How to clean terrazzo floors step by step

Terrazzo floors were the most widely used during the construction boom because they are made of inexpensive and durable materials, so they were considered more of an investment than an expense. But these same materials are what make them need more specific care than other types of flooring.

If your terrazzo floor is a little dull and you want to recover the splendor of yesteryear and look like newly installed, we tell you how to clean terrazzo floors step by step to make them look like new.

What is terrazzo flooring? Characteristics of terrazzo floors

Terrazzo is what is known as a “utilization” material. It is composed of pieces of marble and other stones, agglutinated with white cement and sometimes colored with pigments. It arose from the need to give a use to the leftover pieces of marble that were used in the pavements of the stately residences.

Terrazzo is a resistant and inexpensive material, which is why it gained popularity over time. In fact, it was very common to see it in Spanish homes in the 1960s in the form of tiles. On the other hand, these are the main advantages of terrazzo as a material:

• It is tough, resistant and durable.
• It hardly needs any maintenance.
• Withstands shocks and wear and tear well.
• It is easy to clean.
• By simply polishing it, it can be restored to its original luster.
• It is economical.
• It is versatile and continually reinvents itself with new designs.

As for the type of terrazzo, depending on the size of the aggregates present in its composition , it can be micro-grain, medium-grain or coarse-grain. The latter have a great decorative power.

How to clean terrazzo floors

Terrazzo floors have a resin that protects them and, over time, it wears away, giving the terrazzo a dull and dull appearance. Fortunately, this is very easy to fix.

To clean terrazzo floors just follow these steps:

1. Remove furniture, carpets and all obstacles that make cleaning difficult.
2. Remove dust and dirt from the surface with a vacuum cleaner or, if not available, by sweeping thoroughly.
3. Mop the terrazzo floor with a little neutral Ph soap and warm water. The ideal is to pass the mop vertically so that no marks are left.
4. Ventilate the house so that the surface dries as soon as possible, as terrazzo floors do not cope well with humidity.

How to remove stains from terrazzo floors

If there are stains on the terrazzo floor and they do not disappear after scrubbing, it will be necessary to scrub to remove them. This can be done with a cloth dampened with soap and water; in fact, the same mixture used for mopping can be used, rubbing the stain with a cloth gently so as not to damage the terrazzo.

If the stain is very difficult to remove, there are some homemade tricks that can help us with the task depending on the type of stain:

• If the stain is mercurochrome , the area should be cleaned with vinegar and then washed with warm water.
• If the stain is iron , it is necessary to mix coarse salt and lemon juice; with the resulting liquid, we must clean the floor and rinse it with warm water.
• If the stain is grass, it is important to clean the terrazzo floor as soon as possible so that the stain does not dry out. All that is needed is a brush soaked in vinegar and hot water, then just wash with soap and warm water and finally rinse the floor with cold water.
• If the stain is wax, use a brush to remove the wax from the floor and then rub the stain with a cloth soaked in turpentine. You can also use hot vinegar and rinse it with water.
• If the stain is a humidity stain, it must be removed with bleach and water, rubbing with a brush and then rinsing the floor. If the stain has penetrated the terrazzo, it is advisable to ask for help from a professional.

It is advisable to test these products on a small area before using them to clean terrazzo. In this way, we ensure that these products do not damage the surface and it does not lose brightness or color.

How to polish terrazzo floors

Polishing terrazzo floors is important to keep them in good condition and make them shine. To know how to polish terrazzo floors indoors, just follow these three steps:

1. Polish the floor with a stripper that is applied with a polishing machine. This removes the grease from the terrazzo and causes the liquid to penetrate so that the floor shines.
2. Apply a sealer and then a crystallizer to polish the terrazzo floor.
3. Wax the floor to give it more shine and seal the pores opened in the two previous phases.

How to clean outdoor terrazzo floors

Being outdoors, outdoor terrazzo floors are more exposed to dirt and wear. However, cleaning them follows the same steps as indoor terrazzo floors, only with more effort put into the scrubbing process.

After scrubbing outdoor terrazzo floors, it is advisable to wipe them with a cloth to dry them quickly. It is also important to have a good ventilation of the space so that the humidity leaves quickly and does not damage the material.

To make outdoor terrazzo floors shine, after scrubbing, a microfiber mop and clear wax can be applied for a refreshed look.

Terrazzo floor care tips

To prevent the terrazzo floor from irreversible damage, here are some tips for terrazzo floor care:

• Avoid strong acids or chemicals that may damage the terrazzo coating. To find out if a liquid can be used to clean the terrazzo floor, it is advisable to test it on a small area of the floor that is inconspicuous.
• Do not use blades, wire brushes or hard bristles to avoid scratching the surface. When moving furniture on a terrazzo floor, place a cloth or plastic sheet underneath to avoid scratches.
• If vinegar is to be used, it must be rinsed and removed in time so that it does not cause stains that cannot be removed.

As you have seen, cleaning terrazzo floors is a simple process if you have the materials, tools and basic knowledge to do it. It is not necessary to go to a professional to get a magazine finish, although if you have any doubts, and you want to use products with professional results, you can contact us.