Parquet board maintenance. How to care for parquet at home: safe products

Parquet board is a multilayer material based on natural wood, suitable for practical, warm, natural flooring. Helps extend service life proper care per parquet board in compliance with the recommendations of specialists and the use of tools specially designed for these purposes.

Like any other coating, parquet needs to be looked after, and especially carefully.

General care means the delicate operation of the floor based on the parquet board, protecting it from moisture, mechanical damage and regular cleaning in compliance with the manufacturer's requirements.

Simple measures will help protect the coating from scratches, chips and bald spots. So, for example, furniture legs will not scratch the coating if you stick small felt pads on them. If it is furniture on moving rollers, special plastic rugs made of transparent materials will help save the day.

There are even special design nozzles with felt, which, if desired or necessary, can be easily removed.

Considering that parquet made of natural wood is subject to the abrasive action of sand brought into the room from the street, it is necessary to think over the arrangement of the protective zone. Again, specialized mats of two types are suitable:

hard;
soft.

The former will collect solid particles, the latter will prevent liquid dirt from spreading across the floor in bad weather.

As for care, for general cleaning a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a retractable brush that cannot scratch the coating will suffice. Periodically it is necessary to carry out wet cleaning using a soft cloth slightly moistened with water.

In no case should the coating be flooded with water, even if there are heavily contaminated areas. To remove them, use special tools, which are discussed in more detail below.

Oil-wax coating of the board - features of operation and care

To properly care for parquet, you need to know exactly what products were used to finish it. If we are talking about oil-wax compositions, then there are certain nuances. Such a coating, when applied to the surface of the board, does not form a film, but is only absorbed by the pores of the wood, protecting it from moisture and dirt.

If it is necessary to restore a parquet board with such a layer of protection, they grind the areas that require it, and then re-treat with oil, repeating the procedure several times.

For wet cleaning floor with oil-wax impregnation soapy solutions are best. The rag should not be too wet, in addition, it is recommended to move it parallel to the fibers of the tree.

Always before cleaning any surface, you need to study the methods and means of cleaning it.

Wet cleaning is carried out infrequently, but only as needed. In order for the floor to dry completely after treatment, it is left for at least half an hour, after which it is polished using universal parquet care products to enhance the protective properties and give the coating an aesthetic appearance.

The greater the load on the parquet board or parquet flooring, the more often it will need to be updated. So, for example, if we are talking about a public building, then reconstruction will be needed at least once every six months. In apartments and private houses, where the coating is carefully monitored, following the recommendations for care and maintenance, it will be enough to update once a year and even less often.

Wax floor - features of use and care

Wax flooring imposes certain obligations on its care. To understand how to care for parquet under a protective layer of wax, you need to know about its properties to respond to certain tests during operation. So, for example, wet cleaning of the coating will not give the desired effect due to the surface that repels any moisture. That is why only dry cleaning with the help of special means based on wax or solvent if necessary.

Soap solutions containing alkali are unacceptable. Their contact with the wax treated coating will change its color range.

The more carefully you maintain and clean the surface, the longer it will last and retain its attractive appearance.

Prevention for floors with wax and oil coating

Preventive maintenance of the floor depends on the period and intensity of its operation. In the first year after installation, the coating is treated every three months in the following order:

clean;
wipe with a damp cloth;
give time to dry;
impregnated with oil;
remove excess oil with a napkin;
give time to dry (days);
apply wax for protection.

With the onset of the next year, the frequency of processing is reduced and carried out as needed.

Too frequent cleaning of the floor can also adversely affect the condition of the parquet surface.

Lacquered surfaces - how to care properly?

To prolong the life of your lacquered parquet, you also need to follow certain care and preventive maintenance requirements. Regardless of the durability of the parquet wood and the quality of the parquet varnish used for its processing, over time the surface will wear out, lose its aesthetic appearance due to cracks, chips, abrasions.

Prevention is just as important as routine parquet cleaning.

Preventive measures can also be considered as maintenance of parquet, extending its service life. So, for example, to restore the lost gloss of the surface and remove small spots, a special “freshener” composition is suitable. Polishing the surface at least once every few months will enhance its protection against moisture.

A complete renovation of such a floor is carried out no earlier than 12 years after active use with sanding, sanding and re-treatment with varnish mixtures. It is possible that restoration will be required earlier if there was no one and no time to properly care for the parquet board, for example, in public buildings.

What products are used to maintain wood floors?

Especially for the care and restoration of parquet and parquet boards, tools and preparations have been developed that simplify the task, but most importantly - safe for natural wood. When it comes to washing solutions, they are called cleaners. Just like classic household chemicals, they are sold in a concentrated form. The compositions do not harm the parquet, help to clean it efficiently without smudges and streaks. Below are the most famous of them.

One of the most popular parquet care products

It is believed that the market leader in the care of parquet, both at home and in public areas of American production called Aqua Sport Wood Flor Cleaner. It is followed by the Spanish analogue of Rubi, the Ukrainian remedy against greasy spots on wood Glutoclean Pufas and a German concentrate including wax for polishing the surface - Thomas Floor Pro.

The choice in favor of the usual soap solution available for each implies the observance of some subtleties in the process of use. Soap should be low in alkali, liquid, diluted with water. A rag for wet cleaning must be soft, with an elastic pile. Ideal Solution- special rags made of microfiber or felt with a high level of absorbency.

It is possible to simplify the care of parquet coated with varnish or oil as much as possible by following the general tips:

You need to wash the floor only parallel to the fibers (as already mentioned above).
Pots with plants should not be placed on the floor, not only because of the fear of getting it dirty, but also because of the accumulation of condensate under it.
Protective nozzles for furniture, pet "socks" with claws, rugs - all this will protect the coating.
The humidity level in the room should be maintained in the range of 30 to 60%.
The temperature level is 20-24 degrees Celsius.
For cleaning and restoration use only specialized preparations without trying to resort to folk methods.

Simple but important nuance- house shoes not only for animals, but also for people. These should be soft, non-scratching slippers without heels.

Don't forget to stock up on slippers for guests

Simple restorative actions - how are they carried out?

If, with all the efforts, it was not possible to protect the parquet, you need to move on to radical measures. Chips and scratches, numerous abrasions and stains, especially perennial, remove with local repair a separate section is not always possible.

In cases where nothing helps, looping will be the solution. This procedure is effective and uncomplicated. It is carried out no more than a few times during the entire period of operation of the coating. The number of cycles allowed for parquet depends on the quality and type of wood and the thickness of the face layer. The largest amount of allowable scraping is 7 times, the smallest is 1 time.

For processing, special machines are used that delicately remove a few millimeters of the damaged layer. They are easier to rent than to buy. As an option, it is worth considering ordering the services of specialists, in whose arsenal there is the equipment, tools necessary for grinding and surface treatment, as well as experience, skills and a desire to return the coating original view within the stipulated time.

Cycling is a slow and costly procedure, so it’s better not to bring the floor to such a state and take good care of it in advance

Specialists can also advise on how to cover the parquet board and how to extend the period of its use after repair, depending on the level of stress, they will help you learn how to cope with minor floor repairs using varnish, oil, special blends based on parquet chips and glue to solve problems with dents and scratches.

In conclusion, we note that proper and careful maintenance with periodic renewal of the parquet floor in time will extend its service life by several decades.

What should be the care of the parquet? Generally, parquet flooring is the best decoration any room, it will give completeness and a certain chic. Wood is distinguished by its naturalness, in addition, it makes the floors warm and ennobles refined interior. Novelties of production and color solutions allow you to choose a product for any room. But how to take care of the parquet board?

Most people whose floors are covered with parquet boards are worried main question– how to wash the parquet and is it possible to do it? Experts advise following the recommendations for caring for parquet boards, because the surface of this flooring is very sensitive even to small scratches.

For this reason, it is necessary to protect contact with certain substances, which include:

Water, which is perhaps the main danger for parquet. As soon as liquid gets on such a floor, it must be removed as soon as possible. Therefore, even wet cleaning must be carried out correctly. How to wash the coating in this case? Wipe the floors only once a week, do not flood the parquet with water, but use a soft, well-wrung cloth. Experts do not advise using a washing vacuum cleaner.
Sharp objects such as pet claws. In this case, it is necessary to either give them a manicure, or partially remove the claws.
In order for it to shine, you will need to use special tools that protect the floor.
Legs from pieces of furniture. In stores today you can buy various linings, for example, rubberized or felt.
How to clean the parquet if it is very dirty? For high-quality cleaning, special parquet care products are needed, and it is desirable that the brand matches the brand of varnish used, they will clean the floor without streaks and harm.
Heels, that is, it is impossible to walk on it in this kind of shoes. If such a floor is in the corridor, then a transparent rug must be laid on the threshold.
Sand and other dirt, which quickly spoil parquet floors. They not only scratch it, but also penetrate inside.

When taking into account the enemies, it is necessary to take into account the climatic conditions inside the room. Therefore, it is so important that parquet care at home is carried out efficiently and in a timely manner.

If severe damage has already occurred, it will be necessary to remove the top layer of the parquet.

Caring for parquet depending on climatic conditions

Due to the fact that such a floor is made of natural wood, it is very sensitive to the indoor climate and how to clean the parquet floor. And given fact does not depend on the fact that in the manufacture of parquet each layer of natural wood is treated with special means. But how to wash the parquet and is it possible to do it at all?

With an increase in the level of humidity in the house, the tree begins to increase in size, as a result of which specific bumps form on the surface. And if the air in the room is too dry, then the product dries out, which often leads to the formation of cracks.

During installation, it is important to ensure that it does not adhere to the walls, that is, the gap must be a centimeter, which is subsequently filled with sealant. This is necessary so that bumps do not form on the parquet, since this material is elastic.

But is it possible to wash parquet or will it change its properties after this procedure, or is it possible to carry out wet cleaning depending on the type of wood used? Each housewife washes the floors with ordinary water and a rag, the situation is similar with parquet, but only the rag must be well squeezed out before use, otherwise the planks will swell. But the floor will not become shiny from this, for this you can use a cleansing and safe agent.

When choosing a tree, preference should be given to non-exotic species, as they are very whimsical to use. Of course, deformation cannot be avoided, since at different times of the year the climate in the house changes. Therefore, the care of the parquet floor should be carried out accordingly.

For example, in winter, heaters are turned on, and the air becomes dry, so the slats are reduced. But you should not be afraid of this, because in the spring the situation with the floors will change and the planks will expand again.

But in spring and summer, due to frequent rains, the bars will expand, but this is not so critical, since the situation will change with the onset of the next season.

But, if the microclimate changes greatly, then the period of use of the coating will be reduced. Therefore, it will be necessary to lay this coating in a slightly different way. That is, before putting the product, the strips should be sanded and coated with oil. After that, you should place the substrate and lay it on top of the plank, but in this case it is strictly forbidden to use glue. Therefore, it is so important to know how to care for parquet at home so that it lasts as long as possible.

In order to do this, you need to know where it comes from, because the creak, as a rule, is formed for the following reasons:

planks creak due to friction against each other;
boards rub against the nails with which they were fixed;
they rub against the laid substrate.

In addition, a squeaky floor can be due to a lag or improperly laid substrate that does not fit properly to the base.

In rare cases, it is possible to eliminate the creak of the parquet on your own, but it is better to use the help of specialists who will either disassemble and partially replace the product, or fill the voids with a special compound.

In order for this flooring to be used as long as possible, it should be ensured that the humidity is not higher than sixty percent, and the temperature ranges from fifteen to twenty-five degrees.

There is a huge variety of parquet on the construction market. But how to properly care for him, because different coverage requires a special approach?

The most common type of parquet is lacquered.

Caring for a parquet board in this case comes down to the following recommendations from experts:

For the first two weeks, this flooring must not be washed; the parquet must be cleaned only with a dry method.
Never use detergent or gasoline to remove dirt.
Caring for parquet implies one more feature - under all furniture it is necessary to put soft rubber or other linings, as they damage the floors.
After the above time has passed, you can do wet cleaning, but how to wash the parquet? To do this, use only a soft cloth, which must first be squeezed well.
If the floors are heavily soiled, then the cleaning of the parquet is carried out only by cleaners. After all, aggressive parquet care products destroy the top layer, since their cleaning composition is dangerous for most floor coverings.

Unfortunately, varnish deteriorates over time, so it needs to be changed every five years, but the planks should be sanded before being coated.

Care products for parquet boards should be selected in accordance with the coating itself, otherwise the surface layer may be damaged.

Lacquered parquet - all the rules for caring for the floor are practically the same as the previous version, in this case, the answer to the question of how to wash the parquet is absolutely the same. Wash it with a well-wrung cloth, but not more than once a week. But it will need to be cleaned and updated not once every five years, but once every eight months, since it is less wear-resistant. During maintenance, dry cleaning should be used and alkaline or powder should not be used, even if it is not possible to wash the parquet from dirt. But how to wash the parquet if serious pollution has formed on it? For cleaning, you can use ordinary laundry soap.

It is also important for the owners to know how to remove the creak of the parquet, although in most cases it is better to turn to the help of specialists. After all, the creaking floor gives a lot of inconvenience to the owners of an apartment or house.

Natural parquet - the whole procedure for cleaning parquet is practically the same as the previous ones, but if there is dirt on it that cannot be cleaned, then how to wash the parquet board in this case? Here it is better to seek help from specialists, because only they know how to clean parquet if necessary.

During operation, you need to carefully monitor the condition of the parquet, otherwise you will have to change the top layer much more often than it is necessary according to the standards, for this you should know how to clean the parquet.

Parquet can safely be called best solution to cover the floor in your home. It has a luxurious appearance and the best heat retention performance without accessories. But to preserve the appearance and qualities of parquet, it will not be enough just to lay it and cover it with a protective layer. After all, parquet has many of its whims and nuances in use, and its lovers must take them into account and regularly ensure proper care for the parquet for the entire period of its service. Now let's try to figure out what exactly you will have to face if you lay out the floor from the parquet.

Caring for parquet at home

Parquet is able to serve properly up to 60 years without losing its qualities. But the wood from which it is made is natural material and requires appropriate attitude and care. Regardless of the coating material, there are basic ways to care for parquet:

regular cleaning;
application specialized funds care;
regular coverage updates;
air humidification.

Parquet cleaning

Caring for parquet and laminate are similar and have the same features. The following tips will help you properly clean them regularly:

Parquet maintenance in summer

Humidity greatly affects the "behavior" of the parquet, as the board tends to expand and contract depending on moisture saturation. In summer, the weather is warm and it often rains. Therefore, often the humidity reaches a high level and we should expect the parquet to swell, and sometimes even protrude the edges of the joints. Not everyone feels comfortable feeling the parquet boards under their feet, but that's the point. natural material, it remains only to wait out the season.

Care in the winter season

Cold weather means turning on the heating in the rooms, which naturally dries the air and affects the parquet. And the stronger the frost outside the window, the more heat the heating systems emit. The result is a narrowing of the parquet and the appearance of not only gaps between its slats, but also cracks in them. You can fight dry air with the help of humidification systems, which should be used in advance and prevent the parquet from drying out. Moreover, dry air negatively affects human health: the supply of oxygen to the body is difficult (which means that the functioning of organs and the performance of their functions deteriorate), the skin becomes tight, headaches occur and concentration decreases, immunity falls. Therefore, the use of humidifiers will become optimal solution questions not only about caring for parquet in winter, but also about maintaining one's own health.

Types of parquet flooring

Based on the coating, the method of caring for the parquet is determined. There are the following materials that cover parquet:

butter;
oil with wax;
UV oil;
varnish and UV varnish.

Uncoated parquet is also used, but it is used mainly for wall and ceiling cladding. Laying parquet on the floor and starting to use it without any protective material is strongly discouraged.

Initially, such a coating appeared for use in places with high traffic and floor load, namely in bars, restaurants, office space etc. An oil coating has its advantages precisely in that chips and scratches on it appear in the least possible way, since the oil penetrates into the pores of the wood, and does not create a mirror layer. And although it is recommended to renew the oil layer every six months, it is not necessary to completely sand the oil coating before applying the oil. As well as it is not necessary to take out all the furniture from the room. It will only be enough to manually re-impregnate the floor several times. And the cost of such oil is low. The advantages also include the absolute environmental friendliness of the material.

But caring for an oiled parquet will require some effort. Especially in the first days after treatment, until the pores are finally “saturated” with oil and the dirt stops sticking. In case of contamination, it is allowed to wipe the floor with a slightly dampened mop with the addition of a special soap for such a floor. Since the oil coating tarnishes after contact with water, it must be polished manually with a soft or woolen cloth, and in the best case with a polishing machine. Small scratches can be repaired by sanding them in the direction of the fibers with abrasive paper, followed by pouring oil or wax. Due to the fact that the scratches are not on the varnish layer, but in the wood itself, they have its color and are less noticeable. And after treatment with oil, they swell and tighten over time. At the end of processing, damaged areas are polished. It is also recommended to periodically rub the floor with a special oil mastic or a special care product, followed by polishing.

Oil coating with hard wax

Such parquet became the next stage of development oil coating, because after adding wax, the oil received high strength and additional protection from damage. At the same time, for restoration, the wax also does not require grinding and retains all the environmental benefits of an oiled floor. Restoration takes place every couple of years in the form of impregnation of the coating with the help of special care products for parquet of this type. Maintenance is carried out in the same way as oiled parquet.

UV oil

This oil passes through ultraviolet light and hardens with a protective layer that increases the strength of a conventional oil coating by up to 30 times. Today, global manufacturers are actively using this type of oil parquet flooring, as a high production speed is achieved in combination with high strength and presentable appearance of the parquet. The indisputable achievement is also the absence of the need for regular care. But local restoration of damaged areas is no longer allowed in every model of such a floor. In addition, a special oil for the restoration of parquet must be selected from the same manufacturer that produces the purchased parquet, matching the color of a particular board to the color of the product.

UV varnish

Coating parquet with UV varnish is carried out according to a similar principle with UV oil. The only difference is that the resulting ultraviolet rays the coating has not only greater strength, but also fragility with respect to the hardening of the varnish in natural conditions. Therefore, such a varnish is more afraid of impacts than an ordinary varnish coating on parquet.

varnish

Varnish is much stronger than oil and is characterized by the formation of a "glassy" protective layer on the parquet. But its main disadvantage is its high susceptibility to scratches and chips. Even a broom can damage the varnish. And the use of abrasive or hard objects for cleaning stains is strictly prohibited. Therefore, the care of varnished parquet has a number of its own characteristics. To avoid blackening and ensure the excellent appearance of varnished parquet, it is necessary to completely sand the coating every 5 years and apply 4 to 7 layers of varnish, depending on the desired “mirror” layer.

After the varnish has dried, the next two weeks should be carried out exclusively dry cleaning.

If it is decided to use lacquered parquet, then all the rollers and legs of the furniture should be soft and carefully rearranged without dragging across the floor. Heels, any hard and heavy objects on the floor should not be present.

If a scratch appears, it should be removed immediately, as it makes it possible for moisture to get on the wood, which starts the process of decay.

To do this, use only special care products for varnished parquet.

Special care products for parquet

Today, the parquet maintenance market is able to satisfy anyone who wants to restore or maintain the beauty of their wooden floor. We offer a variety of products that simultaneously care for and thoroughly clean wood floors from traces of shoes, liquids and stains without losing the shine of the floor. There are also concentrates for regular wet cleaning, which are added to water and do not contain substances harmful to the floor. The concentrate is able not only to refresh a wooden floor with any coating, but also to eliminate stubborn stains from a variety of liquids. And or pastes will help to remove a scratch on the parquet. The leading manufacturers of such products are German companies that guarantee the quality of their products and the result.

Of course, it should be noted high cost such goods. Less expensive products are available from Polish manufacturers and the Swedish company Bona. Caring for parquet with them is more affordable, and the quality of the goods is decent.

However, when choosing a tool, you should first of all choose it correctly. Otherwise, the money will be thrown away in vain, and the use of the wrong tool can lead to undesirable consequences.

The range of floor coverings is increasing almost every day. Manufacturers are trying in every possible way to persuade us to buy this or that material, endowing it with new, unique, "perfect" characteristics. The competition is huge. It is not terrible only for truly high-quality products, to which, without unnecessary exaggeration, parquet can be attributed. Parquet flooring is a wonderful decoration for any living space; it is always prestige and durability. People prefer wood for its qualities such as naturalness and warmth. In addition, it is able to warm and ennoble any interior - from minimalist to extreme. The latest production technologies, features of wood species, many ways of laying limitlessly expand decorative possibilities parquet. But remember, this material is alive, it is not a set-and-forget tile. Regular maintenance of your hardwood floor is extremely important.

Attention to the microclimate

Parquet is natural, environmentally friendly, which means it breathes. With an increase in humidity in the room, it increases in size, swells, warps. The dryness of the air provokes the drying of the coating, the manifestation of cracks and crevices. That is why it is worth noting that high-quality moisture protection plays an important role even at the stage of parquet laying.

A gap of about one centimeter should be left around the perimeter of the coating. It is filled with a sealant (elastic) - the agent will allow the parquet to expand with changes in temperature and humidity conditions.

Seasonal fluctuations in the size of parquet planks are a natural thing and inherent to a greater or lesser extent to all tree species without exception. It is worth noting that there will be no particular problems with oak, ash, walnut and maple in this regard, but the “exotics” will certainly show themselves in all their glory.

But is it possible to somehow weaken this process? Certainly! Ensuring control over indoor air humidity is half the battle. Parquet should be operated at a relative humidity not exceeding 60%; optimal temperature regime 15-25 degrees.

winter period

Begins heating season and the air in the room, of course, "dry". The dies are compressed - gaps are formed between them. Stop panic! In the spring, the air will again be filled with moisture, the gaps between the planks will disappear.

Oh, do you want the cracks not to bother you even in winter? This means that additional moisture will be required. For this purpose, it is best to purchase a portable device, and even better (if possible) - to build a humidifier in ventilation system. If you don't let the 45% humidity drop, no cracks will appear.

A hygrometer will help you monitor the humidity level in your home. From excessively dry air, by the way, human well-being can deteriorate.

Summer season

In warm, rainy summers, indoor relative humidity reaches 95%. The tree, absorbing moisture, expands. Excess moisture in the air, even in a few days, can “bring” the parquet to the “boat” effect - the edges of the planks rise above the center. Something similar can be observed after flooding the floor with water (which was not removed in a timely manner and managed to soak). As the humidity drops, the slats begin to straighten out slowly.

V warm countries with stable high humidity(India, Indonesia, certain regions of China) for this very reason, they use a completely different parquet flooring technology: a polished and oiled coating is laid on a substrate without glue (loose flooring); against the walls they press him.

The main enemies of parquet flooring

So, based on the foregoing, we can safely assume that worst enemy parquet is water in all its manifestations (both in a “pure” form and in the form of particles suspended in the air). Liquid spilled on the coating must be removed immediately. When cleaning the parquet, the rag must be thoroughly wrung out until it is slightly damp. Washing vacuum cleaners in the care of parquet are not your helpers.

Now about the group of "enemies" that create scratches on the parquet. This includes pets, furniture, and, of course, the main subject of women's pride - high-heeled shoes (stilettos). Animals break the integrity of the surface with their claws, so "cat-dog manicure" should become a regular procedure.

For furniture legs, it is worth purchasing special linings (felt, rubber); this applies in particular to chairs, armchairs, coffee tables(movable interior elements). Women's shoes, and indeed any shoes with heels - this is a special topic for conversation. If you don’t want to know what scratches from shoes look like, try to be more demanding of both yourself and your guests - change your shoes yourself and change your friends’ shoes. One more thing. Under no circumstances should you drop heavy, “clumsy-looking” objects on the parquet! Of course, none of us is immune from the will of chance, but accuracy and vigilance will not interfere.

Our next "opponents" are dirt, dust, sand. They are able to turn a shiny, mirror-perfect coating into a scratched gray. Dust can clog in the pores of the wood. A large accumulation of dust and dirt and rare, improper cleaning will lead to the fact that clogged particles will have to be removed along with everything top layer, which means that you will have to “recover” from scratch. In order to protect yourself from the multiplication of sand in the apartment, it is worth spreading rugs at the entrance to the house (apartment) and in the hallway. Keep them clean.

Remember that even if all the rooms are carpeted, you can not be naive to assume that the flooring is one hundred percent protected. After all, the sand is just under them and will accumulate in the first place, especially if you allow yourself the weakness to walk shod. The sole is the main source of grains of sand.

Rules for the care of parquet

As you know, parquet is protected from above by several layers of varnish/oil-wax mixture. In general, caring for this coating is the process of maintaining a parquet floor.

Lacquered parquet

Here the rules are:

after the end of varnishing, for about the first two weeks, parquet care should consist in collecting dust with a vacuum cleaner, then wet cleaning can already be connected to the vacuum cleaner;
the rollers of chairs and chairs (if any) must be special, incapable of damaging the coating;
wipe the floors with a soft cotton cloth, clean with a conventional vacuum cleaner or a hair brush;
abrasive materials should not be used for cleaning;
the use of hard objects is also unacceptable - after all, this will inevitably damage the varnish layer: as a result, dirt and moisture will penetrate the tree;
you can effectively get rid of pollution with the help of special means - the so-called "cleaners". Their uniqueness lies in the chemical neutrality in relation to the varnish. All major manufacturers of parquet chemistry have such products in their assortment. Ideally, if the cleaner you purchase is the brainchild of the same company as the varnish used to protect the parquet.
you should not put “cleaning experiments” on the coating: wash the floor with dishwashing detergent, gasoline, alcohol, paint thinner;
a thorough manual or machine cleaning of the parquet floor should be carried out only according to “serious indications”: if there are strong, hardened dirt that cannot be removed in the usual way;
the varnish layer must be updated periodically. Once every five to eight years, the parquet is polished and re-polished.

How often should care products be applied?

On the "territory" of the apartment, funds are applied as needed - about once every two to three months. In offices, corridors, stairs - monthly or even every two weeks. In institutions where increased load(shops, cafes, schools) - weekly. In places where the load is extreme - very often; it is difficult to talk about specific dates, the main thing is that the thinnest protective layer on the coating always remains.

To preserve the varnish "protective barrier", wax-containing polishes and special odorless preparations diluted with water are mainly used.

Unlike varnishes, parquet oils do not form a thick outer film - they just fill the pores of the wood. They prevent the penetration of moisture and various contaminants deep into the fibers. Restoring oiled parquet is as easy as shelling pears: regrinding of the entire surface area (which is inevitable in the case of a varnish coating) is not required - it is enough to treat the damaged areas.

Oil coating is convenient, first of all, for its ultra-fast recovery. Usually a day is enough. This the best way for finishing parquet in commercial, entertainment and other establishments that cannot afford a long downtime. Maintenance of an oil coating is in many ways similar to varnish - all the same dry and wet cleaning.

It is worth noting that floors, oil or wax coatings need more frequent and more thorough maintenance than varnished ones.

Typical damage and how to eliminate them

Problem #1 - color change

This phenomenon may be due to intense sunlight. Wood of different species behaves differently under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. When choosing parquet, keep this in mind. Some species (for example, cherry) ripen faster. This means that the darkening of such parquet will occur quickly.

Changing the color of the coating is a completely natural and logical process. Cover a certain area of the floor in the room with a carpet. Remove it after a certain period of time. You will notice the difference in tone.

Problem #2 - Discoloration and Staining

So parquet can react to various substances - detergents, water, urine of pets. Remember, spills must be cleaned up immediately! Parquet care products containing ammonia are not suitable!

Solution- sanding, varnishing. Individual parquet slabs may need to be replaced.

Problem #3 - cracking

It's all about dry air. For winter period such a phenomenon is acceptable. After some time after turning off the heating, the problem should disappear.

Solution- control of humidity and air temperature in rooms.

Problem # 4 - the appearance of wave-like cracks

The process can be observed after the parquet is laid or varnished. This is the result of the movement of the tree. The defect is typical for some types of wood (for example, oak). It is impossible to remove it.

Solution- since this is a natural phenomenon, then either put up with it or replace the defective dies.

Problem #5 - Slat Swelling

This is the result:

the harmful effects of high humidity;
insufficient shift between plank joints in adjacent rows;
insufficient expansion gap.

Solution- high-quality waterproofing is necessary. The expansion gap must have the size provided by the laying technology. End connections in adjacent rows should not match.

Problem #6 - Excessively tight tongue and groove

Perhaps the fact is that the package was opened too early and the boards had time to swell. Among other reasons: manufacturing defects, the use of low-quality tools during the installation process.

Solution- laying should be interrupted. If you note a clear manufacturing defect, the parts must be replaced. For installation of parquet, use only special tools and fixtures. You can lightly sand the tongues. If cracks appear in an already laid parquet, the coating should be sanded, puttied and re-varnished.

Summary and conclusions

Summarizing all of the above, we can conclude that caring for parquet is a rather multifaceted process, one might even say, multi-stage. Primary care - compliance with the optimal temperature and humidity conditions. General care - protecting the parquet from mechanical damage by means of rugs and all kinds of gaskets. Regular maintenance - removal of dust, dirt, use of cleaning concentrates and aerosols. intensive care- periodic application of "protection".

Of all floor coverings, parquet is the smartest investment you can make. Such a choice will only emphasize your practicality and excellent taste. Do not be too lazy to follow all the rules for laying and operating parquet, take care of it regularly and with high quality, and you will feel how durable the product can be if you treat it correctly. The feeling of comfort and reliability under your feet is priceless! Take care of him!

The parquet monolith is very beautiful, stylish and something else. It is impossible to take your eyes off the freshly laid canvas, but it is with the opportunity to expose the furniture and give the interior a finished look that a new cycle of problems called cleaning begins. As it turned out, caring for parquet is somewhat different from caring for simple wooden floors, as well as cleaning this coating is different from cleaning the laminate, not to mention tiles, linoleum and more. Therefore, today we are analyzing the question of how to care for parquet, there is something to talk about here.

Coating Care - Problem Solving Steps

Caring for parquet does not end with sweeping and washing. As practice shows, stains on the parquet must be removed, but the choice of products is a problem, since there are restrictions on detergents, and especially cleaning products. Aggressive pH values, both acidic and alkaline, are unacceptable, i.e. parquet care must be dispensed with. Forget about abrasive cleaners. And what will we be left with? Here's more about that. Consider:

Preparatory stage;
How to wash parquet and how;
Stains on the floor, how to remove;
Prevention of big problems.

Preparatory stage - dry cleaning

Without further ado, let's say right away that dry cleaning is carried out with a vacuum cleaner.

For any floor covering, wood, linoleum or laminate, it is recommended to carry out dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner using a special soft bristle nozzle. The explanation here is quite simple, the soft bristles of the nozzle will not “injure” the varnish coating of the parquet or the protective film of the laminate. In addition, the vacuum cleaner does an excellent job with small debris that gets into cracks or microcracks, especially sand and other abrasive particles.

Carpeting or coverings are removed. If you decide to vacuum both the carpet and the floor, then it is better to use your nozzle for the carpet, your own for the floor;
Preparation for washing involves the displacement of large-sized, movable objects in one sector, followed by their placement in their places after wet cleaning.

Now you can move on to the next step.

How to clean parquet?

How to wash parquet, although to be more precise, do not wash, but wipe. In this case, wet cleaning of the coating is very similar to wet cleaning of laminate flooring, it is not recommended to care for the parquet with a wet rag, only damp and well wrung out. So:

Rinse a soft cloth in clean, warm water and wring it out well;
With a wrung out cloth, the floor cloth is wiped from the far wall to the exit;
If in the course of your actions wet spots remain on the parquet, or laminate or board, they must be removed with a dry, clean cloth.

Usually at this stage of wet cleaning ends. However, there is a separate area of household chemicals - parquet care products. They come in two types - parquet care products for washing and for giving shine.

Advice! If you trust household chemicals more than ordinary home remedies, then choose care products from the same company that produces varnish. We warn you right away, the price of these funds will be higher than usual, but there is a guarantee of the expected effect. Although you can use vinegar or ammonia in the ratio of 1 tablespoon per 2 liters of water - the effect is not worse.

Stains can be removed

Expensive material is not laid for aesthetics, it is laid for aesthetic use, the same applies to laminate. Therefore, no one is immune from the appearance of spots. Parquet care goes into the stage of how to remove them, how to remove them at home, and what can be used for this. So, let's go through the spots:

Street dirt is normal. To remove it enough warm water and ordinary neutral detergents. In some cases, white clay can be used at home. With the help of warm water, clay slurry is applied for several hours on pollution, and then removed with clean warm water and rags. Clay is an excellent adsorbent.
Fat. No matter how hard you try, and if you are having a romantic candlelit dinner in the living room, then the likelihood of such stains is very high. Fat is removed with solvent or gasoline, but in this case the risk of damage to the varnish coating increases. There is another method for removing such a stain - sprinkle with starch and iron it through a napkin.
Urine. Small children and small animals alike can add such “happiness” to your floor. This composition has another unpleasant side, urine can "declare" itself bad smell if the wood coating has damage to the protective layer and has absorbed it. Such stains must be removed immediately. And in place of the former stain, a soft rag with alcohol is placed to finally eliminate the consequences.
Chewing gum. This is more like the "gifts" of older children, but, nevertheless, they can take place. Chewing gum breaks down in the cold. Therefore, this conglomerate is lined with ice cubes and the gum is quietly removed with a soft spatula. This principle to bring out the "uninvited guest" is applicable to laminate, linoleum and other coatings.

How to care for parquet has already been sorted out, let's move on to the question of how many problems can be avoided.

Problem Prevention

As practice shows, in order for the parquet to shine, it is often enough to adhere to simple rules. Let's go through them:

If you are laying parquet in the hall, in the places of the most frequent visits, movement upholstered furniture, and other possible mechanical effects on the floor covering, then open spaces it is better to cover with a carpet. This is both beautiful and will protect the varnish layer from premature wear;
All manufacturers unanimously declare that the varnish coating can protect natural wood for at least a few years. This is great, but do not forget that mechanical microdamage to the lacquer layer is possible by simply moving upholstered furniture around the room. Therefore, do not leave streaks and stains of water on the varnish;
V Lately cultivated fashion to walk in street shoes in living quarters. The European habit is not bad, but the condition of our streets and the presence of sand, screenings and other abrasives will not give your coating any shine or protection. Still, street shoes can and should be left in the hallway;
The appearance of cracks in the varnish layer due to too dry air cannot be ruled out, especially in summer period. The consequence of this may be diseases of the wood, the replacement of individual dies or the whole canvas. All this is unpleasant and costly. In order to avoid this, it is necessary to monitor the humidity of the air in the room, not to overdry, but also not to overmoisten it.