How to Care for Parquet Inlaid Wood
- 1). Sweep the floor with a fine, soft bristled broom or a vacuum cleaner adjusted for non-carpeted areas. Ensure that any motorized device has a setting for floors before using. You can damage the wood if you use a vacuum designed only for carpeting.
- 2). Mop the area with a soft, cloth mop head. Fabric mops will pick up additional dust missed by sweeping. Use plain water only when mopping. Avoid cleaners or detergents unless they specify that they are appropriate for hardwood floors. Dampen the mop with warm water and wring out until it is damp-dry. Do not saturate the area. Parquet is made of wood and excess water can warp its surface.
- 3). Lay down rugs in high-traffic areas to reduce wear on the parquet floor. Use rugs with slip-resistant backings for safety to forestall anyone slipping on the rug.
- 4). Place protectors under heavy furniture to prevent dents in the floor. Furniture companies and hardware stores offer pads made specifically for the bottoms of furniture legs that sit on hardwoods.
- 5). Clean up any spills immediately. Wipe the area with a wet cloth to prevent damage and staining of the wood. Allowing liquids to sit on parquet floors can warp the wood.
- 6). Hang protective curtains in windows that prevent heat and sunlight from fading or warping a floor.
- 7). Install a humidity sensor in your home. Flooring manufacturer Armstrong recommends that optimum humidity stay between 35 to 55 percent. If the air tends to be dry, install a humidifier with an automatic sensor to maintain the moisture.
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