Since the 1980s, numerous French households have opted for floating wood floors. These floors are different from classic wood floors in that they are not fixed to the floor below. Click-together floating wood floors don’t require any glue or nails as each strip slots into the previous one. Floating wood floors are therefore an easy solution when building a new home or switching up existing décor.
It is important to note that there are three different types of floating wood floors: laminate, engineered and solid wood. The choice might seem overwhelming but panic not. If you want to install wood floors in your living room, we offer extensive advice on choosing the right type for your space.
To keep your floating wood floors clean, it is important to clean them regularly and ideally as soon as you notice any marks.
It is especially important to be aware of how dangerous moisture is for floating wood floors. If any water gets between the strips, it can irreversibly damage the floor. Wood is prone to warping or cracking when it comes into contact with moisture.
Steam cleaners, hot or lukewarm water should never be used to clean wood floors.
Before you begin cleaning, it is important to sweep or vacuum your floating wood floor to remove any dust and layers of grime that can build up between the strips. If you use a vacuum cleaner, ensure you don’t scratch your floor by investing in a special wood floor attachment.
To clean your floating wood floor, we advise mopping no more than once a month. Make sure that the mop is well wrung out and dry the floor with a rag immediately after cleaning to avoid water damage.
Wood floors should only be cleaned with cold water.
Microfibre mops are ideal for cleaning wood. Use a neutral cleaning product and dry the floor immediately after mopping. This will ensure your wood floor gleams like new!
Natural products for cleaning floating wood floors
Just spilt something on your floating wood floor? Speed is of the essence. However, it is important to avoid any abrasive products or household cleaners containing silicone, as well as utensils that scour the surface of the floor as they can scratch or damage it.
Annual maintenance will differ for varnished and oiled wood floors.
Lacquered wood floors:
Depending on how worn the varnish is, you can apply a matt or satin ‘metallizing’ protective layer once or twice a year to restore its appearance. This will help remove any scrapes or scratches on your wood floor. To apply metallizer, clean the floor then use a mop to distribute it evenly across the surface of your floating wood floor in the direction of the grain, letting it dry without rinsing.
Oiled wood floors:
After sweeping/vacuuming and cleaning your wood floor, spray Panaget maintenance oil onto the surface with a spray bottle then wipe with a clean, dry cotton rag or a microfibre cloth until it has all been absorbed. Leave the floor to dry for 4 to 8 hours before walking on it again. Airing out the room is also a good idea.
Simple and straightforward, regular maintenance can help to restore the protective coating and preserve the warm and natural appearance of oiled wood floors.
For more tips on correctly maintaining your floating wood floor, see our product guide.
Going forward, maintaining your floating wood floor should be quick and simple. However, beware the pitfalls of too much cleaning. This can cause moisture to seep into your floor, permanently damaging it.