Oiled floors are a very durable solution, which looks spectacular for many years, and with the passing of time, like a wine, they become even more noble. However, in order to enjoy their flawless beauty, it is necessary to know how to take care of them properly, following a few rules presented below.
Oiled parquets are an increasingly popular solution in opposition to varnished floors. They are usually made of highly warp-resistant wood such as oak, ash or beech. Their advantages include, among others, a natural appearance with clearly marked grain and fiber lines, less slippery surface than lacquered floors, as well as the absence of visible scratches. If you want to enjoy all the features of this solution for a long time, however, you should remember that it requires proper care.
To prolong the beautiful appearance of oiled floors, regular maintenance is required at least once a year, and preferably twice a year. This is done with a special oil that is applied to the surface of the floor to re-protect it from damage. This oil penetrates the internal structure of the wood, preventing it from absorbing moisture and guaranteeing the high gloss of the parquet. In addition, during the first year after installing oiled floors, it is recommended to carry out its maintenance twice as often, that is, four times a year. Therefore, despite all its advantages, this solution requires time, which will pay off in its impressive appearance for many years.
Like other floors, oiled floors also require daily care and cleaning. In this case, sand and all sorts of dirt caused by daily use should traditionally be removed from the surface first with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a bristle tip. Then wash the oiled floor surface with a damp cloth or a well-drained mop. It is important that the elements used for cleaning oiled floors are as damp as possible to prevent moisture from penetrating the boards and causing unsightly stains.
For everyday cleaning of oiled floors, it is recommended to use special liquids or soaps dedicated to this type of surface, which create an additional protective layer on the floor, protecting it from wear and damage. The amount of detergent used should be strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. It is also important that the water used to clean oiled floors is always cold.
In case of intensive dirt on the floor, it is necessary to use special detergents, which will dissolve the layer of care products and accumulated dirt on the surface of the parquet. Commercially available agents for daily care of oiled wood are offered in both colorless and colored variants, which, when properly matched to the color of the parquet, enhance its color and highlight all its advantages.
As you can see from the above tips on caring for oiled floors, they require a lot of time and attention, so they are not recommended for people who know in advance that they will not be able to devote time to these activities. However, people who consciously decide on oiled floors and the duties connected with them can be sure that they will guarantee a unique atmosphere in the interior, as well as an excellent appearance for many years. Another interesting fact is that because the oil used on this type of flooring does not close the pores of the wood, it can be successfully used in kitchens, bathrooms and even on terraces.
In conclusion, if you want to take proper care of an oiled floor, you should remember to impregnate it quarterly during the first year after installation and every six months thereafter. Daily cleaning should be done with the use of appropriate products and low humidity of the cleaning equipment.
