Parquet flooring is a favourite feature of many a house-proud person. A well-maintained floor can look impressive and add character to a property. However, parquet is also a sensitive material, over which care must be taken in its upkeep. This guide provides useful suggestions as to how to clean parquet floors and keep the home looking smart.
Cleaning parquet flooring is easy with regular maintenance! Vacuuming/sweeping daily or at least a couple of times a week will help prevent the build-up of excess dirt and dust. This will save you time and effort in the long-term when tackling a deep clean.
How to Clean Parquet Flooring
The most efficient way of cleaning parquet flooring is to carry out small but regular cleans, rather than leaving the dirt to build up until the clean becomes a bigger, more intimidating task. Regular vacuuming or sweeping will prevent the build-up of excess dirt, which could become embedded in the flooring, causing stains and, in the case of grit and sand, may damage the surface. It is recommended, however, to use a soft-bristled brush or broom, or a vacuum extension, in order not to scratch the surface when cleaning it. It is also important to test the brush on an inconspicuous area before use.
Prevention is Better Than Cure When Cleaning Parquet
Another, perhaps less desirable, preventative measure would be to lay rugs down, in order to reduce the surface area of the flooring that is open to the collection of dirt.
How to Clean Parquet Flooring: A Step-by-Step Guide
But how to clean parquet floor when the dirt is more ingrained, or when that periodical deeper clean is needed? The following steps will help you get your floor clean again:
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Begin with a thorough sweep or vacuum of the flooring, to remove all surface dirt, as described above. If preferred, specialist tissues, specifically designed for collecting dirt from parquet flooring, are available to purchase. Remember to read the instructions on the label before using any new cleaning product, and to test it in a small inconspicuous area first.
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For the cleaning stage, warm water alone is often sufficient to give the surface a fresh, clean look. Check first, however, whether or not the flooring is sealed. If so, you can use a little more water in order to mop the surface. If not, water should be used more sparingly, in order to avoid the wood suffering either from water stains or from swelling. Dampen a cloth and wring it out thoroughly before applying it to the surface.
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Water alone may not be sufficient if grease and grime stains prove more stubborn. In those cases, vinegar may be the answer. Add half a cup of white vinegar to around four to five litres of warm water and apply it to the affected area. The vinegar will help to loosen those more persistent marks.
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If stains persist, consider buying a specialist parquet flooring cleaner. Many have the additional benefit of including nutrients and additives which will leave the flooring looking fresher. Again, make sure to read the directions on the label and test it in a small area first to make sure that it is suitable for your floor.
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For either the vinegar or the cleaning product, remember to apply only to a small area at first, in order to ensure no major damage, should the flooring react badly to the cleaning solution.
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In all the above cases, use cloth to dry the flooring afterwards, in order to remove excess water and avoid the danger of water stains.
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Should water stains appear, place material such as a napkin or an old t-shirt over the mark, and use an iron or a hairdryer to dry the ingrained moisture. Take care when using hot appliances to avoid injury.
If In Doubt
If unsure at any next stage about the best next step, contact an expert for advice. This is particularly true if considering a deeper treatment, such as buffing, sanding, or waxing.
