Clean stained terrazzo
Terrazzo is a material that, most of the time, is used to have a floor in your house that will accompany you for years, without going out of style. Therefore, knowing how to clean it and keep it in good condition is essential to ensure that it retains its appearance and its qualities intact, despite the time.
Terrazzo is a material that, despite the passing of the years, has remained one of the preferred options for people to place in their home. This material has various qualities that make it stand out and, due to this, it has managed to continue as a relevant alternative to the present day.
The first thing that stands out about this material is its design, since terrazzo tiles are made up of many marble stones, which come in various sizes, shapes, and colors and are joined with cement. The design allows its use both indoors and outdoors, and in addition to that, it is also a suitable alternative to use on walls, countertops and even to build furniture.
Its good appearance and versatility are complemented by the fact that it is a high-traffic surface, so it is resistant and durable and, in addition, it usually costs less than other alternatives.
However, one thing to keep in mind is that as terrazzo is a porous surface, it is somewhat delicate on its surface and is prone to absorbing liquids. Therefore, to keep it in good condition, it is necessary to know how to clean very dirty terrazzo flooring effectively, avoiding damaging it.
How to clean terrazzo floor?
Before you start cleaning your terrazzo floor, you need to know that the process is not as simple as taking a steamer or a mop and that’s it. Several things need to be taken into account, such as determining how the surface has become dirty and how old the dirt is. That way, it will be easier to find a suitable solution to the problem.
1) Soluble stains
In the event that you spill any liquid on the terrazzo, it is best to act immediately. For this, it is recommended to use absorbent paper to get rid of the stain, avoiding rubbing the place so as not to spread the substance.
However, if the stain is already attached to the floor, it is preferable to clean with a damp cloth that has a little neutral pH soap.
2) Grease and moisture stains
To remove old oil stains or deal with moisture from the tiles, it is necessary to prepare yourself with gloves and a mask, as you will need these tools for the following procedure.
Because they are stains that tend to adhere, it is necessary to use a little more aggressive elements to clean. In this case, it is recommended to make a mixture of warm water, neutral pH detergent and ammonia. The liquid should be poured into a spray bottle.
Simply spray the product on the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and use a microfiber cloth to scrub in circular motions.
In case you have an outdoor Jacuzzi or your floor is very exposed to the weather, it is advisable to protect it with plastic to prevent water from constantly reaching the terrazzo. However, if it is impossible, then you will only need to perform this cleaning process frequently to achieve neatness.
3) Urine stains and other organic elements
To deal with other organic stains, especially pet urine, the same procedure outlined above can be followed. However, it is necessary to add a disinfectant product suitable for terrazzo floors or a little lemon juice. This, in addition to neutralizing unpleasant aromas, will also prevent the proliferation of bacteria. This is the answer to how to get rid of dog urine smell outdoors and keep your floor completely clean.
How to remove acid stains on terrazzo?
Acid stains are usually the terror of many people, as they are usually the reasons behind a damaged terrazzo floor. Therefore, act immediately if you want your floor to remain in good condition.
As a first step, take some baking soda, warm water, and salt to make a paste. Continue applying the mixture to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes, or a few hours, depending on the severity of the stain.
After the corresponding time, remove the excess using a clean cloth moistened with warm water.
If the acid stain is older, you can try removing it using the same method, letting the baking soda sit overnight.
It should be noted that, even if there is no acid stain, this mixture can be ideal to apply to the surface occasionally, as it is an easy way to polish the terrazzo floor at home. Although this will not replace a professional polishing service on the most damaged terrazzo floors, it is a good way to keep your floor in good condition.
How to clean black floor joints?
Something that always happens, regardless of the type of flooring in the home, is the darkening of the joints. This section of the floor tends to collect dirt, and many times the mop cannot reach these small grooves in the floor.
To get rid of the dirt you only need to have an old toothbrush and some toothpaste.
Applying this product in the joints and rubbing vigorously will weaken the dirt, allowing all this to come out, while recovering the original color of this section of the floor. The best thing is that, it does not matter if the toothpaste reaches the tile, because you can continue using it in this area, since it is a product that also serves to polish the terrazzo.
In fact, if you want to give a final touch of shine when cleaning old white marble, toothpaste can be a great ally.
As you can see, keeping your terrazzo floor clean is not at all difficult as long as you act quickly. Pay attention and make sure you have everything you need to act on hand for when it’s needed. Thus, your floor will look like new for a long time.