How to Maintain Parquet Flooring – Care Tips & Professional Restoration

Parquet flooring has been admired for centuries, first gaining fame in the time of Louis XIV when it became a symbol of luxury and refinement. Today, parquet remains one of the most desirable flooring choices, thanks to its timeless charm and versatility. Whether laid in a classic herringbone pattern or a more modern geometric design, parquet brings warmth, character, and sophistication to any home.

Having parquet floors means you own a true piece of craftsmanship, and like any valuable feature in your home, it deserves care and attention. With the right maintenance, parquet can last for generations, retaining both its natural beauty and its long-term durability. Below, we share proven tips that will help you protect your parquet flooring and keep it looking stunning for years to come.

Cleaning Your Parquet Floor Regularly

Regular cleaning is the foundation of parquet floor care. By removing dust, grit, and dirt, you prevent scratches and protect the finish, allowing your parquet to keep its natural shine for years.

Start by vacuuming the entire surface. Most vacuum cleaners include a special setting for hardwood floors – always use it to avoid scratching the delicate finish. After vacuuming, follow up with a soft broom or a dry sweeper to capture the smaller particles that often go unnoticed.

When it comes to mopping, less is more. Use as little water as possible, since excess moisture can damage the wood. In most cases, plain water is enough for routine cleaning. For a deeper clean, you can use a parquet floor cleaner designed specifically for wooden floors. These products often contain nourishing additives that help maintain both the look and durability of the wood.

Avoid harsh or abrasive cleaners, as they can strip away the protective finish and dull the shine of your parquet. Always ensure the floor dries quickly after mopping, since wood and water are never a good mix.

Protect Heavy Traffic Areas

Every home has areas that experience much more wear and tear than others. Hallways, entryways, living room paths, and the space around dining tables are some of the most common heavy traffic zones. Over time, constant footfall in these areas can cause the parquet to lose its shine faster, leading to scratches, dull patches, or even early signs of surface damage.

To reduce this impact, it’s a good idea to add a layer of protection. Decorative rugs and runners not only enhance the look of your interior but also act as a barrier between shoes and the wooden surface. Make sure to choose rugs with non-slip backings or pair them with breathable underlays to prevent movement and allow the parquet to breathe. Avoid rubber or latex-backed mats, as they can trap moisture and harm the finish.

Another simple habit that makes a big difference is using doormats at entrances. By trapping dirt, grit, and moisture before they reach your parquet, you significantly cut down on the potential for scratches and stains. With the right protection in high-traffic areas, your parquet floor will maintain its natural beauty and last for many more years.

Control the Humidity in Your Home

One of the most overlooked aspects of parquet floor maintenance is humidity control. Wood is a natural material that reacts to changes in the air. For parquet flooring, the ideal indoor humidity range is between 40% and 60%. If humidity levels are too high, the wooden planks may swell and push against each other, causing uneven surfaces or warping. When the air is too dry, the wood can shrink and develop gaps between the blocks or boards. Both extremes shorten the lifespan of your parquet floor.

Seasonal changes can be especially challenging. In winter, central heating systems often dry out the air indoors, making parquet floors more vulnerable to shrinkage. In summer, warm and humid air can cause the opposite effect – expansion and cupping of the planks. That’s why controlling indoor climate for parquet floors is so important if you want to prevent long-term damage.

To stay on top of the conditions in your home, use a hygrometer for wood floors. This small device provides accurate readings of indoor humidity. Place it on an inside wall away from direct sunlight or windows to ensure precise measurements. If the humidity is too low, consider using a humidifier; if it is too high, a dehumidifier or air scrubber can help stabilise the environment. With proper humidity management for parquet flooring, you can avoid cracks, gaps, and warping while keeping your wood floors beautiful for decades.

Ask for a Little Green Help

One simple and natural way to improve the indoor climate for your parquet floors is by adding house plants. Plants naturally release oxygen and moisture into the air, helping to regulate humidity levels. This not only keeps your hardwood and parquet flooring protected from cracking or warping, but it also improves air quality for your overall health.

Certain plants, such as ferns, peace lilies, and areca palms, are especially effective at adding humidity and purifying the air. By incorporating greenery into your home, you create a healthier environment and add an extra layer of natural parquet floor maintenance. A double win indeed!

Turn Back Time – Sand Your Parquet Floor

Even with the best care, parquet floors can lose some of their shine over time. The good news is that parquet floor sanding offers a way to restore its original beauty. Sanding removes the old finish—whether varnish, oil, or hardwax oil—and reveals the clean, fresh wood underneath. This process smooths the surface, eliminates scratches, and prepares the floor for a new protective coating.

Professional wood floor sanding and refinishing can completely transform the look of your room, bringing back the authentic charm of your parquet. If certain sections of the floor have been damaged by moisture, wear, or loose blocks, skilled floor specialists can repair or replace parquet blocks before the sanding process. With the right approach, even an aged and tired floor can look as good as new, ensuring that your parquet remains a long-lasting feature of your home.

Keep Your Parquet Beautiful for Generations

Parquet flooring is more than just a functional surface – it’s a timeless feature that adds warmth, elegance, and value to your home. With the right care and attention, you can maintain parquet flooring in excellent condition for decades. From regular cleaning and protecting high-traffic areas to controlling humidity and adding natural greenery, small steps can make a big difference in preserving the charm of your floors.

When your parquet begins to show deeper signs of wear, scratches, or dullness, professional parquet floor restoration is the key to bringing it back to life. Expert sanding and refinishing not only restore the original beauty of your floors but also extend their lifespan, ensuring they remain a proud feature of your home for generations to come.

If you want to extend the life of your parquet floors, consider scheduling an inspection with flooring specialists. Whether it’s minor maintenance or a full restoration, investing in the right care today guarantees your parquet will continue to impress tomorrow.