Parquet flooring only stays beautiful for a long time if it is properly cleaned and cared for. This article explains what needs to be taken into account.
Light, dry soiling
If there is light and dry dirt, it is enough to sweep the parquet floor. You should make sure you use a soft broom. Hard bristles could scratch the wooden floor. The same goes for a vacuum cleaner. Although vacuuming the floor is very effective, the vacuum cleaner could also leave scratches without a special attachment. To prevent dry dirt, it is advisable not to enter the area with street shoes.
Damp wipe
If you want to mop the parquet floor with a damp cloth, then only do so with a damp cloth. This means that the cloth or floor mop must be wrung out very well or should be almost dry. Too much moisture damages the wood and causes it to swell. The floor must therefore not remain wet for too long and must be able to dry quickly. It is therefore important to ensure good ventilation after mopping. Before mopping the floor, it makes sense to sweep it. This prevents small stones or sand from leaving scratches when wiping.
Parquet care products
Special care products are added to the mopping water and have the following advantages:
- Removal of dirt
- remove coarse dirt and stains without effort
- Cleaning without scratches
- refatting
- glossy
- forming protective film
Note:
If the parquet becomes matt again after treatment with care products, it is time for renewed care.
Sealed, oiled or waxed
When cleaning and caring for the parquet, it is important to know whether it is sealed, oiled or waxed. A sealed floor surface is particularly insensitive and water-repellent. An oiled or waxed floor has the advantage that scratches are less likely to occur and it is easier to maintain yourself. However, regular oiling is also necessary to ensure that the protective layer on the parquet is maintained.
Spills
A real problem for parquet floors is spilled liquids. Even with sealed floors, if the stains are not removed immediately, water can penetrate the wood and cause it to swell. Even if this doesn't happen, liquids can cause discoloration or stains much more quickly. Therefore, the following always applies: Wipe up spills immediately and completely and then wipe off with clean water. Then let it dry with good ventilation.
Note:
The risk of moisture to real wood floors must be taken into account when designing the room.
Frequently asked questions
Does the entire floor have to be sanded if there are minor scratches?
This is unnecessary in most cases. You can treat light, smaller scratches with a little furniture or wood polish. However, the package instructions must be followed. If polishing agents are used incorrectly, scratches can worsen.
Should the parquet floor be cleaned regularly?
You should always remove visible dirt immediately so that it cannot damage the wood. If the parquet is clean, it is enough to sweep it once a week. Especially if you don't walk on it with street shoes and there are no pets in the household, more frequent cleaning is not necessary.
How can scratches on the parquet be prevented?
In addition to careful care, the treatment of the furniture in the room also plays a major role. All pieces of furniture that you regularly move or move should be equipped with felt gliders. Floor mats can also protect the floor in particularly stressed areas.
