Terrazzo floors can give any room a luxurious finish while simultaneously adding sophistication and class. These polished marble and granite chips are known for their timeless style, high durability, and low-maintenance design that can last decades with proper care.
If you want to show off your beautiful terrazzo floors – without the hassles of intensive scrubbing or recoating – then this guide on how to care for terrazzo floors will help you understand how to properly clean, maintain, seal, and restore your terrazzo flooring so it looks as good as new!
What is a Terrazzo Floor?
Terrazzo flooring is a composite material made of marble chips, quartz, granite and other stones in a cement or resin binder. It’s usually polished to get its signature shine and is incredibly durable and low-maintenance – making it the perfect choice for high-traffic areas like lobbies, entryways, hallways and bathrooms.
It’s also eco-friendly and easy to repair if any chips or scratches occur. It can last up to 80 years with proper care, so it’s a great investment for any building.
Benefits of Caring for Terrazzo Floors
Caring for your terrazzo flooring is important if you want it to last for many years. Regularly maintaining and sealing your floors will help protect them from dirt, dust and scratches while also helping to maintain their beautiful shine. It’s easy to do and doesn’t require a lot of time or effort – meaning that you can enjoy the beauty of your terrazzo floors for many years to come.
Additionally, regular maintenance and cleaning can help prevent costly repairs down the line, so it’s important to take good care of your terrazzo flooring if you want it to look like new!
Needed Supplies
In order to properly care for your terrazzo floor, you will need the following supplies:
- Dust Mop or Vacuum Cleaner
- Neutral Ph Detergent
- Soft Cloths or Microfiber Green Pads
- A Pail of Warm, Clean Water
- Sealant
- Floor Buffer/polisher (Optional)
11 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Care for Terrazzo Floors
Step 1: Prepare the Area
Before you begin cleaning, make sure to remove any furniture or rugs that are on top of your terrazzo floor. This will help ensure that nothing is damaged during the cleaning process. It also will give you better access to any hard-to-reach areas. It’s also a good idea to place protective mats or tarps to cover any vents and air conditioning units in the area.
It’s important to protect these items from getting wet. If there are any areas that require special attention due to dirt buildup, you can also use painter’s tape or masking paper to cover them.
Step 2: Dust Mop or Vacuum
Once the area is cleared, use a dust mop or vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt and debris from your terrazzo floor. Make sure to pay extra attention to corners and crevices where dirt tends to accumulate over time. Otherwise, this dirt can be pushed into the cracks and cause further damage.
But whatever you do, don’t use a dry mop – this can cause scratches on your terrazzo floor. This is why it’s best to use a damp mop or vacuum instead. You can also use a broom, but make sure it’s soft-bristled so it doesn’t cause any damage.
Step 3: Dilute the Detergent
Next, mix a small amount of neutral pH detergent with warm water in a pail. Make sure to use a gentle detergent that won’t damage your terrazzo floor. But if you’re still not sure, it’s best to test the detergent in an inconspicuous spot before cleaning the entire area.
This will help make sure that the detergent won’t strip away any of the sealant or cause permanent discoloration. It’s also important to mix the detergent with warm water, as cold water can cause streaks and spots on your terrazzo floor.
Step 4: Mop with Your Mixture
Once the mixture is ready, dip a soft cloth or microfiber green pad into it and mop the floor. Start from the farthest corner and work your way in, using a circular motion to ensure that you don’t miss any spots. If you’re using a mop bucket, make sure to dump the dirty water and refill it with fresh water as needed.
This will help prevent dirt from getting pushed into the cracks and crevices of your terrazzo floor. But it’s also important to not soak the floor with water, as this can damage the sealant and cause discoloration.
Step 5: Rinse the Floor
Once you’re done mopping, use a clean cloth or microfiber green pad to rinse off the floor with warm water. Make sure to rinse the entire floor thoroughly, ensuring that no soapy residue is left behind. Otherwise, this can cause streaks and spots on your terrazzo floor.
You can also use a squeegee or steam mop to help remove any stubborn stains. It’s also a good idea to use two buckets when rinsing – one for the soap and one for the clean water – as this will help prevent dirt from getting pushed into the cracks and crevices.
Step 6: Dry the Floor
Once you’ve finished rinsing, use a dry cloth or microfiber green pad to dry your terrazzo floor. Make sure to go over the entire surface of the floor, removing any excess moisture that could damage your flooring.
You can also use a squeegee or steam mop to help remove any puddles, but make sure not to leave any residue behind. Although it may seem like a tedious process, this step is essential to make sure that your terrazzo floor looks like new. But don’t worry – you’ll be done in no time!
Step 7: Seal the Terrazzo Floor
To seal your terrazzo floor, use a high-quality sealant specifically designed for terrazzo floors. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how and when to apply the sealant.
This will help protect your floor from dirt and other debris while also making it easier to clean in the future. If you’re not sure how to apply the sealant, it may be best to call in a professional. This way, you can be sure that your terrazzo floor is properly sealed and protected.
Step 8: Buff the Floor
To get that extra shine on your terrazzo floor, you can use a floor buffer or polisher. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and use the recommended settings for best results.
It’s also important to take your time and work slowly, as this will help prevent any damage or scratches to your floor. You can also use a soft cloth or microfiber green pad to buff out the sealant after it has been applied. This will help make sure that your terrazzo floor looks its best.
Step 9: Vacuum Again
Once you’re done buffing your terrazzo floor, vacuum it again to remove any excess dirt or debris that may have been left behind. But make sure to use a vacuum cleaner specifically designed for hard surfaces, as this will help prevent any scratches or damage.
It’s also important to use a soft brush attachment, as this will help remove any stubborn dirt or stains without causing damage. It’s also a good idea to use a vacuum cleaner with HEPA filters, as this will help keep the air in your home clean and free of allergens.
Step 10: Remove Stains and Scratches
If there are any stubborn stains or scratches on your terrazzo floor, use a mild detergent or polish specifically made for terrazzo floors. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and make sure to buff the area after you’ve applied the product. You can also use a soft cloth or microfiber green pad to help buff out the area. This will help make sure that your terrazzo floor looks as good as new.
Step 11: Clean Regularly
To keep your terrazzo floor looking its best, make sure to clean it regularly with a dust mop or vacuum cleaner and do a deep cleaning at least once every month. This will ensure that your terrazzo floor always looks like new!
This is also a great way to prevent dirt and debris from getting pushed into the cracks and crevices of your floor, as this can cause permanent damage. It’s also important to reseal your terrazzo floor every few years to ensure that it is properly protected. Taking these steps will help you keep your terrazzo floor looking like new for years to come!
Following these steps on how to care for terrazzo floors will help you keep your floor looking its best for years to come. With proper care and maintenance, this timeless flooring option can last decades – so make sure to take the time to properly clean and maintain it!
Do You Need to Use Professionals?
If you’re concerned about properly caring for your terrazzo flooring, it may be helpful to hire a professional who can help with the job. Professional cleaners and restorers have the tools and expertise necessary to get your floor looking like new in no time – so if you want to make sure that your terrazzo floor is cared for correctly, hiring a pro may be the best way to go.
How Much Does it Cost?
The cost of professional terrazzo floor cleaning and restoration can vary depending on the size of your space and the complexity of the job. However, it’s usually quite affordable – so if you’re looking for a way to keep your terrazzo flooring in top condition without breaking the bank, hiring a professional may be worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How Often Should I Clean My Terrazzo Floor?
A1. You should dust mop or vacuum your terrazzo floor at least once a week to keep it looking its best. Additionally, you should do a deep cleaning once every month with a neutral pH detergent and warm water to ensure that any dirt or debris is removed properly.
Q2. Can I Use A Steam Cleaner on My Terrazzo Floor?
A2. No, steam cleaners are not recommended for terrazzo floors as they can damage the surface of your flooring. Instead, stick to vacuuming or dust mopping and use a gentle detergent with warm water to clean your terrazzo floors.
Q3. How Often Should I Reseal My Terrazzo Floor?
A3. Depending on the amount of foot traffic in your home or building, you should reseal your terrazzo floor every two to three years. This will help keep it looking its best and protect it from dirt, dust and scratches. Make sure to use a high-quality sealant specifically designed for terrazzo floors.
Q4. Can I Use A Buffer or Polisher on My Terrazzo Floor?
A4. Yes, you can use a buffer or polisher to give your terrazzo floor an extra shine, but it’s not necessary if you’re just looking to clean the floor – vacuuming and mopping with a gentle detergent will usually suffice. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and use the recommended settings for best results.
Conclusion
Terrazzo floors are a beautiful and durable flooring choice that, with proper care and maintenance, can last for years. Regular resealing schedules, vacuuming and brushing your floor on occasion, using low-abrasive cleaning solutions, and avoiding high foot traffic areas when mopping are all key steps in keeping your terrazzo floor looking new. Lastly, be sure to keep heavy furniture off the floor as it can cause permanent damage.
With a little bit of effort, you’ll be rewarded with the lasting beauty of your terrazzo floors. So don’t forget to take these simple steps on how to care for terrazzo floors for maintaining the perfect terrazzo surface, so you can enjoy it for many years to come!
