GENERAL
The durability and resistance of wooden flooring is mainly dependent on proper care, maintenance and conditions in the place of installation.
To clean dirt such as sand, we use a vacuum cleaner with the soft ending, a soft broom or a cloth. We place a quality doormat by the entrances, which prevents sand from getting onto the parquet.
The feet of furniture must be equipped with protective felt pads, which will prevent scratching. The furniture is moved by being lifted and then transferred to a new location. Never slide the furniture along the parquet!
In the case of water or other liquid spills, immediately wipe them off the flooring. Coffee, red wine and ketchup stains must be removed immediately, as they may otherwise leave permanent stains. To remove tough stains, consult the parquet seller.
If the floor is very dirty, it needs to be cleaned manually with a damp cloth. Only use well wrung–out damp cloth. Water on the surface may otherwise cause swelling of the parquet. Use of a water vacuum cleaner on the parquet is forbidden.
A key condition for the longevity of a wooden flooring is a suitable climate in the area, with an average temperature of 20°C and relative humidity of 50 to 60 %. Climate conditions may be followed with a humidity meter or weather clock (especially important during the heating season). Optimal and relative air humidity may be maintained with air humidifiers.
The floor surface must not exceed 26°C in the case of under-floor heating.
Always use quality cleaning agents, oils and other items, as recommended by the parquet manufacturer. Always read product instructions before use and follow them.
LACQUERED SURFACES
Lacquered parquet surfaces must, immediately after the installation, first be thoroughly vacuumed to remove solid impurities. Then, proceed to clean the floor with a cleaning agent for lacquered surfaces. It may be in the shape of a concentrate, diluted by water. A cleaning agent that is even easier to use is one that comes in the form of a spray, in a pre – diluted state. Soak a soft cloth in the solution, wring thoroughly and wipe floor.
The parquet may be additionally protected with a parquet care agent. Beside the first impregnation, it can be used additionally (1-2x yearly), as it restores the shine and covers minor scratches. Do not walk on the floor a couple of hours after application.
To tackle tougher stains, consult an expert.
Do not use cleaning agents that contain wax. We advise against cleaning with water alone.
When major wear of the lacquer layer appears on the parquet, a new sanding and lacquering is suggested. If the lacquer has been completely removed from the surface, a suitable renewal of parquet is difficult. Sanding and lacquering should be performed by a professional.
OILED SURFACES
When oiling parquets, oils are used, which emphasise the natural appearance of wood and increase its resistance to wear, dirt and moisture.
Immediately after the installation of a factory oiled parquet, vacuum it thoroughly and clean it with a soft (thoroughly wrung out) cloth, soaked in a solution of water and cleaning agent for oiled surfaces.
For larger surfaces, use two buckets. One should contain a solution of water and cleaning agent, while the other should contain clean water, which we use to additionally rinse the cloth. The cloth must always first be rinsed in clean water and only then soaked in the solution of water and cleaning agent, followed by a thorough wringing. The cleaning agent also contains a parquet care substance, so we do not wipe the floor with clean water afterwards. The floor should be cleaned in the direction of wood fibres.
For most naturally oiled parquets, the manufacturer demands a first treatment with maintenance oil immediately after the installation. The first treatment additionally protects the connections and surface from dirt and humidity. The first oiling should be carried out by a trained parquet professional. The oiled surface usually dries tangibly within a day or two (sometimes longer), depending on the conditions in the area. The parquet may be walked on once the surface is tangibly dry. Complete oil solidifying may take between 10 and 20 days. During this time, the parquet is sensitive to damage and humidity. Wet cleaning is forbidden during this time.
The floor must additionally be regularly maintained with a cleaning agent for oiled surfaces. Initially the maintenance should be weekly or, regarding the use floor, based on how much maintenance is needed, but no less than once a month. After every cleaning with a cleaning agent for oil surfaces, your floor will be less sensitive to dirt and stains.
After a completed, regular »damp« cleaning, you may remove the tougher stains with a few drops of concentrated cleaning agent, applied directly to the stain. Let the agent work for a few minutes, then clean the flooring with a regular solution (water + cleaning agent) once more. The more aggressive cleaning agents may also remove oil and pigments from the parquet, so use them carefully.
Periodically, oiled surfaces need to be renewed with an application of maintenance oil. Surfaces, where the protective layer of the oil has been removed with the wear of the floor regain a nice appearance. Colourless, parquet friendly oils must be used, or oils with suitable added pigment.
Before the application of oil, the floor needs to be thoroughly cleaned from both dirt and cleaning agent remainings. Once the flooring dries, the oiling may begin. Do not put off oiling long enough for the floor to remain entirely without the protective layer, as this makes it lose its attractive appearance for good, making it impossible to renew.
When oiling, the temperature in the area must be between 16°C and 20°C.
Apply some oil to the floor and equally spread it with the help of a sprayer, a polishing machine with suitable felt or manually with a cotton cloth. Let the oil remain active for a few minutes. If the entire surface is not suitably oiled, repeat the process. All excess oil should be removed from the floor by cloth. Do not apply excess quantities of oil!
After an hour, manually polish – or, for better results, use a polishing machine (150 rpm) with a white or red felt. The corners and other areas that are difficult to access should be polished manually. Polish until the surface is dry. The last polishing needs to be performed in the direction of wood fibre.
Warning: danger of spontaneous combustion. Oil soaked cloth must be rinsed with water and dried in the open air immediately after the work is complete.
For additional protection, clean the surface seven days after the oiling with the cleaning agent.
Do not use cloth which contains micro fibre. Natural fibre cloths, such as cotton or felt. The use of an unsuitable cloth may cause the flooring to become rough and very prone to dirt.
| Vacuum cleaning | Cleaning agent and water | Intense cleaning agent and maintenance oil | Repair oil | |
| Daily | • | |||
| Every 14 days / 1x monthly | • | |||
| Periodic | • | |||
| When damage occurs | • |