In today's article we are going to gather some ideas that will surely help you keep your delicate, immaculate parquet flooring in excellent condition.
Tips for keeping parquet flooring in good condition
1. Parquet was designed to be walked on barefoot
The worst enemies of this wood flooring are outdoor shoes and trainers. Their soles carry small stones, chewing gum, sharp and sticky dirt, water from rain or street cleaning, and the dangerous edges of heels.
As soon as you come through the door, take off your shoes and enjoy your floor in slippers, socks or your own bare feet, if it's not too cold yet. If you resist this practice, at least place a doormat at the door and make everyone use it.
2. Is your parquet lifting?
This could be one of two problems:
- The wood was not fitted correctly (too much glue may have been used, and this has bulged it because of the water the glue contains).
- The screed (the layer of cement applied before installing the resin) is loose, in which case more screed would need to be added to strengthen the cement.
In both cases, you should call the professional who carried out the installation so they can see for themselves what is happening. We can assure you that with our parquet company in Málaga, these problems don't occur.
3. Fit furniture legs with felt pads
Especially the heaviest pieces of furniture, and those you move frequently.
4. Has water spilled onto the floorboards?
Dry it as quickly as possible, because water takes only a few seconds to start seeping between the gaps. Use kitchen paper and, if water has got in between the joints, use a hair dryer carefully so as not to burn the floorboards.
This also applies to stains: don't let them dry, remove them quickly with a damp cloth. For liquids such as juice or milk, use a mild detergent, and for ink or marker stains, use a little alcohol.
In any case, use gentle, soapy detergents suited for parquet flooring, and never vinegar, because its acids damage the wood. We also recommend mopping every 10 days, with the mop well wrung out so it doesn't release much water that could seep through the joints.
5. What if glue or something sticky that hardens falls on it?
You will need to use nail polish remover, cotton and an abrasive but not sharp tool, and apply the nail polish remover little by little, rubbing gently to see if the sticky stain softens and comes off.
6. Switch to a mop
Don't hesitate. You'll finish faster, pick up more dirt, and give your floors the gentle touch they've been longing for, instead of the constant abrasion of plastic bristles.
7. If the parquet creaks in a particular spot
The screed, the layer of cement applied before laying the resin that we mentioned earlier, has most likely come loose. The best thing is to lift the area, clean and re-glue the screed, then sand the whole room afterwards, because doing it in just one spot is too noticeable.
8. Say goodbye to creaking!
Sprinkle this mineral over the creaking boards, and spread it with a brush, so it works its way into the gaps. Let it sit for a few minutes and then clean with a damp cloth and a special product for wood flooring.
Repeat the operation several times while going over the boards so the compound ends up settling in. Hygrometric changes (increases or decreases in humidity at different times of the year) will cause changes in the shape and size of each board. The talc will fill, like a soothing cushion, these gaps or friction points that cause creaking.
9. Say goodbye to humidity too!
Using heating in winter and a humidifier in summer can keep humidity levels balanced throughout the year, between 35 and 65%.
Back on the subject of humidity, if the parquet were to lift because of it, it is most likely due to a leaking pipe. Search thoroughly everywhere. The leak could also come from an appliance, such as the fridge or washing machine.
10. Sanding and varnishing every 10 years
If you let too much time pass between sandings, you will need to sand more deeply to get it back into shape.
In short, a clean, dry parquet floor that doesn't face daily abrasion can last more than 25 years.
If you're looking for parquet that will last a lifetime, trust Payresa, professional installers who will advise you on the different options available so you're sure of what you choose, don't regret it and have your needs met.
We have the best prices in all of Málaga. Our company also handles repairing, sanding or varnishing parquet whenever needed. Do not hesitate to consult our professionals whenever you need to.
Buying parquet is becoming an increasingly popular choice thanks to all its advantages. However, as we have mentioned here, it must be given proper care.
As you may recall, we previously wrote another article about the precautions needed to correctly care for parquet.
As already mentioned, any query can be brought to our attention through the contact form or by calling our contact number 952 230 123. Trust our team of experts in parquet in Málaga.
Contact us with no obligation for a personalised quote tailored to your needs, or to resolve any other query you may have.