How to Clean Wood Parquet Flooring

Parquet is a style of flooring that is a mosaic of small wood pieces. To some extent, parquet can be cleaned the same way as standard hardwood floors since it is made of wood, however, the pieces of wood used for parquet are much smaller and thinner than standard hardwood planks and therefore must be treated more delicately. Exposure to water is always bad for wood as it causes the wood to swell and warp, which is even easier for the delicate parquet. Thankfully, parquet is sealed, usually with either wax or polyurethane, so it can be mopped with a little water when needed. However, you need to make sure to use a cleaner that will not strip the finish and expose the wood to damage later. Follow these simple guidelines to keep your parquet floor looking great and lasting a long time.

• A vacuum
• A broom or dust mop
• A mop
• Water
• Parquet floor cleaner
• A towel

1. Begin by vacuuming the entire floor to remove the majority of dirt, dust and sand. Many vacuums have a special setting for bare or hard floors. Do not vacuum if there is no hard floor setting/attachment available. The rotating brush on the vacuum will scratch the surface of the floor. In these cases, it is safest to use the hose with a soft attachment.
2. Next, use a broom or Swiffer sweeper to remove the smaller particles and dispose of them. It’s important to remove all of the grit from the surface prior to mopping. These tiny pieces of dirt and sand can cause scratches and act like abrasives when mopping.
3. Finally, mop the floor with a damp mop. The key to successfully mopping hardwood flooring is to use as little moisture as possible. Often times, plain water is sufficient for regular cleanings. Be sure to wring the mop out well each time you soak it.
4. If the floor is not coming clean with plain water or if it is especially soiled, add in floor cleaner designed for parquet flooring. See the Choices of Cleaners section below for some options.
5. Rinse with clean water if necessary.
6. Dry the floor with a towel to prevent the water from sitting on the surface for too long.

• There are cleaners made specifically for parquet, however most of them are only available online.
• If you do want to buy a parquet cleaner online, there are several choices. You can also get a general wood floor cleaner that is safe for parquet. Planet Pure Floor Cleaner specifically says that it is safe for parquet, and also is one of the more eco-friendly choices.
• For regular cleaning, Honest Floor Cleaner says that it is safe for hardwoods, does not require rinsing, and specifically says that it will not remove or damage any wax or other sealants on wood, which makes it a great choice for parquet that you can find at your local supermarket.
• For old or dull parquet, Rejuvenate All Floors Restorer specifically says it can be used on parquet and will bring back the color and shine, as well as fill any minor scratches. It can be found at major hardware stores.

Steam cleaning is not a good choice for parquet flooring. Although it uses a minimal amount of moisture, one of the main components of parquet is the glue used to adhere the wood pieces. Since the pieces are so thin and so much glue is used, the heat could cause the glue to loosen.

• Parquet floor cleaners are specially designed to enhance wooden flooring with nutrients and additives to keep it looking its best.
• Protect heavy traffic areas such as entry areas and walkways with decorative rugs.
• Avoid using harsh cleaners on parquet flooring. They can damage the finish and take away the original shine.
• Wood and water don’t mix well. Use minimal amounts of water when cleaning and ensure the area can dry thoroughly.
• If you have hard water, use distilled water for mopping to prevent a mineral build-up.

• The Cleaning Encyclopedia by Don Aslett
• The Spot and Stain Remover Handbook by Jean Cooper