Marks on the parquet, washing and care: a small detail that can transform a bright room into a dull and neglected environment. Permanently eliminating stains after washing parquet seems difficult, but there is a trick that few know.
It happens to everyone: you decide to wash the parquet carefully, perhaps taking advantage of a sunny morning. You choose the right products, you mop them, and yet, as soon as the surface dries, those annoying opaque marks appear. A real nuisance, especially when the natural light, typical of spring days, highlights every little imperfection. And here, the frustration grows. It almost seems like an endless challenge between the desire for order and the reality of the facts. There are those who try to remedy the problem with other detergents, those who repeat the wash several times: but the result does not change, the marks always return. What really causes them? And, above all, how to avoid them forever?
The answer is not obvious. It often depends on the type of water you use, the amount of detergent and even the cloth you choose for drying. Some parquet floors, which are more delicate, tend to absorb residues which are deposited precisely when we least expect it. An overlooked detail? The temperature of the water, perhaps too hot, can alter the polishing. And then there’s the rush: mopping and immediately walking barefoot, perhaps leaving invisible footprints that turn into halos. Yet, it doesn’t take much to change things.
How to avoid stains on parquet: the key factor
The real difference is often made by a simple but little-used technique: the final rinse with cold, well-wrung water. It may seem trivial, yet many skip this step. After washing the parquet with a specific detergent, you need to go over the entire surface with a clean cloth, slightly dampened with cold water only. The movement must be light, almost as if you wanted to “caress” the floor, without insisting too much. This is to remove any soap residue which, if left, causes most dull streaks. Curious how, often, the solution is hidden in the simplest details.
Another aspect not to be underestimated concerns the cloth. Many people use microfiber rags that are too thick or not very clean. Better to choose a thin one, well washed and, above all, free of fabric softeners. The latter, even if invisible, leave a light patina that mattifies the parquet after drying. A simple gesture, such as replacing the cloth, can make the difference.
Water, detergent and… pay attention to your gestures
In addition to the final rinse, the amount of detergent used is crucial. It happens that you pour too much, convinced that one more product equals greater cleaning. In reality, a small dose diluted in a lot of warm water is enough. The water, ideally, should be slightly calcareous (but it is not always easy to know). In case of hard water, distilled water can be used, at least for the last step. A practical trick? In winter, dry the parquet by leaving the windows slightly open: the cold air helps avoid the formation of stains due to humidity.
Here are some useful details to keep in mind:
- Use a little water, well wrung out.
- Specific detergent for parquet, never universal degreasers.
- Always rinse with cold water and a clean cloth.
- Avoid walking on the floor until it is completely dry.
- Change the drying cloth often, avoiding those treated with fabric softener.
- In the presence of very hard water, opt for distilled water at least for the last pass.
Sometimes, you just need to observe your daily habits. Even just walking barefoot immediately after washing, or leaving windows closed, can worsen the final result.
When the halo seems inevitable: last minute solutions
It happens, however, that despite all the attention some halo remains. In that case, don’t panic. Before resorting to expensive products, you can intervene with a simple solution: wipe with a soft cloth slightly dampened with water and white vinegar (one part vinegar to ten parts water). This natural, delicate and minimally invasive remedy helps to remove the most stubborn stains without affecting the surface. Important though: do not overdo it with vinegar, and never use it pure.
Another little trick: in case of recent stains, you can use the hairdryer (warm air, not hot) to dry the area and limit the effect of the halo. In some cases it works, especially if the humidity is high and the floor takes a long time to dry.
The reality is that every parquet has a history, an experience, and requires small gestures of attention. Experimenting, observing and adapting the technique to your home makes the difference.
There are those who discover it only after several attempts. And then, finally, that clean light that fills the room without any halo in sight.
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