When you notice that your parquet is so worn out and has lost its shine to the point that sanding and varnishing seem necessary, try refreshing it gently using household items you already have. The results will surprise you…
If you have a hardwood floor that is not worn out but has slightly lost its shine, you can opt for a simpler solution instead of a “major overhaul.” This way, you can restore the shine to your wooden floor coverings.
Complete sanding of the floor involves a major effort throughout the entire apartment, including moving and removing furniture, and inevitably raises a lot of dust. Minor repairs can be localized to just one room, or even just a part of the floor where the wear and tear are most visible.
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This advice applies only to varnished parquet, not oiled or waxed wooden floors, which can only be refreshed by re-oiling or re-waxing. If your hardwood floor is varnished, which is the case in 90% of homes in our country, the procedure is simple.
Step 1: Clean the Floor Thoroughly
To properly polish the hardwood floor, it’s essential to remove any dirt first. Vacuum the area you want to refresh to remove all mechanical debris, dust, and any sand particles that could damage it. Then, clean the varnished surface thoroughly.
You can make a cleaning solution with ingredients you already have at home: mix one-half water, one-quarter white vinegar, and one-quarter 70% alcohol. Optionally, you can add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Use this solution and a cloth to clean the floor thoroughly. You will already notice a difference in how the floor looks.
Step 2: For a Super Finish – Walnuts and Black Tea!
Once the floor is cleaned, wait for it to dry completely. Note that all wiping should be done with a well-wrung cloth to avoid excess water seeping into the cracks between the floor panels. After the surface has dried, inspect it for scratches. If you find any, use an old folk remedy for wood – walnuts. Rub the scratches with walnut kernels.
The natural oils in the walnuts will reduce the visibility of scratches by 80%, making minor scratches almost invisible. After that, wipe each treated area with a dry cotton cloth to remove the walnut oil.
Finally, believe it or not, black tea will give your hardwood floor a finishing shine. Boil several bags of black tea in a pot. Once it cools down, soak a clean cotton cloth in the tea, wring it out, and use it to vigorously wipe the floor.
The mild tannic acids in the tea will further restore the shine to your floor. If you follow this procedure, you will be surprised by the results, and the floor you thought needed sanding and varnishing will likely last for several more years.
By following these simple steps, you can refresh your hardwood floor and bring back its original shine without the need for expensive chemical products. This natural approach not only saves money but also keeps your home environment healthier. Try it out and enjoy your beautiful, shiny hardwood floor!
Photo: Freepik