U.S. General Services Administration
Technical Procedures Disclaimer
Prior to inclusion in GSA’s library of procedures, documents are reviewed by one or more qualified preservation specialists for general consistency with the Secretary of Interior Standards for rehabilitating historic buildings as understood at the time the procedure is added to the library. All specifications require project-specific editing and professional judgement regarding the applicability of a procedure to a particular building, project or location. References to products and suppliers are to serve as a general guideline and do not constitute a federal endorsement or determination that a product or method is the best or most current alternative, remains available, or is compliant with current environmental regulations and safety standards. The library of procedures is intended to serve as a resource, not a substitute, for specification development by a qualified preservation professional.
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We’ve reviewed these procedures for general consistency with federal standards for rehabilitating historic buildings and provide them only as a reference. Specifications should only be applied under the guidance of a qualified preservation professional who can assess the applicability of a procedure to a particular building, project or location. References to products and suppliers serve as general guidelines and do not constitute a federal endorsement nor a determination that a product or method is the best alternative or compliant with current environmental regulations and safety standards.
REMOVING TOBACCO STAINS FROM TERRAZZO FLOORS
PART 1–GENERAL
1.01 SUMMARY
A. This procedure includes guidance on removing tobacco
stains from terrazzo floors.
B. 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).
C. 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 (*).
A. Trisodium phosphate crystals:
NOTE: THIS CHEMICAL IS BANNED IN SOME STATES SUCH AS
CALIFORNIA. REGULATORY 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 names.
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.
B. Chlorinated lime
C. Powder talc
D. Clean, hot water
2.02 EQUIPMENT
A. Wooden paddle or trowel
B. Wood or plastic spatula
C. Stoneware jar
D. Shallow enameled pan
PART 3–EXECUTION
3.01 EXAMINATION
A. 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.
A. Dissolve 2 pounds of trisodium phosphate (TSP) crystals
in 1 gallon of hot water.
B. 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.
C. Pour the chlorinated lime mix and the trisodium phosphate
solution into a 2-gallon stoneware jar and add water to
fill the jar.
D. 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.
E. Mix the liquid with enough filler material such as
powdered talc to make a thick paste.
F. Trowel the paste on to the surface in a 1/4 inch layer
using a wood or plastic spatula and allow to dry.
G. When the poultice has dried, brush or scrape it off with
a wooden paddle or trowel.
H. Thoroughly rinse the area with clean, clear water and
blot dry with clean towels.