How can I restore my parquet floor?

We've just moved into a house with original waxed parquet flooring. I don't want to have to sand it down, but it's in need of a face-lift. Can you tell me the best way to do this?

While sanding and re-finishing is the best way to a 'like new' floor, it is messy and time consuming. Alternatively, remove as much of the original wax covering as you can then re-wax. Clean the floor with a wax floor cleaner (£17.63 per ltr, Auro, then re-wax. Try Polyx Hardwax oil (£59 for 2.5ltr, www.greenbuildingstore.co.uk). It may, however, need re-doing annually. Or try a floor vanish, such as Ronseal Diamond Hard Varnish (from £16.99, DIY stores). It will change the natural look of the wood, but it'll be years before it needs any maintenance.