Parquet flooring is a timeless classic. It can make any room look more elegant, and its understated beauty is second to none. The geometric patterns of parquet, which you can see here for yourself, are somehow simple yet incredibly intricate all at once.
And with a lifespan of fifty years on average, it truly is ageless. However, to ensure the beauty of this flooring never fades – and that you get your money’s worth – it is of paramount importance that you properly maintain your parquet.
Otherwise, it might lose its luster long before its time is due. But how exactly does one go about doing this? Well, look no further than this article. Here are the most important steps to maintaining your parquet flooring.
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1. Regular Cleaning
General upkeep is one of the most important factors in maintaining your parquet floors. This helps to prevent any long-term damage from occurring, such as staining the wood. As such, the second any spillages land on your parquet, you should wipe them up.
This helps prevent liquids from permeating the material’s surface, which can lead to stains, water damage, and potentially warping of the floorboards. You should also regularly mop the floor using diluted bleach to remove unsightly dirt from the parquet’s grooves and to prevent mold from growing because, once again, this could cause the floorboards to warp.
Just remember – don’t saturate the mop for the same reasons we listed above. Sweeping on a regular basis is also a must. This removes abrasive particles like grit that may scratch and wear away at the surface.
2. Preventive Measures
Where you can avoid wearing your outdoor shoes and walking across the parquet floors, not only will you be trekking dirt everywhere, but also your shoes are carrying abrasive particles that damage the floor.
It’s common courtesy to take your shoes off before going into someone’s house anyway, so this shouldn’t be too much of a problem. However, if wearing outdoor shoes can’t be avoided, then place down doormats to remove any debris they might be carrying.
Mats are also helpful in protecting parquet flooring because they provide a nice covering, reducing the likelihood of water damage and colour fading from sunlight. Rugs are a good investment, too. In areas where furniture is moved around a lot, such as dining rooms, they prevent dents and scratches from occurring.
3. Refinishing
If damage has already occurred to your parquet flooring, this isn’t the end of the world. You can still refinish the floorboards. Start by sanding down the parquet, focusing on areas where there are scratches, dents, discoloration, and water damage. Brush and mop away any dust or debris from the sanding, then begin applying a gloss or polish to your floors. Like any painting, it’s important to apply several coats before finishing. Once you’re done, your parquet should look as good as new.
These are the main three steps to maintaining your parquet flooring. Through regular maintenance and the occasional refinish, it should look as beautiful in fifty years as it did when you first bought it.
If you are interested in even more lifestyle-related articles and information from us here at Bit Rebels, then we have a lot to choose from.
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