How to maintain your parquet floor so it looks like new

Parquet is one of the most beautiful flooring options, suitable for any room. It is classic, sophisticated and blends well with any design. Understanding what parquet is and the best way to maintain it ensures a long life for this usually significant investment.

In every home, the floor is a fundamental element of the design impression. It gives a refined, classic, but also much more cozy look to the rooms. Regardless of where the parquet is in your home and what type of wood it is made of, we have selected some universal tips on how to keep it in excellent shape and appearance.

What is parquet flooring?

Parquet is a type of flooring made of boards of different types of wood, with different geometric shapes, angles and designs. As incredible as it may seem, parquet flooring has been used since the beginning of the seventeenth century and to this day they are an extremely popular solution, especially for the home.

This type of flooring is often used to cover old and worn surfaces, but it can also be installed in rooms that have no floor at all. Parquet floors are usually made of oak, cherry, walnut, pine or maple. Some parquet floors are made from factory-finished wood and are covered with a wood veneer.

Parquet can be laid in a variety of configurations, the wood itself can be stained in different patterns and colors. Parquet differs from all other flooring because it is extremely durable, lasts for decades and always has a unique character.

Pros and cons of parquet flooring

Two of the most important advantages of parquet flooring are that it is extremely durable and affordable. It is the perfect flooring for almost any home, and since it comes in a variety of styles, patterns, and materials, you will probably easily find an option that fits your budget. Parquet flooring can be an eccentric, but also a traditional finish to your home, fitting in with both simpler and more modern interiors. It can complement any home and any room, giving them a unique charm.

The downside of parquet is that it requires periodic maintenance to keep it looking fresh and new. It requires special varnishing, cleaning, and sometimes sanding or re-insulation.

This type of maintenance is not complicated, but it does need to be done frequently to keep your floor looking flawless. Cleaning and all other maintenance elements can usually be done by non-specialists.

How to maintain the parquet in our home?

There are things you can do in your daily life to keep your parquet floor intact. But even if you take impeccable care of it, it will still need periodic refinishing.

General maintenance

Since parquet is made of wood, most of the general care and cleaning instructions for wood apply to parquet. Use a broom or vacuum cleaner to remove dust and other small particles that could scratch the parquet.

Periodically use products specifically designed for cleaning wood. Parquet cleaners are now available on the market. Never use cleaners with abrasive particles or strong corrosive chemicals.

Since wooden surfaces absorb moisture and can warp due to excessive moisture, it is extremely important to keep the floor dry and protect it from getting wet as much as possible. Clean up spills and grease immediately.

Make sure your home doesn't get too humid, especially if you have hardwood floors in the kitchen or bathroom. While cooking, open a window and use a dehumidifier to regulate the humidity.

It is a good idea to use curtains to block out direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can cause the parquet to fade. If you have pets, keep their nails trimmed to prevent further damage to the surface of the varnish.

Regular maintenance

It is advisable to deep clean the parquet once a month. Start by vacuuming the dust and then use a dry cloth to remove deeper dirt. Move the furniture, tables, chairs and thoroughly clean around them.

Use a mop and parquet cleaner and gently clean the surface of the parquet. The mop should be well wrung out. Make sure that no wet marks remain. After you have washed the parquet and it is completely dry, you can also use a special polish to make its surface even more shiny and inaccessible to dust.