A business establishment’s reputation isn’t solely determined by its customer service and workplace culture. You can be the most courteous and considerate business ever, but if the physical environment you provide is problematic, you’ll always face criticism.
Having no HVAC unit, for example, can affect the air temperature of your establishment. Your employees and customers will either feel too cold or too hot in the space. Even if you provide freebies to make up for their discomfort, nothing will erase your negligence. It’s simply unacceptable not to install an HVAC unit in a business establishment.
But there could be worse problems than that. If your business faces any of these three maintenance issues, the damage to your reputation can be irreversible. You might even face charges. So don’t let these three happen in your business:
1. Bad Odors
Bad odors are caused by different things. But thankfully, they’re not hard to find. Anything that makes a home smell bad can be present in a business establishment, too. Here are the most common culprits:
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Kitchen appliances or surfaces
If you run a food business, inspect your kitchen counters and appliances for food residue. That residue could’ve spoiled already, causing the foul odor. If the smell is musty, the cause may not be rotten food but mold. Check the spaces under sinks and other moist areas. Those are breeding grounds for molds.
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Garbage Disposal
Don’t forget to run the garbage disposal installed in your sink every day. Leaving leftover there will also create rotten smells. And, of course, put out the trash before opening and after closing your restaurant. If customers notice a terrible smell and see flies roaming around your premises, you can be sued for breaking food safety laws.
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Mildew
The musty smell of mildew can run rampant in old overnight accommodations. If your bedding supply is already aging, replace them before they emit funky odors. Get rid of old mattresses and pillows, too. Those things develop bacteria over time, potentially inviting bed bugs.
Keep your business establishment smelling fresh by cleaning every day. In addition, ensure that you have an efficient ventilation system. Sometimes, bad odors are created because of poor air circulation. For example, in a gym, if you don’t have an exhaust system, the smell of sweat may always linger in the space.
Use scents as well to enhance the effects of your cleaning. This is important for spas, salons, coffee shops, and other relaxing premises. Scents can change a customer’s behavior and encourage them to spend more. It can also inspire brand loyalty.
2. Pests
Pests are a great threat to food businesses. They can spread diseases, contaminate food and surfaces with bacteria, and of course, draw disgust from customers.
Watch out for these three pests the most:
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Flies
Despite their size, flies are one of the most dangerous pests to exist. They carry bacteria and viruses that cause cholera, salmonella, and typhoid. You’ll often catch them hovering over garbage cans, food waste, and other unsanitary places. But if they enter your store or restaurant, they’ll land on anything, from furniture to food to a person.
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Cockroaches
Cockroaches are a real menace because they’re adaptable and resilient. As such, they can resist some pest control products, especially the over-the-counter type. They’re also difficult to chase and kill. Their wings and legs can take them to dark and tight corners in seconds.
Keep cockroaches out of your business establishment through insect-repelling scents like cinnamon, peppermint, and coffee grounds. Check your nooks and crevices daily as well, and keep them clean.
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Rodents
The presence of mice and rats in a food business could indicate unsanitary conditions. So check the entire place for cracks, holes, and small gaps. Inspect the kitchen and food stores as well; the rodents might’ve chewed on the packaging and eaten the food.
Address a rodent infestation with urgency because they can spread serious diseases. They also multiply rapidly.
3. Overflowing Septic Tank
The septic tank is where all wastewater goes. As such, water from the toilets and sinks is carried there. Imagine all the waste the septic tank collects and what happens to them over time. When the tank becomes full, the liquids lying on top of the scum will flow into the pipes of a drain field. Eventually, the waste can clog the pipes and stop the drain field from working.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends pumping your septic tank every three to five years. And don’t try to do this without help. Hire professional septic tank pumpers for the job. They’ll keep the conditions as sanitary as possible despite the dirty work.
Facing these maintenance issues can ruin your reputation overnight. Prevent them diligently, and all will be well.
