How to keep your parquet floor beautiful and in top condition

Cleaning parquet requires a gentle approach. Using little water and the right products will keep your wooden floor looking beautiful and prevent damage and wear.

How to keep your parquet floor beautiful and in top condition

A wooden parquet floor adds warmth and character to your home, but it also requires proper care. It is best to clean parquet with the right knowledge, as wood reacts differently to moisture and cleaning products than other flooring materials.

With the right approach, you can keep your parquet clean and beautiful in the long term. Read on to find out how to clean parquet correctly, the several types that exist and how they differ from laminate, as well as how to deal with stubborn stains.

What is parquet and why does it require a specific approach?

Parquet is a wooden floor and therefore a natural, living material. This means it is sensitive to moisture, temperature and the products you use.

Unlike tiles or laminate, parquet cannot simply be cleaned with a lot of water. Too much moisture can cause the wood to expand, warp or become permanently damaged. Cleaning parquet is therefore all about control and gentleness: it is better to use too little water than too much.

What types of parquet exist?

Not all parquet flooring is the same, which affects how it should be maintained. The finish of your floor is a key factor. Examples include:

Oiled parquet, which has a natural look but is more susceptible to stains
Varnished parquet, which is better protected and easier to clean
Solid parquet, which reacts more strongly to moisture
Engineered parquet, which is more stable

Knowing exactly which type of parquet you have will help you to clean it more effectively.

How should you clean parquet without causing damage?

Cleaning wooden parquet floors starts with regular maintenance.

Dust and dirt may seem harmless, but they actually act like a fine abrasive layer. That is why you should start by cleaning dry, for example with a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush.

After that, you can clean with a slightly damp cloth, but always with care. A well-wrung mop or microfibre cloth is usually sufficient. The aim is to refresh the floor in a controlled way, without wetting it.

Which products should you use?

When it comes to parquet floors, the general rule is: the milder, the better. Strong products can damage the protective layer or dry out the wood. In most cases, this is enough:

Lukewarm water with a suitable parquet cleaner
A product adapted to the finish (oil or varnish)

Avoid all-purpose cleaners or products containing ammonia, as these can dull or damage your wooden floor.

For oiled parquet, you may also need to apply maintenance oil from time to time to keep the protective layer intact.

What is the difference between cleaning parquet and laminate?

Although parquet and laminate may often look similar, their maintenance requirements differ greatly.

Parquet is made of real wood and is therefore more sensitive to moisture. Always use minimal water and suitable products.

Laminate has a protective top layer and tolerates moisture slightly better. You can clean it more thoroughly, although you should always take care.

How do you remove stubborn stains from parquet?

Sometimes stains, such as those caused by wine, grease or dark marks, do not disappear easily.

Surface stains can usually be removed with a slightly damp cloth and a mild cleaner. Leave the product to sit for a while instead of scrubbing it off immediately.

For deeper stains, the approach depends on the finish. Oiled parquet can be cleaned locally and re-oiled afterwards. With varnished parquet, however, stains often remain in the top layer.

Black stains caused by moisture are the most difficult to remove and may require sanding or a specialised product.

Make sure to always avoid:

Too much water
Aggressive cleaning products
Hard scrubbing

When should you be extra careful while cleaning a wooden floor?

Always be careful to clean parquet, especially:

When dealing with older or untreated floors
When you are unsure about the finish
When stains are stubborn

Always start cleaning gently and only increase the amount of product and water if needed and if appropriate.

The sustainable benefits of freshening up wooden floors

A well-maintained parquet floor will last for years. By freshening it up regularly, you can prevent wear and wear, keep its natural appearance and avoid the need for major renovations.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about cleaning parquet

Can I mop my parquet floor?

Yes, but only with a slightly damp mop.

What is the difference between cleaning a wooden or a laminate floor?

Parquet is more sensitive and requires a gentler approach.

How do I best remove parquet stains?

Use mild cleaning products and as little water as possible.

How to keep your parquet floor beautiful and in top condition