Parquet Cleaning and Maintenance in Switzerland

Parquet cleaning and maintenance: the complete guide by SOS Nettoyage

Parquet is one of the most popular floor coverings in French-speaking Switzerland. Valued for its natural elegance, durability and warmth, it is found in urban apartments in Genève and Lausanne as well as in mountain chalets in Valais. However, a poorly maintained parquet quickly loses its lustre: scratches, stains, greying, loosening boards… all problems that can occur without proper cleaning and regular maintenance.

At SOS Nettoyage, we are the professional cleaning specialist in French-speaking Switzerland. Our qualified technicians master every type of parquet and apply specific techniques to restore your floor to its full glory. Whether you are a homeowner, a tenant at the end of your lease, or a property manager, we are here to help with a free, no-obligation quote.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about parquet cleaning and maintenance: the different types, suitable techniques, recommended products, mistakes to avoid and prices in Switzerland in 2026.

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The different types of parquet

Before discussing cleaning techniques, it is essential to understand the different types of parquet available on the Swiss market. Each type has specific characteristics that directly influence the best maintenance method.

Solid parquet

Solid parquet is made from 100% noble wood (oak, beech, ash, walnut, maple). It is the most prestigious and durable floor covering — a solid oak parquet can last several centuries if properly maintained. In Switzerland, it is frequently found in period buildings, villas and upscale apartments.

Key characteristics:

• Board thickness: 14 to 23 mm of noble wood
• Lifespan: 50 to 100 years and more
• Can be sanded and refinished multiple times (up to 5-7 times depending on thickness)
• Sensitive to moisture and temperature changes
• Purchase price: 60 to 200 CHF/m² depending on the wood species

Solid parquet can receive different finishes (lacquering, oiling, waxing), and it is the finish that primarily determines the cleaning method.

Engineered parquet (multi-layer)

Engineered parquet consists of several layers: a wear layer of noble wood (2.5 to 6 mm) glued onto a plywood or HDF (high-density fibreboard) backing. It is the best-selling type of parquet in Switzerland today, offering excellent value for money.

Key characteristics:

• Genuine wood top layer
• More dimensionally stable than solid
• Compatible with underfloor heating (very common in new Swiss constructions)
• Can be sanded 1 to 3 times depending on the noble layer thickness
• Purchase price: 40 to 120 CHF/m²

Engineered parquet maintenance is similar to solid parquet, taking into account the applied finish.

Laminate flooring

Contrary to popular belief, laminate flooring is not a true parquet: it contains no noble wood on its surface. It is a fibreboard panel covered with a decorative layer (photograph of wood) and a protective melamine resin layer. Very common in rental apartments in Switzerland, it is valued for its low cost and ease of installation.

Key characteristics:

• No noble wood layer
• Cannot be sanded or refinished
• Resistant to stains and scratches (depending on the class)
• Sensitive to standing water
• Lifespan: 10 to 25 years
• Purchase price: 15 to 50 CHF/m²

Cleaning laminate is simpler than solid wood, but certain precautions remain essential.

Lacquered parquet (or varnished)

Lacquering (or varnishing) is the most common finish in French-speaking Switzerland. It involves applying 2 to 3 coats of polyurethane varnish on sanded wood, creating a waterproof protective film with a glossy (or matt) finish.

Key characteristics:

• Durable protection against stains, water and wear
• Glossy, satin or matt appearance depending on the varnish chosen
• Simplified daily maintenance
• Requires re-varnishing every 10 to 15 years depending on traffic
• Less natural feel than oiled

Oiled parquet

Oiled parquet is treated with a natural oil (linseed oil, hardwax oil) that penetrates into the wood fibres. This finish, very popular in contemporary Swiss interiors, preserves the natural and warm appearance of the wood.

Key characteristics:

• Matt, natural appearance
• The wood remains “alive” and breathes
• Local repair possible (without sanding the entire floor)
• Requires regular maintenance (oiling 1 to 2 times per year)
• More sensitive to stains than lacquered

Waxed parquet

Waxed parquet is the traditional finish par excellence. A natural wax (beeswax, carnauba wax) is applied to form a satin protective layer. This finish has become rarer in modern constructions but remains present in many historic Swiss buildings.

Key characteristics:

• Satin appearance that develops a patina over time
• Pleasant aroma (beeswax)
• Moderate stain protection
• Frequent maintenance needed (waxing every 3-6 months)
• Very sensitive to water

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Cleaning techniques by parquet type

At SOS Nettoyage, we systematically adapt our methods to the parquet type and its finish. Here are the professional techniques we use.

Cleaning lacquered parquet

Lacquered parquet is the easiest to maintain thanks to its protective film. Here is our professional protocol:

Routine maintenance (weekly):

1. Vacuuming with a vacuum cleaner fitted with a parquet-suitable brush (soft bristles)
2. Damp mopping with a well-wrung mop and a neutral cleaner (pH 7)
3. Natural drying — never leave standing water

Professional deep cleaning:

1. Thorough vacuuming of all dust and debris
2. Application of a professional deep cleaner for lacquered parquet
3. Mechanical cleaning with a single-disc machine fitted with a soft pad
4. Rinsing with clean water using a microfibre mop
5. Optional application of a protective polish to restore shine

Recommended frequency: a professional deep clean 1 to 2 times per year, depending on traffic.

Cleaning oiled parquet

Oiled parquet requires more attention as the oil wears with time and foot traffic. Our protocol:

Routine maintenance:

1. Vacuuming or soft sweeping
2. Cleaning with a special oiled parquet soap diluted in warm water
3. Very well-wrung mop — oiled wood is more sensitive to water
4. Immediate drying if necessary

Professional cleaning:

1. Thorough vacuuming
2. Application of an intensive cleaner for oiled parquet
3. Single-disc machine pass with a suitable pad
4. Rinsing and drying
5. Re-oiling of worn areas with a compatible maintenance oil
6. Drying time: 12 to 24 hours

Recommended frequency: professional cleaning twice a year with full re-oiling once a year.

Cleaning waxed parquet

Waxed parquet is the most delicate to maintain. It requires specific expertise that our technicians have fully mastered.

Routine maintenance:

1. Soft sweeping or vacuuming (parquet brush essential)
2. Regular buffing with a chamois leather or polishing machine
3. No water! Waxed parquet and water do not mix

Professional cleaning:

1. Complete dusting
2. Gentle stripping of the old wax layer with a suitable product
3. Cleaning the bare wood
4. Application of a fresh coat of wax (beeswax or hard wax)
5. Mechanical buffing with a professional polishing machine
6. Drying and curing time: 24 to 48 hours

Recommended frequency: professional cleaning and wax renewal 2 to 4 times per year.

Cleaning laminate flooring

Laminate is robust but cannot tolerate excess water, which can cause the panels to swell.

Routine maintenance:

1. Regular vacuuming
2. Cleaning with a very well-wrung mop
3. Use of a laminate-specific product (no black soap or greasy products)

Professional cleaning:

1. Complete vacuuming
2. Cleaning with a professional laminate product
3. Microfibre mop, S-pattern passes, minimal water
4. Quick drying

Recommended frequency: professional cleaning once a year or during an end-of-lease clean.

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Recommended products and products to avoid

Recommended products by finish

Finish	Recommended product	Frequency
Lacquered	Neutral cleaner pH 7, protective polish	Weekly / Bi-annual
Oiled	Natural soap for oiled parquet, maintenance oil	Weekly / Annual
Waxed	Beeswax, natural hard wax	Monthly / Quarterly
Laminate	Laminate-specific cleaner (no greasy residue)	Weekly

Products and practices to absolutely avoid

• Bleach: discolours wood and attacks finishes
• Pure white vinegar: too acidic, it dulls varnish and damages oiled wood
• Steam cleaners: the combination of heat and moisture is disastrous for wood
• Excess black soap: leaves a greasy film that will build up on lacquered parquet
• Silicone products: create a waterproof layer preventing the wood from breathing
• Abrasive sponges: irreversibly scratch the surface

SOS Nettoyage tip: if in doubt about which product to use, do not hesitate to ask us. The wrong product can cause irreversible damage, especially on oiled or waxed parquet.

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Mistakes to avoid

Here are the most common mistakes we encounter during our interventions in French-speaking Switzerland:

1. Using too much water

This is mistake number 1. Wood is a hygroscopic material: it absorbs moisture and swells. Excess water can cause:

• Swelling and warping of boards
• Detachment of glued boards
• Mould appearing between boards
• Blackening of the wood

The golden rule: the mop must be wrung out to the maximum. If you run your hand over it, it should be barely damp.

2. Neglecting protection

Felt pads under furniture legs are essential. Without them, every chair movement creates micro-scratches that, over time, dull the parquet. Similarly, a doormat at every entrance prevents sand and grit (which are particularly abrasive) from scratching the floor.

3. Exposing the parquet to direct sunlight

UV rays discolour wood over time. Light species darken, dark species lighten. Use blinds or curtains to filter light in very sunny rooms.

4. Delaying professional maintenance too long

A lacquered parquet whose varnish is worn is no longer protected: stains penetrate the wood and become permanent. Regular professional maintenance considerably extends the lifespan of your floor covering.

5. Applying the wrong product

Waxing a lacquered parquet, oiling a waxed parquet, varnishing an oiled parquet… these cross-treatment errors are unfortunately common and produce catastrophic results (sticky surfaces, persistent stains, uneven finish).

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Renovation vs cleaning: when is sanding needed?

It is important to distinguish cleaning (regular maintenance) from renovation (sanding and refinishing). Here is how to determine what your parquet needs:

Professional cleaning is sufficient when:

• The parquet is generally in good condition
• Stains are superficial
• The varnish or oil is still present and functional
• There are no deep scratches reaching bare wood
• The floor simply needs a refresh

Sanding and renovation are needed when:

• The varnish is worn down to the wood in high-traffic areas
• The parquet has multiple deep scratches
• The wood has greyed or blackened in places
• Deep stains have penetrated the wood
• The parquet has not been maintained for more than 10 years
• You wish to change the finish (e.g. switch from waxed to lacquered)

The sanding and lacquering process

Our teams carry out complete renovation in several stages:

1. Coarse sanding (grit 40-60): removal of the old finish
2. Medium sanding (grit 80-100): surface smoothing
3. Fine sanding (grit 120-150): preparation for finishing
4. Complete dusting of the room
5. Application of a primer (adhesion base coat)
6. Light sanding between coats
7. Application of 2 to 3 coats of lacquer (or oil, depending on choice)
8. Drying: 24 to 72 hours before normal use

Intervention duration varies from 1 to 3 days depending on the surface area and parquet condition.

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Parquet cleaning and renovation prices in Switzerland

Prices in French-speaking Switzerland in 2026 vary according to the type of service and the surface area to be treated.

Indicative price list

Service	Indicative price
Routine cleaning (maintenance)	8 to 12 CHF/m²
Professional deep cleaning	10 to 15 CHF/m²
Sanding only	15 to 25 CHF/m²
Sanding + lacquering	20 to 40 CHF/m²
Sanding + oiling	25 to 45 CHF/m²
Maintenance oiling (no sanding)	8 to 15 CHF/m²
Full waxing	10 to 18 CHF/m²

Factors affecting the price

• Total surface area: the larger the area, the lower the price per m² (economies of scale)
• Parquet condition: a very dirty or damaged parquet requires more work
• Desired finish type: lacquering is generally less expensive than oiling
• Accessibility: furniture to move, cluttered rooms, upper floors without a lift
• Wood species: certain exotic species require more expensive specific products
• Canton: prices are generally higher in Genève and the Lake Geneva basin than in Valais or Jura

Request your free quote for the exact price of your project. Our estimate is no-obligation and tailored to your situation.

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Our daily maintenance tips

To keep your parquet in excellent condition between professional interventions, here are the best practices recommended by our experts:

Daily routine

• Sweep or vacuum dust and debris (parquet brush)
• Immediately wipe up any water puddle or spilled liquid
• Remove your outdoor shoes at the entrance (grit is parquet’s worst enemy)

Weekly routine

• Light damp mopping with a well-wrung mop
• Use a product suited to your type of finish
• Check the condition of furniture pads and replace any that are worn

Seasonal routine

• Monitor the humidity level in your home (ideally between 45% and 65%)
• In winter, heating dries the air: use a humidifier to prevent wood from shrinking and gaps appearing between boards
• In summer, ventilate regularly but protect from direct sunlight
• Call on SOS Nettoyage for a seasonal professional clean

Annual routine

• Assess the condition of the finish: is the varnish still holding? Is the oil still protecting?
• Plan a professional deep clean
• If necessary, schedule a partial re-oiling or re-varnishing

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Parquet and end-of-lease in Switzerland

In Switzerland, the question of parquet during an end-of-lease clean is particularly sensitive. According to the rental rules and customs published by landlord and tenant associations, parquet is subject to depreciation over a theoretical lifespan of 15 to 25 years (depending on the type).

What tenants need to know:

• Normal wear and tear of the parquet is the landlord’s responsibility
• Abnormal damage (burns, deep scratches, permanent stains due to negligence) is the tenant’s responsibility, taking into account depreciation
• A professional parquet clean is often part of the requirements when returning the apartment
• The canton’s depreciation table serves as the reference to determine the share of responsibility

SOS Nettoyage regularly carries out end-of-lease services including parquet cleaning. We are thoroughly familiar with the requirements of property management firms in French-speaking Switzerland and guarantee results that meet the expected standards.

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Why choose SOS Nettoyage for your parquet?

• Certified expertise: our technicians are trained in specific techniques for each parquet type
• Professional products: we exclusively use professional-quality products that are kind to wood and the environment
• Professional equipment: single-disc machines, belt sanders, industrial vacuums
• Free, no-obligation quote: we assess your parquet and propose the most suitable solution
• French-speaking Switzerland coverage: we operate in the cantons of Genève, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Fribourg, Valais and Jura
• Satisfaction guarantee: if the result does not meet your expectations, we come back free of charge
• Liability insurance: all our interventions are covered by professional liability insurance

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FAQ — Parquet cleaning

How can I tell what finish my parquet has?

Pour a drop of water on the parquet in a discreet spot. If the water beads and stays on the surface, your parquet is lacquered. If the water slowly penetrates, darkening the wood, it is oiled. If the surface is slightly satin and you smell wax when rubbing, it is waxed. If in doubt, our technicians can carry out a free assessment when preparing the quote.

How often should I call a professional for my parquet?

For a lacquered parquet under normal residential use, a professional clean 1 to 2 times per year is sufficient. For an oiled parquet, plan for 2 professional cleans and 1 re-oiling per year. For a waxed parquet, professional maintenance 3 to 4 times per year is ideal. In high-traffic areas (building lobbies, offices), the frequency should be increased.

Can I use a steam cleaner on parquet?

No, never. The steam cleaner combines high heat and moisture, two enemies of wood. It can cause varnish detachment, board swelling, warping and finish whitening. This prohibition applies to all types of parquet, including laminate.

How do I remove a stain from oiled parquet?

Act immediately: absorb the liquid with a dry cloth. For an embedded stain, apply a special oiled parquet soap, gently rubbing in the direction of the wood grain. If the stain persists, a light local sanding (grit 120) followed by re-oiling the area is necessary. For old or deep stains, call SOS Nettoyage.

Is professional parquet cleaning noisy?

Using a single-disc machine generates moderate noise, comparable to a powerful vacuum cleaner. Sanding, however, is noisier (comparable to light construction work). We respect the legal noise hours in force in Switzerland (generally no noise between 12pm and 1pm or after 8pm) and inform neighbours if necessary.

How long should I wait after a professional treatment?

After a simple clean, the parquet is usable as soon as the surface is dry (1 to 2 hours). After lacquering, allow 24 hours for walking in socks and 72 hours before replacing furniture. After oiling, allow 12 to 24 hours of drying time. After waxing, the floor is usable after 6 to 12 hours.

Can laminate flooring be renovated?

No, laminate flooring cannot be sanded or renovated because it contains no noble wood layer. When laminate is too worn or damaged, the only solution is replacement. However, a professional clean can significantly improve the appearance of dull or dirty laminate and extend its lifespan.

Does SOS Nettoyage operate throughout French-speaking Switzerland?

Yes, SOS Nettoyage operates throughout French-speaking Switzerland: cantons of Genève, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Fribourg, Valais and Jura. For a quote tailored to your location, visit our free quote page or contact us directly. We commit to responding within 24 hours.