What were the likely reasons for choosing vinyl plank flooring throughout your home? Was it the versatility of the patterns, designs, and colors? Or was it because of its ability to hold up against moisture? No matter the reason, your investment in vinyl is worthwhile. However, while it delivers many great benefits, how does it hold up against mold? Spills are bound to happen, so is it possible for this harmful health risk to grow beneath the planks? Keep reading to find out.
Can Mold Grow Beneath Vinyl?
Yes. Mold can grow underneath vinyl floors as a result of excessive moisture. While a single spill or splash of water may not be the issue, failing to pick up the mess can lead to a serious health problem if you’re not careful.
Mold is known to cause illness, specifically respiratory issues and allergies. If you or a family member suffers a reaction because of the growth occurring underneath your floors, it can mean unexpected visits to the doctor’s office as well as timely and costly repairs to your home.
While vinyl is known to be able to stand up to moisture, floors that are not properly maintained can suffer. They can become a haven for bacteria and mold, which thrive in damp and dark environments.
How Can You Tell if Mold is Present?
If you’re unsure whether you have mold growing underneath your vinyl floors, here are a few things to look for:
- Water stains. These forms when you fail to clean up a spill immediately after it happens. The water will penetrate the flooring’s surface, allowing mold to grow.
- Foul, musty odor. If you begin to notice that your home smells musty, it’s time to contact a professional about possible mold growth.
- Mold you can see. Often dark and fuzzy, mold can grow out from underneath your floors and become visible around the edges of the planks.
The sooner you notice the signs, the faster you can remedy the issue and save your family from possible health problems.
How Can You Treat & Eliminate Mold Beneath Your Floors?
It is strongly recommended that you do not attempt to remove mold by yourself, as it is a health hazard; however, if you notice it within your home, you can use various products to try and eliminate it, such as Borax, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and even tea tree oil. Wearing the proper safety gear is essential if you don’t want to be exposed to spores. This includes using disposable gloves, goggles, shoe and hair coverings, and hazmat-like suits.
Ways to Prevent Mold From Forming
Since mold is likely to grow because of leaky pipes, poor installation, and excessive condensation, you can take steps to reduce these problems by:
- Ensuring proper ventilation throughout your home
- Removing any water from the floors immediately after it makes contact
- Purchase a device that monitors the humidity inside your home
Make your home a mold-free zone by taking proper care of your vinyl floors. If necessary, you can always talk to a professional who can go over which products to use to ensure everyone remains healthy and better protected.
About Prestige Floors
Prestige Floors is a small, family-owned and operated business based in Keller. As a husband-and-wife team, Benson and Ashley Kelly have been improving and transforming the homes of Keller residents and its surrounding communities since 2006. With years of experience and an eye for design, their team is trusted and bonded, and they offer only the very best flooring for eager homeowners. If you are interested in vinyl flooring and ways to keep it better protected against mold, contact us at (817) 422-5343.