s how it should be approached on a professional level.
Identify Where It’s Coming From
Before cleaning starts, the source needs to be located. In commercial properties, mould often forms due to:
- Leaks from roofs, pipes, or HVAC systems
- Condensation in poorly ventilated rooms
- Rising damp in basements or storage areas
- High humidity in bathrooms, kitchens or plant rooms
Surface cleaning without solving the moisture issue means mould will return often quickly.
Assess the Affected Materials
Different materials require different approaches:
- Plasterboard, ceiling tiles or carpet: Porous and usually unsalvageable when mould-affected. These often need to be removed and replaced.
- Painted walls, concrete or metal: Can be cleaned, but preparation and correct products are essential.
- Joinery or timber finishes: May need sanding, sealing or specialised treatment, depending on exposure.
If the mould has penetrated beyond the surface, superficial cleaning won’t be effective.
Use the Right Cleaning Method
Once materials are assessed, choose an appropriate method:
- Hard surfaces: Clean with a mould-specific commercial-grade product. General disinfectants don’t always kill spores.
- Soft surfaces (curtains, carpets): These are best removed and replaced. If salvageable, they need specialist treatment not just a clean.
- Ceiling areas or high vents: Use PPE and proper reach equipment to avoid spore disturbance.
Avoid dry brushing or aggressive scrubbing, as this spreads spores into the air.
Protect Surrounding Areas
During cleaning, adjacent areas should be isolated if possible. This prevents cross-contamination. Use of:
- Disposable drop sheets or plastic sheeting
- Sealed waste bags for removed materials
- Negative air machines or HEPA vacuums (in serious cases)
These measures are especially important in medical, childcare or hospitality environments where airborne particles pose higher risk.
Dispose of Waste Properly
Any materials removed during the clean ceiling tiles, damp carpet, insulation should be double-bagged and treated as contaminated waste. Disposal should follow local environmental and workplace safety guidelines. Leaving materials in skip bins without sealing them can spread spores across the property again.
Monitor the Area Post-Clean
Cleaning is only part of the job. Ongoing monitoring is key:
- Check humidity levels regularly
- Repair and re-seal any previously affected areas
- Repaint with mould-resistant paints or coatings
- Ensure ventilation systems are operating correctly
If the source of moisture isn’t fixed or airflow is still poor, mould will reappear even after a detailed clean.
When to Engage a Specialist
Small patches in a staff kitchen or storeroom can often be handled by trained in-house teams. Larger or recurring outbreaks, especially in HVAC systems or wall cavities, require professional mould remediation.
In commercial buildings where compliance, public safety or insurance is involved, the response needs to be documented, controlled and certifiable.
At Elynwood, we work with property managers, facilities teams and commercial tenants to identify, treat and monitor mould issues across a wide range of industries from healthcare to high-traffic retail.
Keep It Off the Recurrence List
Mould issues cost time, money and tenant confidence when they’re handled reactively. Cleaning the patch is one step. Making sure the space doesn’t allow it to return is where the long-term value sits.
FAQ
1. What causes mould to form in commercial buildings, and how can it be prevented?
Mould in commercial buildings is often caused by leaks, condensation, rising damp, or high humidity in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, or HVAC systems. Preventing mould requires addressing the source of moisture first—whether that’s repairing leaks, improving ventilation, or controlling humidity. Without resolving the moisture issue, mould is likely to return.
2. How do you clean mould in commercial buildings without causing further damage?
Cleaning mould in commercial spaces requires a methodical approach. Porous materials like carpets or ceiling tiles may need to be removed, while non-porous surfaces such as concrete or metal can be cleaned with mould-specific products. Aggressive scrubbing should be avoided to prevent spores from spreading. In some cases, professional mould remediation may be necessary, especially for large or recurring outbreaks.
3. When should you call a mould remediation specialist in a commercial building?
Smaller, isolated mould issues in areas like kitchens or storage rooms can be handled by in-house cleaning teams. However, larger mould outbreaks, especially in HVAC systems or wall cavities, require a professional mould remediation specialist. These situations often involve compliance, safety concerns, and need to be documented and handled according to industry standards.
