How to Care for a Terrazzo Shower Floor

Although terrazzo is not as common as it once was, many older installations still remain on floors and, in some cases, showers. Some companies still manufacture terrazzo shower bases, consisting of marble chips encased in colored mortar that creates a mosaic-like design. Due to the durability of the materials, caring for terrazzo shower floors is not challenging as long as you keep it properly sealed against moisture and stains.

Things You'll Need

• Powdered cleaner
• Sponge
• Bucket
• Water
• Liquid dish soap
• Stiff-bristled nylon brush
• Penetrating terrazzo sealer
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Examine the surface of the terrazzo shower floor to see how dirty it is. If grease or soap scum are on the surface, sprinkle 1 to 2 tbsp. of a powered cleaner over the surface and scrub the terrazzo, using a sponge.

2. Pour 1 gallon of warm water into a bucket and add 3 to 4 tsp. of liquid dish soap. Stir the water up until bubbles form on the surface.

3. Insert a stiff-bristled nylon brush into the soap solution and scrub the entire surface of the terrazzo shower floor using firm, circular motions. Ensure you clean the sides of the shower floor as well, if they extend up the wall.

4. Remove the bucket from the shower and turn the shower on to rinse away all the soap residue.

5. Remove any remaining stains on the surface of the terrazzo by placing an emery cloth on top of each stain and rubbing in circular directions.

6. Reseal the terrazzo floors when they no longer shine. Open a can of penetrating sealer approved for terrazzo and paint it onto all surfaces of the terrazzo floor, using a paintbrush, until all portions are coated. Wait for the amount of time specified on the can, and then resume using the shower.

Tips & Warnings

• If stains remain after all the standard cleaning attempts, pour a liquid bleach cleaner on the stain and let it stand undisturbed for 24 hours.

• Never use any acid-based cleaners on the terrazzo shower floor, since damage will occur.

References

• University of Florida; Keep Your Terrazzo Floors Beautiful; Marie S. Hammer et al.
• Acorn Engneering Company: Recommended Cleaning and Maintenance Procedures fro Terazzo-Ware Shower Bases