There is a natural luster to parquet flooring that adds to its beauty and warmth, but with time and daily use, this luster may fade and dull.
Maintaining the luster of parquet is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also an essential part of caring for it and extending its lifespan.
Therefore, the question that preoccupies many people is: How do I make parquet shine? And how do I maintain the luster of parquet floors?
Since we always strive to provide the best advice to give you the experience you dream of, here are a set of practical tips and steps to help you restore the luster of your parquet and keep it looking new and shiny for years to come.
How do I make parquet shine?
If the parquet floors in your home or office are looking dull and lack luster, don't worry, it's not the end.
Restoring the shine of faded parquet is possible, but it requires some effort and adherence to specific steps. Here are some effective methods :
- Deep Cleaning: Before any attempt to add shine, you must ensure that the floor is completely clean and free of dust, dirt, oils, and old cleaning residue.
Use a soft broom or a vacuum with a hard floor brush attachment to remove surface dirt.
- Use parquet-specific cleaners: Avoid using general household cleaners or soap, as they may leave a dull finish or damage the parquet's protective layer.
Choose a cleaner specifically designed for parquet floors and follow the usage instructions carefully.
- Wiping with a slightly damp cloth: Some people may think that parquet - like other types of flooring - can be cleaned with a mop and water. But can parquet be wiped with water?
The answer is yes, but with extreme caution.
A soft, clean cloth should be used, very slightly dampened with lukewarm water or a diluted parquet cleaning solution.
Make sure to wring the cloth out well so that it is barely damp to avoid water seeping into the wood layers and causing damage.
- Parquet polishing: There are special parquet polishing products designed to restore shine and protection.
After cleaning and completely drying the floor, you can apply a thin coat of parquet polish using a clean, dry cloth according to the product instructions.
- Use diluted white vinegar (with caution): A very diluted solution of white vinegar and water (one part vinegar to ten parts water) can be used as a natural cleaner and shine restorer.
However, it should be used with extreme caution and on a small area first to ensure it does not adversely affect the parquet finish. Dry the floor thoroughly after mopping.
How to keep parquet floors shiny
Perhaps you followed the previous steps and your parquet flooring has been revitalized, or perhaps you recently installed parquet flooring and want to keep it looking shiny for as long as possible.
It should be noted here that maintaining the original shine of parquet is much easier than restoring it after it has faded.
Overall, here are some valuable tips on how to keep your parquet floors shiny :
- Regular Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum your parquet flooring daily or at least regularly to remove dust and small particles that can scratch the surface and cause it to become dull over time.
- Use doormats and rugs: Place rugs at your home's entrances to reduce the amount of dirt and grit brought inside. Also, use doormats to catch dust from shoes before entering.
- Avoid walking in high-heeled or pointed shoes: These types of shoes can leave scratches and marks on the parquet surface.
- Place protectors under furniture legs: Use pieces of felt or plastic under the legs of chairs, tables, and sofas to prevent scratches when moving furniture.
- Clean up spills immediately: Any liquid spills, especially water, juices, and sugary drinks, should be cleaned up immediately with a clean, dry cloth to prevent damage and staining of the parquet.
- Proper wet mopping: When wet mopping is necessary, always use a cloth slightly dampened with a parquet cleaner and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Dry the floor thoroughly after mopping.
- Avoid using steam: Do not use steam cleaners on parquet floors, as the high heat and humidity can damage and warp the wood.
- Renew the protective layer (if necessary): Over time, the original protective layer of your parquet flooring may wear down. You may consider having a professional reapply a new protective layer to maintain its shine and protection.
Additional tips for parquet care
Besides maintaining the shine, there are other important aspects of parquet floor care:
- Humidity Control: Humidity is parquet's biggest enemy. Maintain a suitable humidity level in your home (usually between 40-60%) by using humidifiers or dehumidifiers as needed.
- Temperature control: Large temperature fluctuations can affect the stability of parquet. Try to maintain a moderate, constant temperature in your home.
- Protect from direct sunlight: Ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause the parquet to fade and damage the protective coating. Use curtains or blinds to protect the floor during peak sunlight hours.
- Regular maintenance: Regularly inspect your parquet floor for any early signs of damage such as deep scratches, swelling, or discoloration, and address them immediately to prevent the problem from getting worse.
Maintaining the shine of parquet floors requires a regular cleaning and care routine.
By cleaning properly, avoiding excess water, using the right products, and taking the necessary precautions, you can enjoy the beauty and shine of parquet in your home for many years to come.
Remember, prevention is better than cure, and regular maintenance is a sure investment that will allow you to keep your parquet floors shiny and attractive and enjoy them forever.