Running an eating establishment in Delaware comes with plenty of challenges and responsibilities, but proper walk-in cooler maintenance doesn’t usually make it to the top of the priority list. A clean and functional walk-in cooler is vital for food safety—the health of your guests depends upon it. In certain conditions, walk-in coolers can grow mold, which can ruin your stored inventory and can cause extremely negative health effects for you and your customers. If you own or operate a food service establishment, read on to discover everything you need to know about walk-in cooler mold control.
Reduce any condensation
Moisture is mold’s best friend, which is why it’s crucial to keep the inside of your unit dry. Minimize condensation and high humidity levels by making sure there’s no standing water in your unit. If you can’t find the source of the water, check for a plugged drain or damaged pan—they’re the usual culprits.
Check airflow components
Regularly check the mechanical components as part of your walk-in cooler maintenance program. Check the coil, evaporator and fans—they regulate the airflow inside the cooler. As part of your maintenance plan, clean the condensing coil and evaporator at least two times each year, and keep your fan blades free from dust and debris. You should also schedule annual appointments with expert technicians to keep all these components in great shape. As long as all components are in excellent mechanical condition, the air will continue to flow, and the unit will stay dry.
Keep the lights off
This is an easy one to follow. Since light produces heat, be sure to turn the lights off whenever you leave the cooler. Keeping the light off ensures a consistent ambient temperature in the unit.
Maintain a tight seal
Never leave your walk-in cooler door propped open for an extended period of time. When too much outside air enters the unit, it changes the temperature and humidity levels inside. In addition, keeping a door open allows mold spores to float right in. Leave the door closed as much as possible and you’ll be able to maintain consistent conditions in the cooler and keep mold out.
Keep the unit clean
An important part of walk-in cooler maintenance is regular cleaning. Check for spilled food or liquid in the cooler—if it remains there for too long, it’s an open invitation for mold and bacteria to take hold. Quickly and completely clean up each spill, even the minor ones, and you’ll starve the mold of its food source, keeping your unit mold free.
If you own or operate a food service establishment in Delaware, you know that the health and safety of your customers and your employees is of the utmost importance. Preventing health hazards by following proper walk-in cooler mold control procedures is key when it comes to food safety. If you want to prevent mold growth or get a current mold situation under control, contact Commercial Equipment Service Inc. to take care of the job quickly and efficiently.