It is important to remember that a wooden floor is a “living” material. Although it does not grow as part of a tree, wood is still very much a part of its environment, regulating light, temperature, humidity and influences. The general rule is that a real wooden floor needs four seasons to adapt to its environment. It is normal to see some changes on the floors due to changes in temperature and air humidity – fluctuations, which are related to heating and, of course, changes in seasons. Also, as the floor stays longer in your home over the years, the color will be softer and warmer. This is not a cause for alarm, it is natural. The oxidation process will end as well as the influence of UV rays present in the sun, this process also happens with upholstery, furniture, carpets, it is natural.
In order to avoid unwanted consequences, here are some tips for maintaining and cleaning parquet flooring:
- Keep the room temperature between 18 and 22 ºC.
- The relative humidity of the room must be maintained between 45% and 60%. A higher humidity difference in the room can lead to swelling, creasing or rising of the parquet from the subfloor, while a lower humidity difference in the room can lead to shrinkage and the appearance of cracks.
- During the winter period, i.e. during the heating season, it is necessary to control the relative humidity of the room and, if necessary, use room humidifiers in order to maintain the desired level of relative humidity.
- During the initial period, after installing the parquet, avoid placing carpets or other coverings on parts of the floor to avoid differences in oxidation and discoloration of the wood.
- It is necessary to prevent the parquet from being exposed to direct sunlight.
- For regular cleaning, use vacuum cleaners or special cloths that attract dust.
- Keep the floor dry or with a well-wrung cloth and the means provided for it. The choice of means for cleaning and maintenance of the parquet depends on the type of parquet finishing.
- Mechanical damage to the parquet can be avoided by protecting the legs from tables, chairs and furniture with pads made of felt or cork.
