Can Mold Grow Under Vinyl Plank Flooring? (Answered)

A mold infestation is the most challenging thing for a homeowner or landlord. Even though vinyl flooring is designed to withstand moisture and damage, it can be subject to mold infestations. And if left untreated, mold can cause various health issues and might ruin the entire floor.

Moreover, mold is difficult to spot with the naked eye; however, if you detect it, you should take immediate action to remove it.

Surely, by now, you are wondering: Can mold grow under vinyl plank flooring?

Yes, mold and moisture trapped underneath vinyl floors tend to grow. Even though it may seem like a small space, mold will find the oxygen, food, and water it needs to thrive. Even if the water has stopped flowing through (and there is no guarantee of this), the mold spores will still be there.

Read the article for more information on cleaning mold under vinyl plank flooring. However, before doing that, you need to understand how to detect mold under vinyl flooring and what causes mold to grow under vinyl plank flooring.

Signs of Mold Under Vinyl Plank Flooring

Using the following tips, you will be able to determine if the vinyl flooring on your home has started to grow mold.

• Watch out for visible signs: After cleaning, look for any stains or dots on your vinyl tiles. If you notice spots on your vinyl tiles, you must clean and mop them thoroughly. You probably have mold under your vinyl floor if you cannot remove the spots. To remove dots or stains, use bleach mixed with water.
• Beware of an unpleasant smell: You can detect mold by sniffing the floor tiles. Most people do not like to sniff their floors, but this is an essential step. Mold smells like dirt, damp clothes, or wet wood. 
• Plumbing leaks may exist: It is possible that the mold is coming from a plumbing issue, and you aren’t aware of it. Watch your water bill for a sudden increase and check every pipe that may leak, as this source may be feeding the mold.
• Check your symptoms: You can also examine a family member’s health to determine if mold exists. A homeowner should determine if their family members (or pets) display problems with breathing or are irritated whenever they enter a room where mold is suspected. In addition to an allergic reaction, coughing, sneezing, and breathing difficulties, mold can cause respiratory problems.
• Identify mold by testing: Lastly, you should get the mold tested to determine which type of mold you are dealing with. You can do this either by purchasing a mold kit at the store or by hiring a professional.

What Causes to Mold Grow Under Vinyl Plank Flooring?

The fungus mold is found outdoors as well as inside buildings. The fungus starts in the natural environment but eventually makes its way into a home. It requires moisture, oxygen, and food for growth. However, it also requires darkness and warmth to grow. Vinyl plank flooring can become a food source for mold if exposed to moisture and oxygen.

Mold growth will be increased if there is constant moisture in a room. For instance, your bathroom typically has a lot of moisture because residents tend to shower here. When vinyl plank flooring is exposed to water more frequently, mold is more likely to grow.

Mold can also grow on vinyl plank flooring when the tiles are not properly installed. If the tiles are not properly fit within a space or gaps exist between the tiles, then the opportunity for mold growth increases.

Furthermore, standing water in a room can cause mold to grow over vinyl planks. The bottom line is that mold can grow under vinyl if the conditions are ripe.

Can mold under flooring be dangerous?

Whether the mold is under your flooring or on top of it, it is harmful to your health because it triggers asthma attacks and may irritate your sinuses. If you have a weak immune system or chronic lung disease, the mold may worsen your illness.

Since mold can cause health problems, it needs to be removed quickly.

The Best Way To Clean Mold Under Your Vinyl Floors

Mold found under the vinyl base or between the floors is challenging to remove. As an alternative to hiring a specialist or attempting this yourself, I recommend using bleach to clean vinyl floors that have just begun to accumulate mold.

Try using diluted bleach.

Bleach is a powerful cleaning agent that kills and inhibits mold growth on your vinyl plank floor. 

Supplies Needed:

• A bleach solution
• Hot water
• Spray Bottle
• Protective gloves and mask
• An ordinary scrub brush
• A dry towel

Applying Procedure:

1. Bleach is a powerful cleaning agent that kills and inhibits mold growth on your vinyl plank floor. 
2. You need to mix bleach and warm water in a spray bottle to get started. Pour two tablespoons of bleach into a large spray bottle and shake well to mix the two ingredients. 
3. After that, spray the solution on the mold area of the floor. Then, put on gloves and masks and use a scrub brush dipped in the solution. 
4. Once you have finished brushing the mold spot, use a dry towel to dry the area. 
5. Lastly, rinse it with clean water if there are any remnants on the vinyl plank floor. If not, mop and let it dry.

Furthermore, if the mold has covered the entire flooring, I suggest calling a professional since they have a wealth of experience. Consider it an investment against your health.

Tips for Preventing Mold From Coming Back

It’s important to understand that vinyl plank flooring can be impacted by mold. Here are some tips to help people get rid of mold from their vinyl flooring and prevent it from recurring.  

Consider a Moisture Barrier

Install a moisture barrier to prevent mold growth on vinyl plank flooring. You can purchase the underlayment at a fairly affordable price. Some companies provide warranties, making it worth investing in your wood-look floors.

Additionally, it protects pipes, provides better temperature control, and prevents mold and odor.

Keep The Floor Clean & Dry

When a piece of dirt gets trapped between the grooves or seams of your vinyl flooring, the dirt and moisture will combine with your room’s humidity to provide the appropriate breeding ground for mold.

If you don’t clean the dirt, mold will grow and spread quickly under the flooring. Mold grows where there is moisture, so you should keep your vinyl flooring dry to prevent it from spreading beneath it.

Must See: How to Clean Shaw Vinyl Plank Flooring? (Beginners Guide)

Use a Dehumidifier

To prevent mold from growing on vinyl flooring, you should use a dehumidifier. You can remove excess humidity with a fan. Still, a dehumidifier can reach places where a fan cannot, like under vinyl flooring.

Ventilate Your Laundry Rooms

Ensure your bathroom, basement, and laundry rooms are well-ventilated to prevent mold growth. Otherwise, it will trap water vapor on your walls and ceiling if it has no place to escape.

The water will turn into liquid once it has cooled and begin to drip onto your vinyl floor. Drips can become trapped between vinyl and the subfloor if not noticed soon enough. In addition, they can be a breeding ground for mold if not noticed right away.

Also See: How to Ventilate Your Laundry Room During Renovations

Try to Keep the Temperature Low

This tip might be hard for some people to do, but it will help keep mold growth under control.

To Conclude

Vinyl plank flooring can grow mold, but you must find out if there has been any change in your health, water bill, or color in any corners or crevices. If you see it early on, you can devise a simple solution before the mold affects the entire house, leading to an even bigger problem.

Read More on Vinyl Floors

• How to Clean Shaw Vinyl Plank Flooring? (Beginners Guide)
• Can you Caulk Around Vinyl Flooring? (All You Need to Know!)
• How to Fix Vinyl Flooring Seams? (A Step By Step Approach)
• How to Remove Sticky Residue from Vinyl Flooring? (Full Guide)
• How to Fix Gaps in Vinyl Plank Flooring? (5 Easy Steps)