How to Remove Mould from Commercial Kitchen Cupboards

In any kitchen, cupboards are prime spots where mould can often grow unnoticed. Since it’s a major health hazard, it’s a problem you can't afford to ignore. See to it ASAP to keep your commercial kitchen a safe space for cooking and working. 

Mould, a type of fungus lurking in your kitchen cupboards, isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s a serious issue that can derail your entire operation. In a busy commercial kitchen, these dark, often-overlooked spaces can harbour dangerous mould spores that put your staff's health at risk and compromise the safety of stored ingredients, equipment, and food prepared. When you're running a professional kitchen, that’s simply not a risk worth taking.

The real concern? Mould in cupboards often signals deeper problems with your kitchen's environment. Left unchecked, it won’t just stay contained – it’ll spread, potentially leading to failed health inspections, spoiled stock, and serious damage to your business’s reputation. The good news? Whether you spot it early or you’re dealing with a lingering problem, there are effective solutions available.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about tackling this fungus in commercial kitchen cupboards − from identifying early warning signs to knowing when to call in the pros. By the end, you’ll have a clear action plan to keep your kitchen storage spaces safe, compliant, and mould-free.

What Causes Mould in Kitchen Cupboards? 

Let’s talk about why mould becomes such a headache in commercial kitchens. The truth is, your kitchen cupboards are areas prone to moisture developing, making them prime real estate for mould growth. 

Below are common culprits:

Excess Moisture and Humidity Levels

First up, mould is mainly caused by excess moisture. In busy commercial kitchens, you’re constantly dealing with steam and dampness from industrial dishwashers, multiple cooking stations, and cleaning activities. All this moisture has to go somewhere. Unfortunately, it often ends up condensing in your cupboards, which are prone to mould. When humidity levels climb above 60%, you’re basically rolling out the red carpet for mould.

Leaks

Leaks are another common reason for mould growth, and they can be surprisingly sneaky. Maybe there’s a slow drip from a pipe behind your storage units, or perhaps your dishwasher has a subtle leak you haven’t spotted yet. Even minor water damage from these sources can create damp patches that mould absolutely loves. The tricky part? By the time you notice the mould, that leak might’ve been doing its damage for weeks.

Poor Ventilation

Insufficient airflow is often the final piece of this unfortunate puzzle. We get it − commercial kitchens are complex spaces with lots of equipment and storage needs. Sometimes this means cupboards get installed in spots with limited airflow, or extraction systems might not be reaching all areas effectively. But when air doesn't circulate properly, moisture gets trapped, and those dark, damp cupboard corners could easily start developing mould.

The real challenge in professional kitchens is that the above factors often work together. Your busy service period creates steam, and your ventilation system might not be keeping up. Before you know it, you’ve got a mould issue that could put your hygiene rating at risk.

2 Types of Mould in Kitchen Cupboards

Mould can appear in different colours and textures, and it’s important to recognise which type you might be dealing with. While mould can be pink, red, or even fuzzy, the most common types found in kitchens are black and green mould. These types are concerning due to the potential health risks they pose, especially if left untreated.

1. Black Mould (Stachybotrys)

Image source: BBC

Black mould typically appears as black blotches or smears. This mould can cause serious health issues. You’ll often find it in areas with high humidity − behind sinks, near leaking pipes, or around washing machines. If you notice black mould in your kitchen cupboards, take swift action.

2. Green Mould (Aspergillus, Penicillium)

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Image source: Aspergillus

Green mould ranges from pale to dark green and often has a fuzzy texture. It can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues, especially in confined spaces like cupboards.

How Mould Can Affect Your Health 

Mould can lead to serious health issues. It produces spores and allergens that, when inhaled or touched, can cause mild to severe respiratory problems. For those with asthma or allergies, mould exposure can trigger coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. Long-term exposure can even lead to fungal infections, like aspergillosis, which affect the airways.

Moulding on kitchen surfaces or food can also lead to accidental consumption, increasing your exposure without noticing. Those with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly or those with pre-existing conditions, are at greater risk of infections, including skin and lung issues.

Beyond physical health, mould can affect mental well-being. Persistent dampness can cause stress, anxiety, and frustration, especially if it impacts daily life. The longer mould is left untreated, the greater the risk to both physical and mental health. So act quickly to remove mould in kitchen cupboards to protect the well-being of your kitchen staff. A clean kitchen not only protects their health, but boosts morale. 

5 Early Signs of Mould in Kitchen Cupboards 

Mould can sneak up on you, especially in hidden areas like kitchen cupboards. Early detection is key to preventing bigger problems, so here are some common signs of mould to look out for:

1. Musty smell
2. Visible dark spots or fuzzy growth
3. Warping or discolouration of cabinet surfaces
4. Peeling paint or wallpaper
5. Condensation

If you spot any of these signs of mould or dampness, it’s important to take action quickly to prevent further damage and health risks.

The Importance of Addressing Mould Problems Early

Look, let's not sugar-coat it – dampness and mould in your commercial kitchen is are serious business risk that can snowball quickly. What starts as a small patch in one cupboard can rapidly spread to your entire storage system, contaminating food, packaging, and equipment along the way. Before you know it, you're looking at failed health inspections, spoiled stock, and potentially thousands in damaged equipment and infrastructure.

But here’s the real kicker − mould doesn’t just damage your cupboards and stock, it can make your staff ill, too. Those spores can trigger respiratory problems and allergic reactions, putting your team’s health at risk and potentially leaving you short-staffed during busy periods. Plus, once mould gets really established in wooden cupboards, you’re often looking at complete replacement rather than just cleaning − and that’s an expense no business needs.

The bottom line? Spot mould problems early, to deal with issues promptly. Your business’s reputation (and bank balance) will thank you for it.

3 Tips for Removing Mould from Kitchen Cupboards 

1. Use the Right Tools 

Before you get stuck in, make sure you’re fully equipped for safe mould removal without putting yourself or others at risk. You’ll need:

• Rubber gloves
• Protective eyewear
• FFP3 face mask
• Scrub brush
• Microfibre cloths or disposable paper towels
• Mould cleaning solution: Either go for a commercial cleaner or mix water with bleach (1:1 ratio) for a DIY option.

2. Choose an Effective Cleaning Solution

A diluted bleach solution is a common go-to because it’s effective at killing spores, but remember that bleach can damage some surfaces. 

Bleach Solution:

• Mix one part bleach to one part water in a spray bottle for easy application.
• Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners, as they can release toxic fumes when mixed with bleach.

For a food-safe alternative, white vinegar is a great choice as it can kill most types of mould without the risk of harming your cupboards. 

3. Step-by-Step Guide for Mould Removal

• Ensure proper ventilation: Open windows and turn on extractor fans to keep the air moving and minimise exposure to airborne mould spores.
• Spray the affected areas: Apply your chosen cleaning solution to the mouldy areas, making sure it soaks in properly.
• Let it sit: Leave the solution for 10-15 minutes to break down the mould.
• Scrub away the mould: Use a scrub brush to gently scrub away the mould. Go over all areas, especially hard-to-reach spots inside the cupboards.
• Wipe clean: Use a microfibre cloth or disposable towels to wipe away the mould residue and remaining mould spores.
• Dispose of materials safely: Immediately dispose of any used paper towels, and wash any reusable tools thoroughly with hot, soapy water.
• Dry the area completely: Mould thrives in damp environments, so use a dehumidifier or fan to dry the cupboard fully. This step is crucial to prevent the mould from coming back.

How to Prevent Mould in Kitchen Cupboards

Preventing mould from returning (or growing back) is just as important as removing it. Here’s how to keep your cupboards mould-free:

• Proper ventilation – Use extractor fans and keep cupboards slightly open to allow for air circulation.
• Check for leaks – Inspect plumbing for drips and fix any damp issues promptly.
• Use a dehumidifier to ventilate – Helps to promote well-ventilated kitchen environments.
• Store items properly – Avoid overcrowding cupboards, which can trap moisture.
• Regular cleaning – Wipe down cupboards with an anti-mould spray weekly to keep spores at bay.

When to Call in the Professionals

While DIY cleaning might seem tempting, tackling mould in a commercial kitchen isn't something to chance. When you’re dealing with anything larger than an A4 sheet, or if the mould keeps coming back despite your best efforts, it's time to bring in the experts for a deep clean.

Professional mould remediation services like ours at KDC Food Hygiene bring more than just cleaning to the table. We’ve got the industrial-grade equipment to prevent spores from spreading, the expertise to spot hidden problems, and the know-how to tackle the root cause − not just the symptoms. Plus, you’ll get proper documentation for your records, crucial for those all-important health and safety inspections.

Conclusion 

Mould in commercial kitchen cupboards isn't just an annoyance – it's a serious issue that needs proper attention. While prevention is always best (hello, proper ventilation!), sometimes you need a helping hand to tackle existing problems.

Spot any mould and mildew in your kitchen cupboards? Give us a call. KDC will help you remove mould safely and effectively, ensuring your commercial kitchen stays the clean, professional space it should be.

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