Parquet flooring is an attractive and timeless choice for many homes, but it requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. With the right care and attention, your parquet floors can last a lifetime – and in fact, many parquet floors from the Baroque era still exist, showing how long-lasting hardwood floorboards can be when properly looked after.
How to protect your parquet flooring
Implement regular cleaning
Parquet floors should be vacuumed or swept regularly with a soft brush attachment to remove dirt and grit which can scratch the surface over time. It’s also important to mop parquet floors using warm water, as harsh chemical cleaners could damage the wood.
Take care with water and moisture damage
As wood is a porous material, any water or liquid sitting on it can easily sink in. As well as causing discolouration and staining, standing water can also have more serious consequences for your floorboards, causing warping and texture changes.
To avoid such damage, be sure any spills are cleaned up quickly with a dry cloth and that no furniture legs have direct contact with wet areas on the floor.
Make polishing a priority
Regular polishing with an appropriate wax or oil will help protect parquet floors from dirt and wear, while also enhancing their natural beauty.
Waxes should be applied sparingly every few months using a cloth in circular motions, then buffed up until shiny with another clean cloth afterwards. Oils require more frequent applications than waxes, but provide more protection against moisture damage, as well as preserving the wood’s natural colour and grain over time. Applying oil or wax regularly builds up a protective layer on top of your parquet floor, repelling any dust or dirt without covering the wood’s natural beauty.
Avoid scratches and sharp materials
Avoiding scratches on parquet flooring is an important part of maintaining its beauty. Over time, multiple scratches, scrapes and holes in the wood can alter the texture of your parquet flooring, and make it appear dull.
To safeguard your floors, be sure to keep furniture legs covered with felt pads or other protective materials and avoid dragging furniture across the surface. If you have pets
Additionally, incorporating mats in heavily used areas will help reduce wear and tear from foot traffic. Encouraging your family, children and visitors to take their shoes off when inside your home, and making sure they’re not tracking small pieces of dirt and debris onto the floor, will help reduce unnecessary scrapes and markings.
Sand your floors when needed
Restoring parquet flooring by sanding is a great way to bring back its original shine and beauty. No matter how diligent your cleaning is, it’s likely that over years of use, dust, stains and particle build-up will build up on your wooden floorboards, leaving a dull appearance behind. Sanding is the process of removing the top layer of wood from your floor, which can be done using specialized tools such as an electric sander. This should only be done by a professional team floor sanding team like Quicksand Flooring, who have the experience, tools and skills needed to refinish your floors without damaging them. Regular sanding helps renew your wooden floorboards, giving them a new lease of life when needed.
Keeping your parquet flooring in great condition
Taking good care of your parquet flooring is key to a long-lasting and beautiful finish. Whether your flooring is made up of hardwood or engineered wood, regular maintenance and TLC means you can enjoy your parquet flooring for years to come. For expert advice and long-lasting sanding and cleaning, contact a professional to ensure your flooring doesn’t become damaged.
