Modern homes often have modern floors, such as laminate, vinyl, or contemporary reclaimed material. However, the appeal of good parquet flooring remains.
This type of flooring looks stunning, is very durable, and needs little maintenance to stay looking good for years. It’s likely to outlast any modern floor.
But, it’s not indestructible. If you want your parquet flooring to stay looking good then you need to know how to maintain it properly.
It’s not difficult!
Choose The Right Floor
If you’re just choosing to add parquet flooring then it’s important to choose a high-quality option. If you go for the cheaper option it is likely to scratch easily and not last as you had hoped.
Take your time considering the options available and choose the one that suits you best.
Clean Spills Immediately
Well maintained parquet flooring is sealed to prevent water from getting into the wood and causing damage. But, that doesn’t mean a spill won’t stain the top layer of the wood.
If anything gets spilled on your parquet flooring you need to clear it up straight away. The best approach is to use kitchen paper and blot the floor, allowing the paper to remove as much liquid as possible without scrubbing. This will simply spread the liquid and the potential stain.
As soon as you have the opportunity you’ll need to clean the floor, this should remove any trace of the stain. However, it is important to use an appropriate product. Harsh cleaners will damage your flooring. You need a parquet flooring cleaner and you’ll want to follow the instructions precisely.
If this doesn’t work you’ll want to get professional help. A section of flooring can be replaced, the whole floor can be sanded and resealed, or the specialist may have another product that does the job.
Regular Cleaning
One of the best ways to maintain and protect your parquet flooring is to brush it at least once a week. It’s best to use a microfiber cloth as this attracts dust. Slowly move across the entire floor, attracting dust and debris, leaving the floor looking great.
You can also mop weekly. However, you’ll want to use a dry mop. That means a bucket of water, a good cleaning solution designed for parquet floors, and a mop that is wrung out. Too much water on the floor will create issues, keep the mop damp.
Protect your Floor
You now know how to deal with an accidental spill but they are other things that can damage your floor, specifically scratches. To avoid this you’ll want to put soft feet on all your furniture. This will prevent it from scratching the floor when it’s accidentally slid across the floor.
It’s also a good idea to avoid wearing high-heeled shoes in rooms with parquet flooring. Although it’s tough, the heels can dig in and cause small indentations. If that’s not an option then add a rug in high traffic areas.
Remember, vacuuming is okay but you need to use a head that is designed for these floors, or you’ll leave scratches behind.