Mold and mildew under vinyl flooring is a health concern. Mold needs to be identified, and if a problem persists or it has spread to the floorboards, you need to contact a mold remediation specialist. Cleaning up mold can be completed in a few easy steps, but the steps need to be followed meticulously.
Mold Cleaning Supplies
Mold spreads easily and reproduces when moisture is present. Mold under flooring poses a risk to the structure itself and the individuals living within a home. Gather your mold cleaning supplies and get ready to eliminate the mold under your linoleum flooring in three easy steps.
Bleach
Bleach is recommended when dealing with mold, especially black mold. Other cleaning agents can work, but you want to eliminate the threat from under your flooring completely.
- SPLASH-LESS CLEAN: Concentrated, scented, splash-less bleach bleach in a thicker formula delivers a more controlled pour with less spills and splashes so you can get some serious cleaning done; Package may vary
- CONCENTRATED BLEACH: Concentrated laundry bleach delivers more cleaning power per drop with a 33% more compact dose reducing the amount of bleach required for cleaning (compared to previous Clorox Splash-less Bleach)
- EASIER TO POUR: More concentrated bleach with the same trusted Clorox clean in a smaller bottle making it easier to handle easier to pour and easier to use in HE machines with smaller dispensers
- STAIN REMOVER: Whitens, brightens, deodorizes and provides 10X deep cleaning benefits while fighting tough stains on white clothes or use it as a cleaning bleach for cleaning hard non-porous household surfaces
- AMERICA’S #1 BLEACH*: This laundry bleach with long-lasting fragrance is perfect for everyday cleaning and safe for use in standard or HE washers, so you can keep whites at their whitest and your home smelling fresh; *Based on IRI MULO unit sales 52 weeks ending 12/29/19
Spray Bottle
The empty spray bottle is used for the bleach and water cleaning solution. Use one part bleach to four parts water.
- 【ADJUSTABLE NOZZLE】 From a fine mist to a solid stream, the sprayer can be easily adjusted to suit your needs. Be prepared to tackle any job with a simple twist of the nozzle! Avoid waste with our extra-long tube that'll spray every last drop out!
- 【CHEMICAL RESISTANT】 The heavy duty 24 oz (about 700 ml) sprayer bottle is chemically resistant to hold up against harsh chemicals and solvents. On the side of each bottle is a checklist to stay organized and remain informed as to what the bottle contains. (Also comes with labels to meet your need)
- 【UPGRADED SPRAY HEAD & LEAK PROOF】 Our sprayer features a long lasting polypropylene spray head, tight and secure cap closure, internal cap gasket, 302 stainless steel spring and a precision valve and piston, for a no clog and no leak experience; A proven and reliable no leak venting system primes quickly and stays primed.
- 【HOUSEHOLD-COMMERCIAL-INDUSTRIAL USES】 Our spray bottles for multi purpose uses. Use them for cleaning solutions around the house, pet, cat, lawn and garden, misting and watering plants, succulents, herbs, ironing, laundry, car detailing, janitorial. Make your own homemade diy cleaner mister or just use with water to cool yourself.
- 【BETTER TRIGGER DESIGN】 The unique design 4-finger trigger makes your fingers rest easily on it and the bottle fit comfortably in your hand, eliminating hand fatigue; Adjustable red nozzle turns easily letting you switch from mist, stream or to off; Pull trigger has a short effortless squeeze reducing finger fatigue.
Scrub Brush
A scrub brush is necessary for scrubbing and cleaning the flooring surface. Ideally, use a scrub brush with a long handle so you are not near the floor when cleaning. You will be wearing protective gear, but a long-handled scrub brush is still a good idea.
- High Quality Material: This push broom is made of PP material brush head and stainless steel pole. Stiff bristles brush help you remove stubborn stains and heavy dirt from rough surface. The brush is suitable for dry or wet cleaning, wall, kitchen, bathroom, garage, sidewalk, stadium, patio floor.
- Easy Assemble and Adjustable Handle: Shower scrubber brush comes with 3 adjustable poles, can adjust handle length from 15’’ to 45’’ to suit any user. Use this scrub brush without bending down yourself while cleaning.
- Scrub Brush with Squeegee Design: The stiff bristle scrubber brush head come with natural rubber squeegee edge helps you to wipe away liquid spills on the tile concrete or any hardwood surface such as patio decks or interior flooring.
- Multi Occasion Use: The floor brush is designed at a 45 degree labor-saving angle. Wet or dry applied. The floor scrub brush can be used for hard floor, tiles, bathtub, swimming pool, kitchen, carpet, balcony deck, patio, garage, sidewalk, stadium, and other outdoor occasions.
- Free Return: Contact us if you have any issues and we proudly offer a 100% money back guarantee. You can return it for repair, replacement or fully refund.
Rubber Gloves
Waterproof gloves help protect your hands when working with bleach and around the mold.
- Our Uxglove are made of Natural latex, the material has excellent elasticity and durablity.
- Vulcanization processing makes the surface of gloves smoothly, it's not easy to stick together
- Unique hand design improves comfort, Unique palm texture design to prevent slippery effectively, excellent grip
- Gloves are smooth and elastic, easy to put on and off, there is no uncomfortable feeling even if worn for a long time
- Ideal for automotive,Furniture Renovation,Chemical Industry,Car Washing,Mechanical Maintenance,Yard Work,etc
Safety Glasses
Safety glasses are required for this task. Mold easily spreads, and although you will be taking precautionary measures, safety gear is necessary.
- 3-pack of safety glasses provides on-the-job eye protection for enhanced safety and efficiency
- Anti-scratch, UV-resistant polycarbonate clear lenses; mirror coating for reduced glare in bright sunshine
- Durable, yet lightweight black frame for a comfortable fit; sleek, sporty appearance
- For both women and men; suitable for indoor/outdoor use; ideal for manufacturing, construction, and other industries
- Measures 6.5 x 6.25 x 1.8 inches (LxWxH); backed by an Amazon Basics 1-year limited warranty
N95 Mask
It is also important to wear an N95 face mask to prevent breathing in harmful mold spores.
- 【5-Layer Face Mask】WWDOLL 5-ply KN95 face mask is protective and high filter efficiency. The outermost 1 layer non-woven fabric can filter large particles, middle 2-layer melt-blown fabric can block more than 95% particles, 1 layer hot air cotton can filter pm2.5 and the innermost 1 layer non-woven fabric is skin-friendly and softer that give you the comfortable usage experience at the same time it protects your breath with high filter efficiency.
- 【3D Design】The 3D shape of KN95 mask is designed according to the human face shape to ensure the tightness, to fit the human face, to increase the breathing volume when use the face mask. Our WWDOLL breathable face mask KN95 can greatly improve the permeability, and to make wearing and exhaling more comfortable
- 【3D Design】The 3D shape of KN95 mask is designed according to the human face shape to ensure the tightness, to fit the human face, to increase the breathing volume when use the face mask. Our WWDOLL breathable face mask KN95 can greatly improve the permeability, and to make wearing and exhaling more comfortable.
- 【Qualified Manufacture】 Chengde Technology Co. KN95 face mask made in China(not is USA)
- 【Disclaimer】This KN95 mask is NOT an N95 mask. For more information about KN95 masks please see the following before you purchase: amazon.com/AboutKN95s
Towels
Towels are used to help dry the floor after scrubbing and cleaning.
- Do not use bleach, fabric softeners, and iron as it may damage its quality; always wash the towels separately to minimize lint
- Set includes six identical cotton pool/gym/bath towels in White measuring 24 by 48 inches
- These quick dry towels are perfect for you to take it to the gym, beach, pool or other endless places
- Perfect to wrap around your hair or to dry your body
- Woven with 100% ring spun cotton
Blower Fan
A blower fan may also be used to dry the floor. Any fan would work, but a blower fan is much more efficient.
- [MULTIPLE SPEEDS/POSITIONS] - 3 speeds with 3-position adjustment for centralized airflow and quick drying
- [LIGHTWEIGHT] - At onl 9 lbs this floor blower is lightweight enough for easy movement in and around your home, office and warehouse for fast and effcient drying
- [ENERGY EFFICIENT] - 1/4 Horse Power energy efficient motor provides peace of mind that consistent use will not run up your energy bill
- [TILT FEATURE] - Direct air flow where it is needed with 0°, 45° and 90° angled feature
- [POWER OUTLETS] - 2 extra power outlets on this floor blower provide multi functional use for another unit or even charge your cell phone
Cleaning Up Mold Under Vinyl Flooring
You must clean your gear when this project is complete to prevent mold spores from spreading. Thankfully, cleaning up mold is more of a meticulous process than a difficult one. Follow these four easy steps to clean mold under your vinyl flooring.
Step One: Spray Affected Area
Using the spray bottle containing the bleach and water cleaning solution, spray down the affected area. Allow the cleaning solution to sit for about 10 minutes. This will give the bleach a chance to break down and kill the mold.
- ▷BREATHABLE-Made of high quality no-woven laminated materials.It is a breathable material that helps reduce heat build-up and promote comfortable wear.
- ▷LIGHTWEIGHT-Lightweigt&elastic design make you easy to work,and never limit your movement.
- ▷ABSOLUTE PROTECTION- High density materials of coverall fabric offers an inherent barrier to small size particles,include dry particulates and fluid.Anti-static coating on both sides helps reduce static build-up and prevent the risk of static discharge during use.
- ▷MUTI-PURPOSE USE-It is a versatile garment for a range of jobs including paint spraying, mold treatment, lead and asbestos abatement/remediation, general maintenance/operations, and general cleanup work etc.Not for chemical resistant.
- ▷ITEM INCLUDED-Pack of 5 coveralls.Foot cover not included.
Step Two: Clean Using Scrub Brush
Spray some of the bleach and water solution directly on the scrub brush. Then, use the floor scrub brush to clean the affected area. Repeat this process until your entire floor has been scrubbed and the mold has been removed.
- Pro Tip: Always make sure your floor is wet with the bleach mixture to avoid spreading mold spores.
Step Three: Dry Flooring Surface Area
Once you have killed the mold, the floor must be dried. Since moisture helps facilitate mold growth, it is essential to dry your floor thoroughly, using your cleaning towels. Alternatively, you can plug in a blower fan to dry your floor or use a combination of both strategies.
Step Four: Clean Gear Thoroughly
After working with mold, it is important to clean the gear used for the task. Place the towels into the washing machine immediately and wash on the hottest setting. Use the bleach and water solution to clean the safety glasses, rubber gloves, and scrub brush. The N95 mask can be cleaned, or you can opt to throw it away if you have extra masks available.
- Pro Tip: Air-dry your cleaning gear outdoors in the sun.
Final Thoughts
Discovering mold in your home is never welcome news. Finding mold under linoleum flooring certainly presents its unique challenges, but you can clean mold under vinyl flooring in four easy steps. Always take your time and follow safety practices to prevent the spread of mold spores.
FAQ: Cleaning Up Mold Under Linoleum Flooring
Mold is a touchy subject with homeowners. People know the risks, but mold growth is often out of sight and out of mind. Taking steps towards mold prevention, however, can help to minimize the amount of mold removal cleaning tasks you have to perform. Look at these FAQs geared toward mold prevention.
What are some tips for preventing mold under linoleum flooring and in the household?
Keep an eye out for the humidity level in your household. Make sure all rooms are well-ventilated, too. Use anti-microbial wipes on any areas that are frequently damp. Additionally, pay attention to corners and crevices.
Can mold grow on the concrete underneath the vinyl flooring in my house?
Yes, mold can grow on the concrete underneath vinyl flooring, especially if the concrete has cracked.
Is Mold Under Vinyl Flooring Dangerous?
Mold under vinyl flooring can be dangerous, especially if mold spores start to spread throughout your home. Not only can mold cause physical damage to your home’s structure, but it can pose serious health consequences to you and your family.
What are some signs that mold is present underneath linoleum flooring?
Mold creates a musty smell that is unique and identifiable. Water stains are also a cautionary sign. If you suspect mold underneath your linoleum flooring, lift the flooring material and inspect the area. Different types of molds show up in different colors on various surfaces. On wood, look for green and/or greenish/grey residue.
If mold is heavily present on the subfloor, should you replace the boards?
Mold can damage the wood underneath linoleum flooring, causing it to warp, rot, etc. If the mold issue within your home is out of hand, contact a mold remediation specialist. They will assess the situation and provide additional direction.
