How to Clean Parquet Floors to Make Them Shiny
While beautiful, the interlocked wooden blocks of traditional parquet flooring can be daunting to clean. We want to maintain the integrity of the flooring, but we also want a clean and shiny floor. To do so, we need to respect the nature of the wood by only using the correct products which are suitable for parquet. One of the most important factors is water. If we do not protect the wood while cleaning it, the water can soak into the wooden blocks and break the parquet. Even if the blocks remain in place, bacterial and fungal growth can lead to damage. This is why oneHOWTO explains how to clean parquet floors to make them shiny. This will not only help keep them clean, but best preserve them to be enjoyed for years to come.
How to clean parquet floors step by step
As time goes by, wooden floors can lose their shine and luster. In doing so, they can make the room feel drab and even dirty, despite being relatively clean. For this reason, we want to maintain the shine of a parquet. To do so, we need not only to clean the floor, but provide proper maintenance to prolong its life. If you want to clean a parquet floor to make it shiny, you will need to do the following:
Remove dust
Before applying cleaning products, you should remove dust and dirt from your wooden floor. To do this, use a soft Swiffer-type broom to agitate the dust and then vacuum it carefully to remove it. You will need to use the special attachment for delicate floors so you will avoid scratching it. With this first step, you will remove the thickest dirt and prepare the parquet for a deeper cleaning.
Clean with a damp cloth
Although excess moisture can be detrimental to parquet, after removing the main dirt it is important to clean the floor with the help of a slightly damp cloth. Use a mop or microfiber cloth for this purpose. Do not soak the floor too much when carrying out this step, it should be very mildly damp and only use enough to remove any stubborn stains.
Apply parquet-specific cleaning products
When cleaning a natural wood floor, always use specific cleaning products suitable for natural parquet or other types of wooden floors. Once you have removed the dust and dirt, apply this specific product following the manufacturer's instructions, spreading it over the floor with the help of a mop.
Dry the floor
Finally, it is essential to dry the floor properly to remove excess moisture, otherwise the wood could warp. Moisture can also lead to permanent stans in the wood if it is not dried properly. If the parquet is not properly sealed, water can enter between the pieces of wood and cause mildew to build up. Use a dry cloth to finish the cleaning and you will see how your floor is perfect in just a few minutes.
How to polish parquet to make it look like new
In addition to cleaning the floor to keep it in perfect condition, you should know that there are different tricks to restore the natural shine of your parquet. If you notice that your wooden floor looks duller than when you laid it, take into account these tips to make it shiny in a quick, easy and effective way.
Use parquet polish
The best product to give your natural wood floor a shine and make it look like new is to use a specific parquet polish. Thanks to this product, you will not only enhance the natural shine of your floor, but you will also provide a protective layer to the wood that will help preserve it from daily wear and tear. To avoid damaging your floor, you will need to use a polish that is compatible with the finish of your parquet. Using the wrong polish can lead to stains and other damage.
Apply natural oils
Another good trick to restore the shine of your wooden floor is to apply natural oils to restore its luminosity. Linseed oil, tung or Danish oil can be used to revitalize the wood and restore its natural shine. Our advice is to use small amounts of oil and spread it on the floor with a soft cloth. You will need to let it dry completely to see the true difference it makes.
Use wood wax
Finally, if your floor has a wax finish, you can apply a coat of wood wax. This is a specific product for parquet floors which helps to seal the wood and protect it from water damage. In addition to applying the product, you should polish it using a fine cloth until you obtain the desired shine. Your floor will look like new again.
Different types of floors need different types of cleaning. In our related article, see how to clean oil and grease stains from concrete floors.
Tips to keep your parquet clean and shiny
Now that you know how to clean a natural wood floor and restore its shine so that it looks like new, it is important to keep in mind other tips to properly preserve it. To do this, you must carry out thorough maintenance and use specific products so that it lasts a long time. Here are some recommendations for parquet floor maintenance:
- Avoid using abrasive products: cleaning products such as strong detergents, bleach or rough sponges can damage parquet, either by scratching it with their materials or making it lose its natural shine more quickly.
- Clean up liquid spills immediately: remember that prolonged moisture can cause stains or warping of the wood.
- Maintain a dry environment: using dehumidifiers can help prevent damage to your flooring caused by excess moisture.
- Use rugs where possible: especially in areas with high foot traffic, use rugs to protect the wood from further wear and tear and also prevent the accumulation of excess dust or dirt.
- Carry out regular polishing: a new polish from time to time will better allow you to maintain the natural shine of the parquet and keep it looking like new.
As you can see, to preserve the beauty of parquet for much longer, it is necessary to carry out a much more specific care than for other types of flooring. However, by using the right products, following these steps and taking into account our advice, you will be able to enjoy your wooden floor as if it were just laid down.
After learning how to clean parquet to make it shine and look like new, we recommend our articles on how to clean acid-stained floors and how to paint a wooden floor without sanding.
If you want to read similar articles to How to Clean Parquet Floors to Make Them Shiny, we recommend you visit our Home cleaning category.
