The Most Effective Way To Clean Parquet Floors

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The attractive patterns and organic textures of parquet flooring don't need much help grabbing anyone's interest. In the home, your job is just to ensure it's getting the right kind of attention. While parquet adds natural elegance to uplift the space, it can only do so when you keep it from becoming dirty and worn out. Dirt and dust build-up will discolor and scratch wood over time, leaving glaring defects that will bring down the room's overall look. Random spills and other moisture, meanwhile, can warp the wood and cause mold to set in, especially if you don't get to it for a few days. Sealing your floors every three to five years can be vital in preventing soil penetration and damage. But before that, your top concern should be regular upkeep.

One of the easiest ways to clean hardwood floors, parquet or otherwise, is sweeping or dry mopping. Daily sweeping is particularly crucial in high-traffic areas. Less frequented areas can often go a few days between cleanings. Clearing away hard debris is particularly crucial before wet mopping, as mixing the dirt with water can make it a harsh abrasive while you mop. A soft-bristled angled broom or a microfiber dust mop is ideal. Microfiber is a great choice for dust and pet hair, with electrostatic action helping to trap debris. If you want to use a vacuum, turn off the beater bar to prevent damage to the parquet flooring. Take advantage of brush attachments to get into tight corners and dig into the parquet seams.

Parquet flooring needs a much gentler cleaning touch than the average hard surface to avoid moisture or chemical damage. Wet mopping, steam cleaning, and harsh cleaners like ammonia, bleach, and vinegar are out of the question. You should also skip any abrasive materials like baking soda and steel wool. Instead, use a water-based pH-balanced cleaner, such as Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Spray, in a damp-mopping approach. Sprays specially formulated for hardwood floors will be gentler on parquet and faster to dry, reducing the chances of moisture damage. If you don't have any, a simple blend of mild liquid soap and warm water will suffice. You can spray your cleaner from a spray bottle, but the best mops for hardwood floors often have a spray mechanism to dampen the floor as you work. Then, you can go over it with a dry mop to remove any lingering liquid and dirt.

When the floor is completely dry, put back any furniture and rugs. Floor coverings are an essential help when trying to maintain a clean space and prevent scuffs and scratches on your hardwood. A strategic placement can limit the amount of upkeep you'll need to do on your parquet floors. Entryway mats and runners in high-traffic areas will trap dirt and moisture that would otherwise stain the floor. For heavy furniture, add pads to the legs to protect against damage. Otherwise, promote better habits around the home. Be aware of anything that might damage the parquet floor, take off shoes in the entryway, and keep your pets well-groomed to keep the floor as clean as possible.