Maintenance of oiled parquet

Maintenance & protection

An oiled parquet floor is known for its natural and warm appearance. Unlike varnish, oil does not form a sealing layer on top of the wood but penetrates deep into the fibres. This allows the wood to breathe and preserves its authentic character. This natural finish does require a slightly different approach to maintenance. Fortunately, it’s simple: it’s mainly about nourishing the wood, not intensive cleaning.

Why parquet maintenance matters

Because oil penetrates the wood rather than forming a surface film, the finish remains natural and matte. Proper maintenance keeps the protective properties of the oil active, preserves the matte look, improves resistance to dirt and moisture, and extends the lifespan of the finish. In short, good maintenance ensures your parquet retains its natural beauty for years to come.

Simple and natural

Maintaining oiled parquet is surprisingly easy. Dust, sand, and dirt are best removed regularly using a soft brush, vacuum cleaner, or a slightly damp mop. This prevents small particles from causing scratches on the surface. For cleaning, it’s best to use a dedicated parquet soap.

This special soap not only cleans the surface but also nourishes the wood at the same time. Unlike standard cleaning products, parquet soap does not dry out the wood. Always use a slightly damp mop, never too wet. Excess water is not ideal for wood and therefore not for parquet either.

When should you clean with parquet soap?

There is no fixed frequency for cleaning with parquet soap. The right timing depends on how intensively the floor is used. We recommend doing this up to once or twice a month, using a slightly damp mop and lukewarm water. Cleaning too often or with too much water is not advised.

The importance of periodic maintenance

An oiled parquet floor remains beautiful with regular, thoughtful maintenance. If you notice that the surface absorbs dirt more quickly, feels less resistant to dirt, or that the matte finish starts to look dull, it’s time for a more intensive cleaning. Afterwards, the floor should be nourished again with a layer of maintenance oil. This restores the protective properties of the oil and preserves the natural look and warmth of the wood. As a guideline, this is typically needed once every one to two years, depending on the level of use.

Woodshield: extra protection for intensive use

In commercial spaces with high foot traffic, additional protection can be beneficial. For this purpose, Belgiqa developed ‘Woodshield’. Woodshield is an extra protective layer for parquet that increases wear resistance and makes the surface more suitable for intensive use. The major advantage? The natural look of the wood is preserved. The surface remains matte, and the structure of the wood stays visible and tangible.