What is a Terrazzo Floor
One of our favorite floors to work on is terrazzo. Terrazzo floors are made by combining chips of glass, marble or quartz, and natural stone chips using a cement or epoxy binder. This combination creates a smooth, sumptuous flooring material that captures the glamor of marble in a more affordable way. Terrazzo is one of the longest-lasting types of flooring and retains its beauty for decades if well-maintained. However, if not well maintained, the lifespan of terrazzo flooring could be as little as ten years. There are two factors that affect the life span of terrazzo, the quality of the installation and the daily maintenance performed on it. The proper maintenance of terrazzo is relatively simple and ultimately worth the effort.
How To Clean & Maintain Terrazzo Floors
When you are cleaning your terrazzo floor, it is important to use a cleaner that is designed for the floor itself. Harsh cleaners and sealers can damage terrazzo and are rarely needed. Only materials that have a neutral pH should be used when scrubbing or mopping floors.
To properly maintain a terrazzo surface, you will need the following:
Clean dust mop
Micro fiber/or cotton mop
Neutral cleaner
Mop Bucket
Clean Water
Chemical Stripper (if removing wax)
Auto Scrubber / Wet-Vac
Floor Buffer
Water-based sealer
Microfiber applicator
Terrazzo Floor Daily Routine:
Go over the terrazzo floor with a dust mop daily. To remove stubborn stains and scuff marks, handwork the spots with a neutral cleaner diluted in warm water. Rinse the area thoroughly, removing any potential contaminants that can permeate the floor and stain it.
Terrazzo Floor Weekly Routine:
Terrazzo floors should be mopped weekly with a neutral cleaner. Heavily soiled floors should be scrubbed with a commercial buffing machine and a neutral cleaner. Mop up all residue with clean water before the floor dries. Using a wet-vac or floor scrubber to remove dirty water is always advantageous as it removes the potential for contaminants to discolor the floor. Allow the terrazzo floor to dry and bring it to a shine with a buffing pad.
Terrazzo Floor Semi-Annually / Annual Maintenance:
If your terrazzo floor has wax or sealer on it, it should be stripped either semi-annually or annually to retain its beauty. As wax ages it fades and discolors, leaving a dull and unattractive finish to your visitors. By removing the old wax and applying new, the natural finish of the floor is able to be showcased.
How To Make Terrazzo Floors Shine
Deep cleaning terrazzo floors at least biannually helps retain the high-gloss finish. This is where hiring a professional such as TMMG is beneficial. TMMG’s floor techs are experts in floor care and can identify any issues affecting your floor and give you a comprehensive plan to restore its luster.
When To Hire A Floor Care Professional
The first thing your customer sees when entering your place of business is your floors. Well maintained floors send the impression that you care and are professional. If your floor has lost its luster or has stains you cannot remove with simple cleaning, it may be time to hire a floor restoration professional. TMMG’s floor techs are experts. Our floor technicians have years of experience and are Master Level IICRC certified to handle your floor needs TMMG will assess your floors needs and perform the necessary work to restore your floor.
Call today for a free estimate of your terrazzo floor maintenance. 734-595-0589. We service all of Southeast Michigan