How do you clean and shine a terrazzo floor?
Terrazzo, made of marble or granite chips set in a binder, is found in many schools, lobbies and older buildings. It lasts for decades, as long as the right products are used.
Updated
Quick answer
To clean a terrazzo floor, dust mop it every day, then wash it with a pH-neutral cleaner diluted in lukewarm water and a well-wrung mop. Avoid vinegar, bleach and acidic or abrasive cleaners. To bring back its shine, it is polished or given a protective finish, a job often left to professionals.
Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour for a lobby
What you need
- Dust mop
- pH-neutral cleaner for stone or terrazzo
- Bucket, wet mop, lukewarm water
Steps
- 1
Remove the dust
Dust mop the floor: sand scratches terrazzo like sandpaper.
- 2
Prepare the solution
Dilute the neutral cleaner in lukewarm water according to the manufacturer.
- 3
Wash
Wash with a well-wrung mop: excess water seeps into the cracks.
- 4
Rinse if needed
If the product calls for it, rinse with clean water so no film is left.
- 5
Dry
Let it dry or run a dry mop over it to avoid streaks and falls.
When should you call a professional?
If the terrazzo is dull, stained or covered in old, yellowed coats of finish, stripping and a new finish, or polishing, restores its original look. HygiePro treats terrazzo floors in schools, lobbies and businesses across Greater Montreal.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use white vinegar on terrazzo?
No. Vinegar, like all acids, attacks the marble chips and dulls terrazzo permanently.
Which product should you use to clean terrazzo?
A pH-neutral cleaner made for stone or terrazzo. Avoid bleach, ammonia, acidic products and abrasive powders.
How do you make a terrazzo floor shine?
Dull terrazzo regains its shine through mechanical diamond polishing, or through a protective finish followed by buffing. These are jobs for professionals, done with specialized machines.