Case Study: Warehouse Mould Odour Removal and Deodourisation for Safe Food Storage

HYSIA Case study - warehouse mould odour removal

A logistics company in Japan faced a challenge when preparing a long-unused warehouse for food storage. Years of minimal maintenance had allowed a persistent mouldy odour to develop. Standard cleaning could not remove it, and the company was concerned that the smell could transfer to stored products.

They engaged HYSIA Japan, applying ozone gas disinfection and deodourisation techniques to safely eliminate mould and odours, making the warehouse safe and ready for food storage.

The Challenge: Persistent Mould Odour in a Large Warehouse

The warehouse presented multiple challenges:

  • Strong Mould Odour: Years of inactivity had allowed mould odours to permeate wooden structures, high ceilings, and gaps between surfaces.
  • Food Safety Risk: Any lingering odour could compromise the quality and safety of stored food products.
  • Large, Complex Space: The old wooden warehouse and high ceilings made traditional sealing and cleaning methods ineffective.
  • Safety Concerns: Nearby public roads and buildings required a solution that posed no risk to health or the environment.
  • Operational Deadlines: Reliable deodourisation was essential to meet the company’s food logistics schedules.

HYSIA’s Solution: Science-Based Mould Odour Control

  1. On-Site Odour Survey & Assessment

HYSIA’s team conducted a detailed inspection using certified odour assessors and digital odour meters. Mould odour levels were quantified, and a clear target was set: reduce odour from easily detectable to barely perceptible, ensuring it would not affect stored food.

Deodourisation spraying - HYSIA

Deodourisation spraying

2. Disinfectant Preparation

On Day 1, the warehouse was treated with a mould-killing disinfectant, applied to all surfaces and dried under controlled conditions to prepare the space for ozone fumigation.

3. Ozone Gas Fumigation & Deodourisation 

From Day 2 to Day 5, ozone gas fumigation eliminated mould and odours throughout the warehouse:

  • Penetrated high areas, small gaps, and hard-to-reach corners.
  • Ozone concentration was carefully monitored for safety; no personnel entry was allowed during treatment.
  • Multiple ventilations and deodouriser spraying ensured effective sterilisation and odour removal.

4. Post-Treatment Verification

After treatment, the warehouse was ventilated and tested for residual ozone. Both digital measurements and on-site odour assessments confirmed that the mould smell had been reduced to undetectable levels, making the warehouse fully safe for food storage.

On site odour measurement - HYSIA

Onsite Odour Measurement 

Odour measurement - HYSIA

Digital Odour Measurement 

 

Results: Clean, Safe, Odour-Free Warehouse

  • Odour-Free Environment: Mould smell reduced to undetectable levels, even in previously problematic areas.

  • Safe for Food Storage: Warehouse now suitable for stocking food without risk of odour contamination.

  • Improved Air Quality: Stale air and residual odours from dust or building materials were removed.

  • Operational Efficiency: Warehouse could be reused promptly, reducing long-term losses from underutilised space.

HYSIA’s Perspective

Mould and odour in large, unused spaces pose both health and operational risks. This project reinforced several key insights:

  • Meticulous Planning and Safety: Calculating ozone concentration and treatment duration is critical, especially in partially open structures or near other buildings.

  • Science-Based Assurance: Quantified odour measurements and clear communication build trust and confidence for clients using treated spaces for sensitive operations like food storage.

  • Versatility: Ozone fumigation can tackle a wide range of odours, not just mould, making it a flexible solution for logistics, food, and industrial environments.

Services Recap

  • On-site odour survey and professional assessment
  • Disinfectant spraying to neutralise mould
  • Ozone gas fumigation and deodourisation
  • Post-treatment odour verification and reporting

Mould and persistent odours in warehouses can hinder operational efficiency and pose risks to stored products. Singapore’s humid, tropical climate makes warehouses particularly prone to mould and musty odours if left unused.

HYSIA’s science-based deodourisation and mould remediation solutions create safe, odour-free environments, enabling logistics and food companies to operate with confidence.

Contact HYSIA today for expert odour control, mould remediation, and hygiene solutions.

 

Read more on how effective pest management protects businesses like yours from costly infestations and hygiene risks.

 

About HYSIA

HYSIA is committed to promoting environmental health and hygiene on a global scale. With over 50 years of expertise in public health, we offer a comprehensive range of services, including Hygiene Audit, Consultation and Investigation, IPM (Integrated Pest Management) and Facility Hygiene Services. HYSIA is your partner for a cleaner, safer, and healthier world. Should you have any inquiries or wish to learn more about how we can serve your unique needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@hysia.sg.

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