How to clean a parquet floor: tricks and tips to make it shine

Parquet flooring is one of the favourite options for the home because of the warmth it brings to the family environment. In addition, it has great thermal insulating power, offers a unique feeling of comfort and luxury and, if you take good care of it, it's very durable.

To enjoy the durability of parquet, we show you how to take care of it step by step and also some tricks that you will want to keep in mind.

How to clean your parquet floor step by step

Follow these steps in your cleaning routine, you'll see how your parquet floor looks like the first day.

• It's essential that you prevent dirt from building up and penetrating the wood. To do this, take some time each day to vacuum, or use mop or a broom for delicate surfaces. If you decide to use the mop, don't forget to apply the specific product to trap the dust, and have spare 100% microfibre mop heads at hand for whenever you need them.

• If you detect a stain in your cleaning routine, use a slightly damp cloth on the area that is dirty. The stain will disappear automatically.

• Once or twice a week, use a specific product for parquet, and wash the floor. Remember that parquet only requires a bit of moisture, not a lot of water, so wring out the mop head well before using it. You can use a soapy wood cleaner that will enhance the natural beauty of the wood.

• Once a month, apply a special product to polish the parquet floor. Not only will this improve the aspect of the floor, but it will also protect the top layer of the varnish so that it lasts longer.
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How to polish your parquet floor

If your parquet floor is very dirty or damaged, and the wear and tear is evident through scratches and/or deformations, there are a few tricks to bring back the shine that characterises it.

Remember that wood does not require moisture, but for regular maintenance, you can get good results by pouring a cap of specific vinegar for parquet floors into a bucket of water, and clean it with a well wrung-out mop. It is very important not to use too much vinegar and moisture on wood as it can reduce its natural shine.

If there is something that parquet likes, it is oil, as it is perfect for restoring and nourishing the wood. You can apply olive oil, teak oil, pine oil or linseed oil. To recover the shine of the parquet, use a clean cloth with a little oil on the damaged part of the parquet. Repeat this action every two or three months.

And if you are looking for a more optimal result, mix the vinegar and the oil: fill a bucket with water and a cap of vinegar, then add a few drops of oil to the mixture, the result is spectacular!

Another alternative, which our grandmothers already used, is wax. To apply it, clean the parquet floor well beforehand (with a vacuum cleaner or mop). Apply two coats of wax with a cloth and let it dry well. You will see how the shine returns to your parquet floor!

If any liquid falls on the parquet, remove it quickly with some absorbent paper. Don't rub it, just let the paper absorb the liquid so that it doesn't penetrate the parquet. It won't affect the shine.

Tips for keeping your parquet floor intact

• Never drag chairs or other furniture over the parquet.

• Avoid moisture to ensure there is no deformation to your parquet floor and that no slats come loose or swell.

• If water or other liquids fall on the parquet, dry immediately with a soft cloth so that the liquid doesn't penetrate.

• Specifically designed products for parquet floors are very efficient as they care for the wood, protecting it and making it last longer.

• It is advisable to avoid direct exposure of the parquet to the sun's rays. You can protect it with curtains.

Isn't it simple? You now have the key to enjoy a long-lasting parquet floor with all its natural shine, and boast of a warmer home!