You strive to make your Dallas office space a safe, productive, and inclusive environment for every employee, but something unexpected is putting everyone on edge: a foul odor. Where could it be coming from, how can you get rid of it, and what do you need to do to make sure it never returns? Here are some of the most likely culprits causing that strange smell (and what to do next).
- Old Food or Beverages
If your nose leads you straight to the breakroom, it’s time to investigate the fridge. If your office hasn’t committed to a weekly fridge cleanout system, there’s probably a Tupperware, to-go cup, or takeout container buried in the back that is starting to grow mold. If the smell is pervasive enough, you may need to disinfect the entire fridge and leave an open container of baking soda inside for a few days to eradicate the smell for good.
- Plumbing Problems and Water Damage
Does the strange odor have a musty or earthy quality to it? If so, take a look at the plumbing in your office, including the pipes under the bathroom and breakroom sinks. It’s possible that you’re dealing with a plumbing leak that has caused water damage. If left unaddressed long enough, this can lead to mold growth, which tends to produce an unpleasant dirt-like smell. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to replace any impacted materials, repair the pipes, and use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels.
- Pests (Dead or Alive)
Unfortunately, foul odors in an office space can often be traced back to pests like mice, rats, or even cockroaches. For example, large cockroach infestations are often described as producing an oily or acidic smell. Bad smells aren’t the only signs of a pest infestation. If you start to see things like droppings or chewed food packaging, call a pest control professional ASAP.
- Dirty Upholstery
Does your office have carpeting? Have you been using the same upholstered desk chairs for a few years now? Are you staying on top of basic and annual cleaning? If you don’t vacuum your office at least once per week and have all carpets shampooed at least once a year, you may start to notice a musty odor. This is thanks to the debris, dirt, and pollutants that get trapped in the fibers of unclean carpets and furniture. Hiring a professional janitorial service can eliminate this problem completely.
- Clogged Vents
The same problem that can leave your carpets dingy and smelly can also affect your vents and ductwork. Your heating and cooling system will collect quite a bit of dust and other pollutants, which get recirculated throughout your office every time your HVAC comes on. Replacing filters and having your ducts cleaned at least once per year can make your office air cleaner to breathe and more pleasant on the senses.
At Prime Facility Maintenance, we target the areas of your office that will otherwise go overlooked, eliminating everything from odors to germs. Contact us today and set up your office cleaning services.