Care & Maintenance of Wood Floors

Maintaining a suitable environment

As it is a natural material, wood reacts to changes in ambient conditions. Maintaining this environment is the key to your parquet’s long life and good condition.

An RAH (relative air humidity) of 45% to 60% represents an ideal environment for timber floors. In winter, artificial room heating tends to make the flooring shrink, which can lead to splitting. Use special humidifiers to prevent
the air in the rooms becoming too dry. Hygrometers and thermometers should also be used to keep an eye on room conditions.

Room temperature should be kept at 18-22° If using under floor heating, temperature of the wood floor should not exceed 27°.

Tips to caring for your wood floor

Caring for a pre-finished parquet involves just a few simple rules:

• Use entrance matts to removed grit and dirt from shoes
• Use a broom or vacuum cleaner for daily cleaning, and stains should be removed with a damp cloth.
• Only ever use the recommended cleaners, NEVER ammonia-based products.
• Wear is an inevitable characteristic of a living material such as wood but, over time, it actually contributes to the floor’s beauty by creating a ‘lived in’ feel. Accidental damage can be avoided by sticking felt pads onto the base of chair legs and any other furniture that is often moved around.
• Areas which are most frequently walked over, such as doorways and hallways, can be protected with rugs; flower and plant pots should be provided with.

Know your wood floor finish

Your wood floor will have a protective finish to the floor to stop moisture and chemicals damaging the floor. You should always follow the instructions for the type of finish applied to your floor.

Lacquered (Varnish):

Routine Cleaning:

• Wipe with a damp mop or cloth using diluted Neutral Cleaner. Work on one area at a time, rinsing the mop or cloth regularly. It should always be well wrung out to avoid getting the wood to wet. A buffing machine fitted with a micro fibre
cleaning pad is also suitable
• Frequency: From once a week on light-traffic floors to daily cleaning in high-traffic areas.

Sugessted products: Bona Floor Cleaner for Lacquered Floors

Maintenance:

• Deep cleaning and removal of wax build up on floors use wax removal product such as L94 Cleaner, Bona Polish remover followed by coating of polish such as Everclear Matt/Gloss or Bona Polish

Hard Waxoil:

Routine Cleaning:

• Wipe with a damp mop or cloth using diluted Neutral Cleaner or Treatex Floorcare. Work on one area at a time, rinsing the mop or cloth regularly. It should always be well wrung out to avoid getting the wood to wet. A buffing machine fitted with a micro fibre cleaning pad is also suitable
• Frequency: From once a week on light-traffic floors to daily cleaning in high-traffic areas

Sugessted products: Treatex Cleaner for Oiled Floors, Bona Floor Cleaner for Oiled Floors

Maintenance:

• Deep cleaning and removal of wax build up on floors use Treatex Preparation Cleaner
• Re apply with Treatex Wax Polish or apply an additional coat of Hard Waxoil

Natural impregnating oils:

Routine Cleaning:

• Wipe with a damp mop or cloth using diluted Neutral Cleaner or BioSoap. Work on one area at a time, rinsing the mop or cloth regularly. It should always be well wrung out to avoid getting the wood to wet. A buffing machine fitted with a micro fibre cleaning pad is also suitable
• Frequency: From once a week on light-traffic floors to daily cleaning in high-traffic areas.

Sugessted products: Treatex Cleaner for Oiled Floors, Bona Floor Cleaner for Oiled Floors, Berger Bio Soap

Maintenance:

• Deep cleaning and removal of wax build up on floors use L94 and finish with Aqua Satin Polish
• Refinish with Classic 100 Pro Oil

Wax Finishes

Routine Cleaning:

• Wipe with a damp mop or cloth using diluted Neutral Cleaner or BioSoap or A fondo. Work on one area at a time, rinsing the mop or cloth regularly. It should always be well wrung out to avoid getting the wood to wet. A buffing machine fitted with a micro fibre cleaning pad is also suitable
• Frequency: From once a week on light-traffic floors to daily cleaning in high-traffic areas

Maintenance

• Deep cleaning and removal of wax build up on floors use L94 and finish with Aqua Satin Polish or Alungo or Lignolux
• To maintain and protect the finish of your flooring over time, it will be necessary to repeat this treatment twice during the first year and at least once from the second year onwards. L94 is only required if deep cleaning required or excess build up of wax is present.
• If the floor is subject to heavy wear and tear, this treatment may be repeated every 4/6 months, if necessary.