How To Clean And Polish Terrazzo Floors?

Last Updated on October 15, 2023 by admin

Terrazzo floors are a durable and attractive option for any home or business. They can be made with marble, granite, quartz, and glass chips embedded in a cement or epoxy binder. Terrazzo floors are easy to clean but need special attention when polishing them.

What Is Terrazzo Floors?

Terrazzo is a composite material of marble, quartz, granite, and glass chips mixed with a cementitious binder. This mixture is poured into place and cured to create an extremely durable flooring surface. Terrazzo floors are often seen in commercial settings but can also be used in some residential properties. Terrazzo is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas due to its durability and ease of maintenance. Unlike some other surfaces, terrazzo can be refinished and restored to look new.

Can You Polish Terrazzo Yourself?

Yes, you can polish terrazzo floors yourself. All you need is a buffer, polishing powder, and a wet vacuum cleaner.

• Start by buffing the floor with the buffer using circular motions to remove any scratches or dull patches. Sprinkle the terrazzo polishing powder onto the floor and spread it around evenly using a soft broom.
• Use the wet vacuum cleaner to remove any excess powder, leaving you with a beautiful shine.
• Make sure to wear protective gear such as gloves and glasses when handling the polishing powder or buffer for safety.

Things Needed For Cleaning And Polishing

• Mop
• Water
• Bucket

  

How To Clean And Polish Terrazzo Floors?

Sweep the entire floor: Use a soft-bristled broom or vacuum cleaner to sweep the floor, removing dust and dirt gently.

Sweep the debris into a dustpan: Once you have swept the floor, use a dustpan to sweep all trash into one location. This will help you track how much dirt and dust has been removed from your terrazzo floor before cleaning begins.

Fill a bucket with water: Fill a bucket with warm water and add a few drops of mild detergent. This will help loosen dirt that has collected on the floor over time.

Add a neutral cleaner to the water: To protect the terrazzo surface, add a neutral cleaner such as baking soda or white vinegar. This will help remove dirt and grease that may have built up on the floor.

Wet mop the cleaner and water solution: After adding the neutral cleaner, apply the solution to the floor with a damp mop. Make sure you move in slow, overlapping motions to clean all floor areas thoroughly.

Do not let the solution dry: Once you have applied the answer, do not let it dry on the floor. Instead, quickly mop any excess liquid with a dry cloth or mop.

Apply solution again: Once the surface has been cleaned with the detergent solution, apply a layer of neutral cleaner again. This will ensure that all dirt and grease have been removed from the floor before you begin polishing.

Rinse the floor with water: Rinse the floor with clean water to remove any residue that may have been left behind from the detergent and neutral cleaner. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth before continuing.

Wet dry the floor: Use a wet dry vac to remove any remaining water. This will help prepare the surface for polishing.

Buff the floor to shine:  Use a buffing machine with a terrazzo polishing pad to buff the floor and achieve a beautiful shine. Make sure to move slowly and circularly when buffing so that all floor areas are polished evenly.

Cost Of Polishing Terrazzo?

The cost to polish a terrazzo floor depends on the floor’s condition, the area’s size, and its location. Generally, professional services may charge anywhere from $2 to $5 per square foot for polishing. This fee can be reduced if you do it yourself or hire someone who is not a professional but has the right tools and techniques to get the job done.

Which Cleaning Products Should you Avoid?

It is important to avoid harsh cleaning products such as acid-based cleansers, bleach, and abrasive cleaners when cleaning and polishing terrazzo floors. These types of cleaning products may damage the floor’s finish or even remove the sealant that has been applied.

It is also essential to avoid using steel wool or other materials with sharp edges, as these can scratch and damage the floor. Instead, use a mild detergent and warm water solution to clean your terrazzo floor.

Tips

Do not use general cleaners: General all-purpose cleaners may be good for most floors, but they are not suitable for terrazzo. These cleaners contain harsh chemicals that damage the seal and cause permanent staining or discoloration.

Use a cleaner with pH 7 to 10: The ideal one on terrazzo floors is one with a pH 7 to 10. This type of cleaner will not harm the seal and will help preserve the overall beauty of your floor.

Only use specially formulated for terrazzo floor: Use a cleaner specifically formulated for terrazzo floor. Specialized cleaners are designed to clean more gently and effectively than all-purpose cleaners, leaving your floor shiny and new.

Establish a regular cleaning schedule: Regularly cleaning your terrazzo floor will help keep it looking as good as new. Establish a regular schedule for vacuuming and mopping, using the appropriate cleaner, to ensure that dirt and debris are removed quickly before they can cause permanent stains.

Use mats and rugs: To help protect your terrazzo floor from dirt and debris, use mats and rugs at entrances. These will help trap dirt and debris before they can scratch or discolor the floor.

FAQs

What should I consider when polishing the floor?

When polishing terrazzo floors, you should consider a few factors. The type of flooring material used can affect the outcome of the polish. Identifying the type of terrazzo is essential before beginning the polishing process. Consider how old your floor is and if it has any scratches or damage.

How to clean stains from the floor?

Cleaning stains from a terrazzo floor can be done using a damp mop and a mild detergent. Use the mop to scrub the stained area gently, taking care not to damage the surface.Rinse with clean water and allow it to dry completely before polishing or sealing the floor.

What kinds of polishes can I use?

There are several types of polishes that you can use on terrazzo floors. For a matte finish, you can use a water-based polish. For a more glossy look, you can use an oil-based polish. There are also specialty polishes that provide extra protection against scratches and wear.

Conclusion

Once you have finished cleaning and polishing your terrazzo floor, it should look new.  Proper maintenance is key to preserving the terrazzo’s beauty. Clean it regularly with mild detergents and a neutral pH cleaner. Use sealers and polish to help protect the surface from stains, dirt, and wear and tear. You can keep your terrazzo floor looking great with less than an hour of work each month.