Are you wondering about how to clean terrazzo floors? Well, terrazzo is an excellent type of flooring that’s not only durable but also affordable. But, the process of cleaning this type of flooring can seem a bit confusing to a lot of people.
Don’t worry! We are here to help. We will provide you with a detailed explanation of the whole process of cleaning terrazzo floors. After reading this article you’ll know what you have to do in order to keep your terrazzo flooring bright and shiny throughout the years.
What Is Terrazzo?
Terrazzo refers to a type of composite material that is made out of resin, concrete, and marble. It has a smooth texture and a beautiful design. This is why it’s used to make luxurious countertops and floors at an inexpensive price. Terrazzo floors are also used as flooring for bathrooms and kitchens as well as flooring for luxury hotels.
What Makes Terrazzo Different from Other Flooring Materials?
Terrazzo floors have two main characteristics that make not just a floor very attractive but also very hard to clean. The first one is the texture of terrazzo which is remarkably rough. The second one is the fact that its design looks like a broken jigsaw puzzle of small pieces. Which makes it easy for dirt and debris to get stuck in between the small pieces.
How to Clean Terrazzo Floors?
Typically, terrazzo floors are sealed using a commercial sealer and that’s why they look a bit shiny. And that’s why the process of cleaning terrazzo floors isn’t that different than any other flooring.
Here are the steps you have to take in order to clean your terrazzo flooring:
(1) Take a Spray Bottle
Your first task is to make a cleaning solution for cleaning the floors. And you need to store that solution inside a spray bottle so that you can easily spray the solution on the floor.
You can use a spritzer bottle for this task. If the bottle had any kind of chemical in it, you should thoroughly rinse it using water before using it.
(2) Make the Solution
You have to make a mixture of rubbing alcohol, water, and dish soap. Open the top of the spray bottle and then put a funnel in its mouth. And then pour one 1/4 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol and the same amount of dish soap in it.
Then pour 3 cups of water into the bottle.
(3) Mix the Solution
Now you must swirl and shake the bottle in order to make sure the ingredients of the cleaning solution get mixed properly. Keep shaking the bottle for at least half a minute.
(4) Spray the Solution on the Terrazzo Floor
Take a close look at the floor and find the spots that look hazy and dirty. And generously spray the solution on those spots. By the way, you can use this same solution to clean terrazzo countertops as well.
However, this solution might not be as effective at cleaning terrazzo floors that have not been sealed.
(5) Let it Sit for Some Time
If your floor is a bit too dirty, you need to be patient and let the solution sit for at least 2-3 minutes. This way the solution will be able to get into every nooks and cranny of the floor’s surface. But don’t let it sit for too long as that will cause the solution to evaporate and you wouldn’t want that to happen.
(6) Wipe the Spots
Now take a clean cloth or a rag and start wiping the solution off of the floor. First, dip the rag in warm water and then start rubbing the spots in a circular motion using this rag.
If you notice that some of the spots are still dirty, you have to spray those areas and wipe them again.
How to Clean Terrazzo Floors Using a Steam Cleaner?
Did you know that there’s an even better way of cleaning terrazzo floors other than using some kind of cleaning solution? And that method involves cleaning the floor with a steam cleaner.
Here are the steams that you need to follow:
Move Everything Away from the Floor
Your first task is to clear away anything that’s situated on top of your terrazzo floor as cleaning around the obstacles is quite difficult. Check to see if the floor has been sealed with a commercial seal. You can determine that by finding out whether the floor has a glossy look or not. The reason for that is simple. You just can’t use a steam cleaner on a terrazzo floor that hasn’t been sealed.
Mop/Vacuum the Floor
This step is important as it removes all the excess dust and debris off the floor. Take a mop and sweep the floor using it. And then take your vacuum cleaner and vacuum the whole room using it.
Pour Water Into the Steam Cleaner
Take a look at the instruction manual of your steam cleaner and determine how much water it requires. Next, pour that amount of distilled water into the water tank of your steam cleaner.
Clean the Floor with the Steam Cleaner
Place the mop of the steam cleaner at the corner of the stained or dirty area of the terrazzo floor. And slowly move it back and forth on that area. Remember, steam cleaners take their time while cleaning various kinds of surfaces. And so your movements have to be slow and steady.
Let the Floor Dry
After you’re done steam cleaning the floor, it’s time for you to let the surface dry for some time. Use an overhead fan if you want the drying process to be faster.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, we just want to say that cleaning terrazzo floors isn’t as difficult as some people make it out to be. Terrazzo flooring is a budget-friendly choice for those who want to have aesthetically pleasing floors in their homes.
We hope that we have successfully answered your queries regarding how to clean terrazzo floors. Till next time. Goodbye!
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