Removing Tobacco Stains From Terrazzo Floors

PART 1—GENERAL

1.01 SUMMARY

  1. This procedure includes guidance on removing tobacco stains from terrazzo floors.
  2. See 01100-07-S for general project guidelines to be reviewed along with this procedure. These guidelines cover the following sections:

    1. Safety Precautions
    2. Historic Structures Precautions
    3. Submittals
    4. Quality Assurance
    5. Delivery, Storage and Handling
    6. Project/Site Conditions
    7. Sequencing and Scheduling
    8. General Protection (Surface and Surrounding)

    These guidelines should be reviewed prior to performing this procedure and should be followed, when applicable, along with recommendations from the Regional Historic Preservation Officer (RHPO).

  3. For general information on the characteristics and maintenance of terrazzo, see 09400-01-P.

PART 2—PRODUCTS

2.01 MATERIALS

NOTE: Chemical products are sometimes sold under a common name. This usually means that the substance is not as pure as the same chemical sold under its chemical name. The grade of purity of common name substances, however, is usually adequate for stain removal work, and these products should be purchased when available, as they tend to be less expensive. Common names are indicated below by an asterisk (*).

  1. Trisodium phosphate crystals:

    NOTE: THIS CHEMICAL IS BANNED IN SOME STATES SUCH AS CALIFORNIA. REFER TO YOUR STATE OR LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATORY OFFICE AND/OR THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, CALIFORNIA. SEEK INFORMATION AS WELL AS ALTERNATIVE OR EQUIVALENT CHEMICALS MAY BE REQUESTED FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) REGIONAL OFFICE AND/OR THE STATE OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY.

    1. Strong base-type powdered cleaning material sold under brand name:
    2. Other chemical or common names include Sodium Orthophosphate; Tribasic sodium phosphate; Trisodium orthophosphate; TSP*; Phosphate of soda*; (also sold under brand names such as).
    3. Potential Hazards: CORROSIVE TO FLESH.
    4. Available from chemical supply house, grocery store or supermarket or hardware store.
  2. Chlorinated lime
  3. Powder talc
  4. Clean, hot water

2.02 EQUIPMENT

  1. Wooden paddle or trowel
  2. Wood or plastic spatula
  3. Stoneware jar
  4. Shallow enameled pan

PART 3—EXECUTION

3.01 EXAMINATION

  1. Examine the terrazzo surface carefully to determine the cause of staining before proceeding with any cleaning operation.

3.02 ERECTION, INSTALLATION, APPLICATION

NOTE: THE FOLLOWING TREATMENTS SHOULD BE USED BY TRAINED AND EXPERIENCED PERSONNEL. IMPROPER USE MAY RESULT IN BLEACHING THE TERRAZZO MATRIX. IF A COLOR DYE WAS ADDED AT THE TIME OF INSTALLATION, TEST BEFORE PROCEEDING.

  1. Dissolve 2 pounds of trisodium phosphate (TSP) crystals in 1 gallon of hot water.
  2. Mix 12 oz of chlorinated lime to a paste in a shallow enameled pan. Add water slowly and mash the lumps until the paste is smooth.
  3. Pour the chlorinated lime mix and the trisodium phosphate solution into a 2-gallon crock jar, and add water to fill the jar.
  4. Stir the mixture well, cover the jar and let the lime settle.

    CAUTION: This mixture is a strong bleaching agent and is corrosive to metals. Take special care not to drop any on colored fabrics or metal fixtures.

  5. Mix the liquid with enough filler material such as powdered talc to make a thick paste.
  6. Trowel the paste on to the surface in a 1/4 inch layer using a wood or plastic spatula and allow to dry.
  7. When the poultice has dried, brush or scrape it off with a wooden paddle or trowel.
  8. Thoroughly rinse the area with clean, clear water and blot dry with clean towels.