Routine Preventive Maintenance Guidelines For Terrazzo

This standard includes guidelines for maintaining terrazzo floors on a daily and periodic basis.

  • Scrub new terrazzo several times a week and mop on remaining days.
  • Cleaning compounds used on terrazzo should be free from alkalies, acids, or other strong ingredients which can permanently damage the floor.
  • Avoid acids and washing solutions containing carbonates or trisodium phosphate.
  • DO NOT USE sweeping compounds containing oil, sand or abrasives.
  • The floor must be carefully rinsed after cleaning.
  • All cleaning solution and rinse water must be picked up, by squeegee, mop or wet-dry vacuum to prevent slipperiness.
  • DO NOT USE soaps and scrubbing powders containing water soluble, inorganic salts, or crystallizing salts in the maintenance of terrazzo.
  • The cleaning cycle should be regulated by the amount of traffic.
  • For general cleaning, use a neutral cleaning compound diluted in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions.
  • For very dirty areas, increase the amount of compound.
  • The floor should be pre-wet with clean, warm water before beginning the washing operation.
  • A mop dressing used for daily sweeping should be NON-OILY; Sweeping compounds containing oil will penetrate and permanently discolor terrazzo.
  • Sweeping compounds containing sand are difficult to sweep up and may abrade the surface if left on the floor (wax-treated dustmops and sweeping compounds are good).
  • Electric- or battery-powered scrubbing machines should be used periodically with a solution of neutral compound to loosen dirt.
  • Floor machines should be equipped with fiber brushes, or with abrasive nylon pads.
  • Buffing the floor with a powered machine after each cleaning restores the luster to the surface, building a natural sheen.
  • Steel wool SHOULD NOT be used on terrazzo; it may rust and stain the surface.
  • Terrazzo floors containing abrasive aggregates SHOULD NEVER be sealed; They should be scrubbed regularly to keep them free of build-up of dirt and other foreign matter.