Hey there, terrazzo fans! We know you take great pride in your terrazzo flooring—and why wouldn’t you? So let’s find some terrazzo flooring cleaning techniques for your cleaning routine.
Its unique pattern adds beauty to any space, and its hard surface makes it ideal for busy households. But if you don’t clean and maintain it properly, you won’t enjoy its beauty as long as possible.
We want to help make sure that doesn’t happen. That’s why we are giving you some tips and tricks on properly cleaning the terrazzo flooring in this article.
Whether you’re a newbie or an old pro for cleaning terrazzo floors, there will be something here for you.
So let’s not waste more time—start learning the perfect terrazzo flooring cleaning routine!
What Is Terrazzo Flooring?
If you’ve ever been in a fancy restaurant or museum, chances are you’ve seen terrazzo flooring—that beautiful, elegant stone tile surface. But what is it?
Terrazzo flooring comprises marble, quartz, or granite embedded into concrete and polished until smooth.
The natural stones create unique coloring and marbling, allowing for beautiful space customizations.
But with its beauty comes great responsibility—terrazzo needs regular attention and care to keep it looking its best.
That’s why a good cleaning routine is essential for this type of flooring. Terrazzo floors need a basic cleaning now and then to keep them looking shiny and more specialized attention from time to time.
Read on to find out the perfect terrazzo floor cleaning routine!
How To Prepare for Terrazzo Flooring Cleaning
To keep your beautiful terrazzo flooring looking great, then you need to do the extra leg work of cleaning. With a regular cleaning schedule, you will love the look of your floor.
To properly prepare for terrazzo flooring cleaning, it’s necessary to do the following:
Gather all the necessary materials: mop and bucket, pH-neutral detergent, soft-bristled scrub brush, terrazzo sealer, and vacuum cleaner.
Sweep or vacuum the floor thoroughly to remove loose debris or dust. Make sure to get into hard-to-reach areas like behind radiators or under furniture.
Do a quick spot test by applying your chosen detergent to an inconspicuous area of your terrazzo flooring. To avoid damage on your floor.
If you’ve recently used wax on your terrazzo floors, you must strip it before cleaning. Depending on the wax type used, you’ll need either mineral spirits or special wax strips for this step. These tips on how to get wax off your floor could also help.
Setting aside enough time for adequate preparation before starting your terrazzo flooring cleaning routine will ensure that it will be done efficiently and successfully—leaving you with beautiful Terrazzo floors that shine!
The Best Way to Sweep and Mop a Terrazzo Floor
Cleaning your terrazzo floor is essential, but you must be careful—if you clean it wrong, you can damage the surface.
Here’s the perfect cleaning routine that’ll help keep your terrazzo floor looking great:
Sweeping
Start by sweeping away any dirt or debris with a soft-bristled broom. Then, for more stubborn dirt, use a vacuum to pick up any leftover particles.
Don’t ever use an abrasive broom or mop, as these can scratch or dull the finish on your terrazzo floor.
Mopping
After sweeping, it’s time to mop—but be sure to use a gentle cleaner that won’t strip away the protective sealer from your terrazzo floor.
Start mopping from the back of the room and work your way forward in a figure-eight pattern for even coverage. Rinse with clean water and let air dry for best results!
How to Remove Stains From Terrazzo Flooring
Removing stains caused by spills or dirt is essential to the perfect terrazzo cleaning routine. Here are some tips to give you squeaky-clean terrazzo floors:
Blotting
When tackling a stain on your floor, the first thing to do is blot it up with a dry cloth. It will quickly absorb the liquid, preventing it from seeping further into your floor and causing permanent damage.
Cleaning Solution
Next, prepare a gentle cleaning solution on the terrazzo. Warm water mixed with a small amount of mild detergent or floor cleaner should do the trick. With a soft-bristled brush, apply the solution directly onto the stain. After five minutes, you can gently scrub the floor.
Rinse & Dry
Once you’re done, rinse the area with plain water and then dry it completely with a paper towel or cloth. These extra steps will help ensure your terrazzo floors look their best!
Tips for Removing Scratches and Discoloration on Terrazzo Flooring
If you’re looking for tips on how to clean terrazzo flooring and make scratches and discoloration vanish, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Whether it’s a single scratch or an entire area that needs to be restored, here are a few tips to help you spruce up your terrazzo floors:
Light scratches
If you can see light surface marks, dampen a cloth with a neutral-pH cleaner, then lightly rub the affected area to remove the marks. Finish with a soft cloth buffing.
Deep Scratches
Use a paste of baking soda and water for tougher stains and deep scratches. Apply on the affected area for 15 minutes before scrubbing with a soft brush. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly.
Discoloration
If some areas are discolored, remove the floor’s natural color by applying mineral spirits with a lint-free cloth.
Follow up with a buffing session using 0000 steel wool in short strokes until the desired level of sheen is achieved.
Finish up by rubbing the cleaned area gently with an oil-based wax to give it extra protection and shine. And there you have it: your terrazzo floors look as good as new!
Routine Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Terrazzo Floor Clean
Maintaining the cleanliness of your terrazzo flooring is key to keeping it in tip-top shape.
Here are a few things you should consider regarding terrazzo floor cleaning.
Vacuum on the Lowest Setting
Vacuuming your terrazzo floor on the lowest setting will help to pick up any debris, dirt, and dust that has settled onto the surface.
Be sure to use a vacuum cleaner with a brush head, as this will be gentle enough not to scratch the surface of your flooring.
Dry Mop Regularly
Once you’ve vacuumed your terrazzo, use a dry mop to pick up any stubborn dirt particles or dust.
You should also dry mop at least once a week to prevent the build-up of dirt and grime on your flooring.
Damp Mop With Microfiber Pad
Once you’ve vacuumed and dry mopped, damp mop your floor using only warm water and a microfiber pad. This prevents streaking or blemishes that could occur if you use any cleaning chemicals.
It’s important not to use hot water or abrasive cleaners as this can degrade or damage the surface of your terrazzo flooring.
Taking these simple measures regularly will ensure that the sheen and beauty of your terrazzo floors remain pristine for years to come!
Terrazzo Flooring Cleaning Made Easy!
No matter how much you love your terrazzo flooring, it won’t stay beautiful if you don’t clean it regularly. That’s why establishing a weekly cleaning routine is so important.
With the perfect cleaning routine, you’ll keep your terrazzo flooring looking better for longer.
From vacuuming and mopping to spot-treating and sealing, all these steps work together to keep your terrazzo flooring in optimal condition.
Invest the time and effort into maintaining your terrazzo flooring now, and you’ll have beautiful terrazzo flooring to enjoy for many years.