Terrazzo is a beautiful flooring material, but it’s also prone to scratches and stains. This makes terrazzo maintenance essential to keep your floors looking amazing. If you want to avoid common mistakes when cleaning your terrazzo floor, follow these tips.
1. Letting the Cleaning Solution Dry on the Floor.
Cleaning solutions should always be rinsed off, as leaving them to dry can cause streaking and dullness on your floor. Even if you’re using a non-abrasive cleaner, you’ll still want to rinse it off after using it because any leftover residue can scratch the surface of your terrazzo floors over time.
Never use abrasive materials to clean terrazzo floors. While some types of dirt may require scrubbing (like dried food or gum), never use anything abrasive (such as scouring powder) when cleaning your floors. This could damage the surface of the material and make them look dull over time.
2. Using Acrylic Floor Finishes.
Acrylic floor finishes are not recommended for terrazzo floors. This is because they can cause damage to the terrazzo, including discoloration, staining, and gloss loss.
3. Using All-Purpose Cleaners.
All-purpose cleaners, such as vinegar or bleach, are not the best choice for cleaning terrazzo floors. These common household products will strip away dirt and grease from your floor, but they can also leave it vulnerable to damage.
All-purpose cleaners are too harsh for your terrazzo floor’s delicate surface and may cause pitting on the surface of the tile if used too often. The residue left behind by all-purpose cleaners attracts dirt so you’ll have to clean more often than you would with a cleaner specifically designed for terrazzo floors.
4. Using Vinegar
Never use vinegar to clean terrazzo floors. Vinegar can damage the finish on your floor and can cause damage to the concrete underneath it. Similarly, oil-based cleaning products will cause permanent discoloration to your terrazzo flooring and should be avoided.
5. Scrubbing With Hard Materials.
When it comes to cleaning terrazzo floors, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is using a brush or mop that’s too rough on the surface of your floors. If you do this, you’ll simply scratch and damage your flooring rather than clean it properly. The best way to avoid this mistake is by using soft brushes and sponges when sweeping or mopping your flooring. You can also opt for softer materials like microfiber cloths, as well as rags made from cotton or polyester blends if you’re looking for something even softer than what we’ve already mentioned here!
Your Terrazzo Floor Will Last a Long Time if You Treat it Properly
Terrazzo floors are a durable and low-maintenance alternative to marble or other natural stone. They are less expensive than porcelain tiles, very easy to clean, and can be used in any room of your home. However, you need to take care of your terrazzo floor properly if you want it to last as long as possible.
Property owners or managers should be conscious of the importance of proper care by cleaning staff who have been trained in cleaning methods for terrazzo floors. Without proper instruction, cleaners can cause damage because of a lack of knowledge. Terrazzo floors should be maintained and cleaned regularly to avoid a buildup of dirt and debris, especially in areas with high foot traffic. Cleaning your terrazzo floor daily will stave off the need for deep cleaning with harsher materials.
Let Our NYC Stone Care Experts Care for Your Terrazzo Floors
These cleaning tips can help you to keep your terrazzo floor looking its best. Remember, no matter what type of flooring you have, it’s important to understand its care and maintenance requirements so that your investment isn’t compromised over time. One way to guarantee longevity for your terrazzo floors is to let our New York City stone care experts regularly clean and maintain your space. At Statewide Stone Care, we know a thing or two about keeping terrazzo clean and strong. Contact us today for a free consultation!