How To Clean Mold From Water-Damaged Laminate Floors
If you have a water damaged laminate floor, you must pay attention to mold. The first signs of mold are a musky smell and spots of green, black, or orange. Laminate flooring is durable, but it can still get moldy from flooding or moisture.
You don't need advanced cleaning skills to clean moderate mold from water damaged laminate floors, but it should be cleaned right away to avoid health issues. Here are tips to clean moderate mold from water-damaged laminate wood floors.
Prepare to Work
For this project, you need:
- disposable gloves
- respirator or dust mask
- old clothes (long sleeves, long pants)
- screwdriver
- paper towels
- soft-bristle brush
- bucket
- mop
- spray bottle
- soft cloth
- white vinegar
- rubbing alcohol
- mild dish detergent
Test mold depth to determine how far the mold has sunken under the floor. Push the blade of a screwdriver in the mold. If it is soft, it means the mold has gotten under the flooring, and it may require a professional service to fix the issue.
Dry the area as much as possible by opening windows and blotting the area with paper towels or old bath towels. Fans will only spread the spores. Sweep the floor with a soft-bristle brush to break up mold and to remove loose dirt.
You may also use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment. Some vacuums include a setting for hardwood flooring, which deactivates the beater brush. Empty the vacuum in an outside garbage bin.
Clean Surface Mold with Mild Dish Detergent
Mix warm water and several drops of liquid dish detergent in a spray bottle. Squirt some mixture on the mold, and let it stand several minutes. Use the brush to scrub the mold.
Don't use wax-based cleaners on laminate flooring, since it could leave a film. Wipe the surface with a bleach cleaner to disinfect. Leave the bleach on the area several minutes, then use paper towels to wipe it dry.
Try Rubbing Alcohol and Vinegar
Combine equal portions of white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and warm water in a bucket. The alcohol absorbs liquid fast, which prevents warping. If you want a pleasant smell, add several drops of an essential oil, such as thyme or lavender.
Moisten a mop in the mixture, and mop the molded area. This commonly requires several passes with the mop.
Mold from water-damaged laminate floors should be cleaned immediately to avoid health issues. After you get rid of the mold, ensure the problem causing the flooding is fixed. If you don't trust your skill, the mold keeps returning, or the mold is under the floor, contact a water damage restoration service.