Can Odor Penetrate Interlocking Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring?: Understanding How Odors Behave With LVP Floors: Expert Tips and Real-World Insights

One question I often get from new homeowners or DIY renovators is: can odor penetrate interlocking luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring? As someone who’s advised hundreds of flooring projects, this is a real concern—especially if you’re replacing old floors due to musty smells or want peace of mind after moving into a home with pets or smokers.

The short answer: LVP itself is extremely odor-resistant, but odors can still linger below or around it if certain steps aren’t taken. Let’s peel back the layers (pun intended) to understand why, and how you can make the most of your flooring upgrade for a fresh, long-lasting result.

Choose the Right Tools

Before installing luxury vinyl planks, it’s key to use basic moisture meters and inspection tools. Even the best floor plans can’t protect you from a bad substrate. If your subfloor or slab has absorbed urine (from old pets) or mildew, the smells can creep up over time—no matter how tightly your new LVP clicks together. A musty scent months after a remodel? Nine times out of ten, it was trapped underneath during installation.

Level of Detail & Time

Many folks rush LVP installs, slapping planks down over questionable areas. But a little extra work goes a long way. Use enzyme cleaners or professional odor removers for subfloors; let them dry fully, often 24+ hours. In basements, double-check for dampness—vinyl’s waterproof, but persistent wetness breeds mold underneath. From my experience, devoting just a day to deep prep can prevent years of frustration.

Common Mistakes & Fixes

The most common mistake: skipping underlayment or not sealing cracks at wall edges. If you’re worried about odor finding its way up, consider a vapor barrier or antimicrobial underlayment. Gaps at transitions or baseboards are common places for smells to escape, too—seal these carefully. If you move into a home and suspect odors under existing floors, spot test by pulling up a small plank in a corner; a persistent smell usually means deeper treatment is needed.

Case Study: Odor Issues in a Rental Rehab

A recent client of mine bought an older rental that once allowed pets. Even though the carpet was removed for LVP, the new tenants complained of faint "dog smell." We discovered the subfloor had absorbed years of accidents. The solution: lift several planks, treat the wood with enzyme neutralizer, install a vapor barrier, and re-lay the planks. The difference was instant—and zero complaints since.

If you’re short on time, this table breaks it down.

ConcernLVP PerformancePro Tip Odor PenetrationVinyl itself is non-porous, highly odor-resistantTreat subfloors & use underlayment for best results Old Floor SmellsLVP can trap pre-existing odors if subfloor issues aren’t fixedDeep-clean or seal before installation Moisture/MoldLVP is waterproof, but mold can grow below planksCheck for and address all dampness Pet Accidents After InstallSpills are easy to wipe up, no lingering smellClean spills quickly, seal seamsTips 1: Speed Up Workflow

If you want fresh, odor-free results without weeks of work, map out your workflow. Lift old materials, neutralize smells, and let everything dry fully before laying each row. You’ll save yourself from having to redo work down the line—a lesson I learned after one too many "why does it still smell?" calls from clients. You can use digital room layout planners to organize your attack.

FAQ

1. Can dog or cat urine smells come up through luxury vinyl plank flooring?
2. Yes, if the subfloor beneath the LVP wasn’t properly cleaned and sealed before installation. Vinyl itself blocks odors, but the underlayers matter. See our odor-prep planning guide for more.
3. Does interlocking LVP protect against mold and mildew odors?
4. LVP is waterproof and resists mold growth on its surface, but if moisture or spills seep under the planks and the subfloor isn’t waterproofed, smells can still develop underneath.
5. Is there a flooring type better than LVP for odor resistance?
6. LVP is among the best for odor resistance due to its non-porous nature. Tile is also highly odor-resistant. Carpets, on the other hand, absorb and retain smells much more.
7. How do I stop smells coming from under my LVP floor?
8. Remove a few planks, deep clean or treat the subfloor, use a vapor barrier, and seal all gaps before relaying the planks.
9. Can spills or accidents on LVP cause permanent smells?
10. Generally, no. As long as spills are cleaned quickly, LVP won’t hold odors. Ongoing accidents should be wiped immediately.
11. Is special underlayment needed to block odors?
12. An antimicrobial or vapor-barrier underlayment is a smart choice in homes with odor concerns, such as rentals or pet-heavy homes.
13. How can I check if odors are coming from beneath my floor?
14. Smell near transitions or lift a corner plank to check. Persistent odors typically come from below and need deeper cleaning.
15. How long does it take for odors under LVP to go away?
16. If subfloors weren’t treated, odors can linger indefinitely. Once cleaned and dried, odors should not return if properly sealed.
17. Can I install LVP over existing smelly floors?
18. You must remove or thoroughly treat any smelly carpet or padding first. Trapping odor sources beneath new LVP often locks in the problem.
19. Are there any health concerns with odors under flooring?
20. Mold- or mildew-related odors can indicate moisture, which may cause health issues. Address sources promptly.
21. Does LVP have a new-floor smell, and will it go away?
22. Some LVP planks release a mild odor from manufacturing (off-gassing), which usually fades in a week or two with ventilation.
23. Where can I find more expert advice on prepping floors for odor-free LVP installation?
24. Check our comprehensive flooring installation resources for step-by-step guides and planning tools.