How to Clean Terrazzo Tiles

Terrazzo floor tiles are made up of marble and cement mixed together. When the tiles are installed, extra marble chips are sprinkled on the tiles' surface, leaving at least 70 percent of the terrazzo floor surface made of marble. Care must be taken when cleaning terrazzo tiles so you don't damage the marble surface. Terrazzo floors are a beautiful choice for flooring and can retain the original beauty for a very long time when cared for properly.

Things You'll Need

• Neutral liquid cleaner or terrazzo floor cleaner
• 2 buckets
• Mop
• Electric polishing machine (optional)

Instructions

1. Mix a neutral liquid cleaner in a bucket according to the manufacturer's directions. The cleaner should not contain acid or alkaline, which can damage the floor, and should have a pH factor between 7.0 and 10.0. Most eco-friendly cleaners fit these guidelines. Ideally, you should use a cleaner designed specifically for terrazzo.

2. Prepare another bucket with clean, warm water to use for rinsing.

3. Place a soft mop in the bucket of cleaning solution. Mop the terrazzo tile to effectively remove dirt and grime. Allow the solution to sit on the tiles for several minutes after you mop.

4. Rinse out the mop in the clean water bucket. Go over the area you just cleaned to remove the dirty solution from the tiles. Be sure to keep the terrazzo tiles wet at all times during the cleaning process. This will prevent the dissolved soil from drying onto the floor.

5. Continue this process over the entire surface area of the terrazzo tiled floor. Be sure to change the water in the rinse bucket frequently to avoid applying more dirt to the floor.

6. Allow the floor to air dry. Use an electric polishing machine to buff the floor, if you have access to one. This will help to restore the natural sheen of the terrazzo tiles.

Tips & Warnings

• Never use products containing water solubles, crystallizing salt, or inorganic salts. Do not use all-purpose cleaners, detergents, soaps or wax as these products generally contain alkalis.

References

• University of Florida
• The National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association