Terrazzo floors are a mishmash of marble chips with concrete. This type of flooring style became widespread during the Roman and Venetian times as marble was often utilized for floors, sculptures, and furniture which left behind scraps. The leftover marble is mixed with concrete to produce a different type of marble floor.
Although this type of flooring is inexpensive, it is considered delicate and requires maintenance. Read further to learn ways on how to remove stains from Terrazzo floors.
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A close look on Terrazzo
Terrazzo is best described as a composite material composed of marble chips and concrete or resin. When combined, it creates a lavish, smooth flooring or countertop material that affordably showcases the beauty of marble.
While the marble chips are sturdy, the binder is more permeable and prone to stains, especially when used as flooring. The flooring can have a polishing sealant applied that makes it resistant to the penetration of stains and liquid. This is recommended as a preventive measure to maintain its appearance but the sealer should be stripped and reapplied periodically. Wax is not suggested to coat terrazzo since it can make it slippery while buildup can result in a dull appearance.
Methods on how to remove stains from Terrazzo floors
When faced with stains on Terrazzo flooring, there are several methods that you can try out to deal with the common stains. Let us now take a look at these methods to effectively clean unwanted stains on Terrazzo flooring.
Get Alcoholic beverages stains of Terrazzo
Utilize a solution of warm water and liquid detergent on the site of the stain. If traces are still present, follow up with denatured alcohol. Spread an absorbent cloth that was saturated in hydrogen peroxide directly on the site. Place a cloth saturated in ammonia on top of this.
Get Blood stains of Terrazzo
Pour cold clear water initially on the blood stain on your Terrazzo and add a few drops of ammonia. Add lukewarm water over the site and sprinkle powdered malt. You’ll then leave it for an hour and then thoroughly rinse to getting the stain off.
Get Coffee stains of Terrazzo
Prepare a solution that includes 1-part glycerin and 3-parts water. Soak an absorbent cloth and place it over the coffee stains. Place a poultice of hydrogen peroxide and calcium carbonate. As an alternative, place a poultice comprised of abrasive powder and hot water.
Get Fruit stains of Terrazzo
If you need to remove a fruit stain from your Terazzon, then prepare a solution with detergent in powder form and warm water to clean the fruit stains. For a stubborn stain, rub the site with pulverized pumice stone under a block of wood.
Get Ink stains of Terrazzo
If you have gotten Ink on your Terrazzo, then utilize a solution of liquid detergent and warm water. Prepare a poultice of 2 tablespoon sodium perborate with a pint of water mixed with whiting to create a paste. Apply this on the stain. Repeat if needed.
Some types of blue ink respond to the treatment of a strong ammonia water solution that is applied to the site on a layer of cotton cloth.
Get Grease or oil stains of Terrazzo
- Utilize a solution of warm water and liquid detergent
- Add solvent on the spot and rub with a clean, soft cloth
Get Lipstick stains of Terrazzo
- For lipstick stains, utilize a solution of liquid detergent and warm water.
- Place an absorbent cloth that has been soaked in hydrogen peroxide over the site. Lay an ammonia-saturated cloth on top of this.
Get Paint stains of Terrazzo
- Initially clean using a solution of liquid detergent and warm water.
- Pour solvent on the site and rub with a clean, soft towel or cloth.
Get Rust or iron stains of Terrazzo
Prepare a poultice by mixing 1-part sodium citrate crystals with 6-parts water and combine carefully with an equivalent amount of glycerin. Add whiting to create a paste that is stiff enough to adhere to the surface in a thick coat. Leave in place for several days. Repeat as needed if the stain lingers.
Get Soft drinks stains of Terrazzo
If you or a friend has spilled a soft drink on the Tearrzzo, then position an absorbent cloth that has been immersed in hydrogen peroxide directly over the site of the stain. Place a cloth that has been saturated in ammonia on top of this.
Get Tobacco stains of Terrazzo
Use lemon juice to clean out a tobacco stain from Terrazzo. Place an absorbent cloth or towel that has been soaked in hydrogen peroxide over the site. Top it off with a cloth that has been saturated in ammonia. Place a poultice comprised of hot water and abrasive powder.
Another option is to treat the site with equal parts of alcohol and glycerin.
Get Urine stains of Terrazzo
In case of urine stains on the Terrazzo place a poultice of hot water and abrasive powder on the site of the stain. Position an absorbent cloth that has been immersed in hydrogen peroxide over the site. Place a cloth saturated in ammonia on top of this.
It is important to note that the chemicals listed are available at drug stores or laundry supply shops. When poultices are necessary, they must be applied around half inch thick and allow the mixture to thoroughly dry before removing.
Regular care of Terrazzo floor
With any type of flooring, it should be properly cleaned. The Terrazzo floors are simple to clean with a few steps.
- Sweep the floor to remove debris, loose dirt, and any leftover crumbs. A dry mop is also useful if the floor is dusty.
- Use water or a neutral cleanser to clean up the floor. Leave the cleaner in place for several minutes to dissolve any dirt.
- Thoroughly rinse the floor with clean water or utilize a wet vacuum to get rid of the murky water. A second rinse might be necessary to remove all the dirt and debris.
- Once the floor dries, buff to restore its shine.
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Can you use bleach on Terrazzo floors?
If you have Terrazzo flooring, there are certain cleaners that you must avoid. Some of the cleaners to avoid include chlorine bleach, vinegar, ammonia, acid or any abrasive cleaner to eliminate dust, dirt or debris.
Remember that chlorine bleach can discolor the flooring and eliminate its sheen. The flooring is permeable and bleach can be soaked into the cement and rock concoction. Once the flooring is exposed to bleach, this mixture starts to collapse and eventually end up damaged in the long run.
Can you use vinegar on Terrazzo floors?
Many people have been using vinegar as a cleaner since it is non-toxic and an all-natural option. Vinegar is a suitable choice for most floors but should not be used on Terrazzo floors.
Vinegar is a highly acidic substance which is the reason why it is the ideal universal cleaner, but the elevated acidity content can cause clouding or scraping on the surface of Terrazzo flooring. In most cases, the damage can be evident and management involves buffing and refinishing of the entire floor.
Can you mop Terrazzo floors?
Terrazzo flooring requires proper care to maintain its polished appearance. As part of maintenance, it requires a quick sweep with a moist mop with either water, a solution of all-purpose cleaner in warm water or a concoction of 1 cup fabric softener and ½ gallon water. This is usually enough in keeping the floor clean from dirt and debris as well as any stains or marks.
Video: Terrazzo Maintenance – Cleaning a Terrazzo Floor
Final thoughts
If you have Terrazzo flooring, it requires regular care and maintenance to keep it clean and shiny at the same time. Once the pristine appearance of the floor is marred with undesirable stains or marks, the methods on how to remove stains from Terrazzo floors will surely come in handy.
