Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring has become a popular choice in homes due to its durability, versatility, and ease of installation.
It resists moisture and handles wear and tear like a champ, making it perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, or wherever kids and pets reign supreme.
But wait… what about odors? You know, that smell that lingers like the ghost of dinners past? Can LVP actually hold onto odors?
Lion’s Pride Flooring is going to break this down and explore how odors can or cannot affect LVP floors, and more importantly, how to maintain a fresh-smelling home when you have LVP installed.
How Does Odor Penetrate Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Before diving into solutions, let’s first understand how odors work. In general, LVP Flooring itself doesn’t easily let smells through because it’s tightly layered with protective coatings.
But the real villain here? Small gaps between the planks. If you’ve got spills that hang around too long or pet accidents that haven’t been cleaned up fast enough, those bad boys can seep through the seams or underneath.
Over time, trapped moisture can turn into mold or mildew, which brings along that unmistakable ew odor. Yikes!
And, let’s not forget: poor installation plays a part in this too. If your LVP isn’t installed tightly enough, or if the planks shift over time (which can happen in areas with fluctuating humidity), the gaps get wider. And what do wider gaps mean? More places for moisture to sneak in and create the perfect storm for unpleasant odors.
How to Prevent Odor from Penetrating Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Now, let’s talk about how to keep your floors from becoming the next smelly crime scene. First off, prevention is the name of the game, my friends.
Proper installation is everything! Ensure that the planks are tightly locked and that there are no gaps between them.
Using a high-quality underlayment can also act as an additional barrier, preventing moisture from reaching the subfloor and minimizing the risk of mold growth.
Additionally, be proactive with regular cleaning. Sweep or vacuum your floors regularly to remove debris that might accumulate between the seams. Be quick to clean up any spills too.
Seriously, if you’re walking past a spill thinking, ‘I’ll get to it later,’ just know that later is when your floor is going to start stinking. Rugs and mats are your friends too, especially in high-risk areas like under pet bowls or kitchen sinks.
Lastly, be mindful of the type of cleaners you use. Harsh chemicals can break down the protective coating on LVP, making it more susceptible to damage and increasing the likelihood of odor retention. Stick to pH-neutral cleaners specifically designed for vinyl flooring.
You wouldn’t exfoliate your face with sandpaper, right? So don’t do that to your floors. Following these simple steps can ensure that how to prevent odor from penetrating your luxury vinyl plank flooring is not a problem you need to face.
How to Clean Vinyl Floors to Keep Them Odor-Free
Okay, so let’s get into a solid cleaning routine because consistency is key—just like a good skincare routine. Here’s how to clean vinyl floors so they don’t end up smelling like a petting zoo:
Daily Sweeping or Vacuuming For Your Vinyl Floors
Use a broom or a vacuum cleaner to remove surface dirt and debris. This step helps to reduce any grime that might work its way between the seams of the planks. It’s quick and painless, and your floors will thank you.
Don’t Forget to Mop Your Vinyl Floors
Use a damp mop with a mild cleaner to clean the surface. Avoid soaking the mop or using excessive water, as too much moisture could lead to issues under the planks. We’re mopping, not creating a slip-n-slide in your living room.
Yes! Spot Clean Your Vinyl Floors
Immediately clean spills and accidents to prevent moisture from seeping into the seams. Pet accidents should be cleaned with an enzyme-based cleaner to eliminate odor-causing bacteria. Don’t wait for the odor to RSVP to your next party.
Deep Cleaning Your Vinyl Floors
At least once a month, perform a deeper clean using a vinyl-safe cleaner. Skip the abrasive scrubbers unless you want to say goodbye to that beautiful protective layer.
Can You Remove Odors That Have Already Penetrated?
But what if it’s too late and your floors already smell like a foot locker? Well, don’t worry—there’s still hope. First, you’ve got to find the source.
In many cases, the odor may not be coming from the vinyl planks themselves but from the subfloor or mold that has developed under the planks. If you suspect this is the case, you may need to lift part of the flooring to assess the situation.
For less severe odor problems, consider using baking soda or activated charcoal to absorb the smell. Baking soda, folks, it’s not just for your fridge—it works on floors too! You can sprinkle them over the affected area, let them sit for a few hours, and then vacuum them up. If the smell persists, an enzyme-based cleaner is like your floor’s version of a breath mint.
So, Can Odor Penetrate Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring?
While luxury vinyl plank flooring is resistant to many things, odors can still find their way through the seams if spills or accidents are not promptly cleaned.
Knowing how odor penetrates, and how to prevent odor from penetrating luxury vinyl plank flooring is key to maintaining a clean, fresh-smelling environment.
By following a simple cleaning routine and addressing any gaps or moisture issues early, you can ensure your LVP floors remain odor-free for years to come.
Stick to that cleaning routine and don’t let spills linger. Remember, how to clean vinyl floors is no big mystery—it’s all about consistency, using the right tools, and staying on top of any gaps or moisture issues before they become a problem.
With these tips, your floors will stay looking (and smelling) fresh for years to come. With these tips, your floors will look and smell as good as new for years!
You need someone to take a look at your floors? Well, we can definitely help, contact us here and let’s get started.
