Has your floor suffered some scratches? Do not panic ! You can easily and quickly repair this and restore the parquet to its full shine. Discover these tips to remove scratches from your parquet and restore its original appearance.
Wooden or parquet flooring is one of the most beautiful and elegant materials that exists, but it is undeniable that it requires proper maintenance to give it a perfect appearance. However, this is not always easy, and scratches can appear on the parquet over time, for example from sliding tables or chairs.
As wood is a natural material, it is very sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature. For this reason, if the parquet is not properly maintained, it tends to deteriorate prematurely. The use of mats is strongly recommended to protect the floor from this type of damage. In addition, the mats provide excellent thermal and acoustic insulation.
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Fortunately, there is a very simple homemade trick to remove scratches from parquet. To apply it, you only need a product that you surely have in the kitchen: sunflower oil.
To do this, spread a few drops of sunflower oil on a cotton cloth and rub in circles so that scuffs and scratches disappear as if by magic. If the parquet has a darker tone, you can add a few drops of red wine vinegar to the mixture. It will be like new and without scratches!
Even better, this hack can also be applied to any worn or damaged wooden furniture. Remember that it is very important that the cloth is made of cotton and is clean to achieve the desired results.
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On vinyl or pvc flooring
Although vinyl flooring is known for its low maintenance, moisture resistance, and durability, scratches can still occur. Removing scratches from your vinyl flooring can help keep your floors looking clean and looking new. And while not all scratches can be removed, it is possible to make the scratch less noticeable.
One way to remove scratches from vinyl flooring is to use a paste wax. These are the steps to follow:
First stage : Clean the surface, then gently buff the scratched area with a scouring pad.
Second step : Use a paper towel and apply the paste wax in a circular motion. Then gently clean any excess wax from the area. Buff your vinyl floor back to its original shine.
Third step : If you have deeper scratches, you can use a stain applicator pen that matches the color of your floor. Fill in the deep scratch with the pen. Next, take a damp cloth and wipe any excess off the feather.
If, in addition to getting rid of scratches, you want your parquet to look like new, there is a solution for the home that works very well. You must mix the following ingredients: 5 liters of warm water, 30 ml of tea tree essential oil and 100 ml of cider vinegar.
The first and most important step is to thoroughly vacuum the dirt from the parquet. You can do this with a mop or, better yet, a vacuum cleaner. Avoid using the broom, as it drags the dirt and ends up scratching the floor.
Then, dip the mop back into the bucket with the mixture, squeeze out any excess water, and begin mopping the floor with the mixture, working your way down. Little by little you will see that the wood shines again like the first day. Finally, when you have rubbed the entire surface, let it dry and that’s it.
Other tips for cleaning parquet naturally
Do you want to try other methods to wash your parquet? There are many tips that you can apply, but be careful! The right product depends on the treatment of your soil.
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Water for all floors
Don’t want to use a specialized product? Is the floor not too dirty? Mopping with warm water is the best way to clean your hardwood floor. Make sure the damp mop is not too wet. Or dry the floor after cleaning it. If there is too much moisture left on the floor, it is bad for the wood. For untreated soil, it is always better to use distilled water.
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Vinegar for treated parquet
Do you have grease stains on your floor? You can add a little cleaning vinegar to the water. Don’t use too much vinegar, as it is a degreaser and can affect a film of oil. It should be used occasionally.
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Mild household soap for treated floors
A mild household soap can be used to clean parquet floors. However, it is extremely greasy and may not work well on varnished floors.
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Do not use bleach, ammonia, or all-purpose cleaners.
Use mild soap and limited amounts of vinegar. However, these products are less aggressive than bleach, ammonia, or all-purpose cleaners. If you use these products occasionally, they will not immediately damage your parquet. But if you use them frequently, they will affect the varnish layer and therefore damage your parquet.
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Despite your best maintenance efforts, you may find scratches on your furniture over time. Don’t worry, because there are ways to repair the surface of your laminate furniture. Here are some recommendations:
- Before making repairs, clean your furniture of any particles that may be on it and remove dust and debris to keep the surface clean. This way, nothing will get caught in the scratches or interfere with the repair process. You can use a soft microfiber cloth or a soft duster.
- Depending on the size of the scratch, you may only need a light polish. If it’s a small scratch, crack open a walnut and gently rub the walnut (not the shell) over the scratch. Clean the surface with a soft cloth and let it sit. This should help remove the scratch.
- You can also try using a small amount of a mild hardwood cleaner. Using a soft cloth, apply a drop of this cleaner, then lightly wipe the scratch and allow it to dry. Then rub with another soft and dry cloth the scratch that will begin to disappear.
- When you have a larger scratch on the surface of your furniture, you may need to take additional steps to repair it. One method is to apply “wood putty,” a putty-like substance that fills in the scratch. You can find wood putty at a home improvement store. Be sure to read and follow the instructions before applying the filler.
- After application, level the putty so that there is no additional material. Then use a lint-free cloth to gently buff away the scratch. You can also use sandpaper to sand down the putty for a smoother finish. These steps should remove the scratch and leave a clean, flat surface.
- If you have an MDF cabinet top, you may want to apply a primer before using the filler. If you are using a primer, be sure to allow it to dry before applying the filler. The primer will help cover the surface prior to repair. As you know, for best results, please follow the instructions carefully when applying the products to your furniture.
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