Cleaning terrazzo floors
Traditionally known as Strip, Seal and Wax. Terrazzo is two parts marble chips in one part portland cement, 5/8" thick and ground to an 80 grit finish. Wax and acrylic finishes have been used to seal and gloss terrazzo for the last 50 years. For the past ten years a new improved more environmental friendly process has been developed. No need for any type of sealent, polishing to the original stone finish looks feels and cleans better then the traditional strip seal and wax method. To get more information on this process and service visit boylanmarblerestoration.com we eliminate all the steps to come.
Removing the old finish is the first step. Floor strippers (strong detergents) are available in hardware stores, janitorial supplys and tool rental outlets where you may rent floor scrubing machines along with all the accessories. Once the floor has been stripped, you will find stains that require more attention. A strong hydrogen peroxide will bleach organic and mineral stains. The most available source is your local salon or beauty supply. Purchase 40 volume cream developer used for bleaching hair. The peroxide must sit on the stain 8 hours for best results. Try a few test spots. Peroxide will not remove the oil based stains from petrolium products; carpets, pads and adhesives. If you are removing carpets, do not pull the tackstrip nails or drive them into the floor. In most cases, the nails are aluminum and will sheer off with a hammer and sharp chisle. Steal nails must be cut off using a grinder with a thin blade. Resealing and waxing by mopping on four thin coats of acrylic finish will give you a good foundation. Now you will be cleaning the finish not the floor. Use cleaners sparingly. Periodicly, remove the top coat and reapply another thin coat.
To remove polyurethane from terrazzo floors, you can use a chemical stripper specifically designed for removing polyurethane coatings. Follow the instructions on the product carefully, and make sure to ventilate the area properly. After stripping the polyurethane, clean the terrazzo floors with a neutral pH cleaner and rinse thoroughly to remove any residue.
Call a terrazzo floor installer.
To remove stains from terrazzo floors, start by soaking a clean cloth in a mixture of warm water and mild detergent. Gently scrub the stained area with the cloth, and rinse with clean water. For tougher stains, you can create a paste using baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse. Repeat if necessary.
35 years with medium duty usage
To restore old terrazzo floors, start by cleaning the surface thoroughly to remove dirt and debris. Next, repair any cracks or chips with a suitable epoxy or terrazzo patching compound. Once repairs are complete, polish the floor using a diamond polishing pad or a terrazzo grinder to restore its shine. Finally, apply a sealer to protect the surface and enhance its appearance.
No. unless you want your floors to buckle from the moisture. It is not recomended to install laminate flooring over terrazzo flooring. The moisuture buildup will ruin the wood planks.
The cost for stripping terrazzo floors typically ranges from $1 to $3 per square foot, depending on factors such as the condition of the floor, the size of the area, and local labor rates. Additional expenses may arise from sealing or polishing the floors afterward, which can add another $1 to $2 per square foot. It's advisable to get quotes from multiple contractors to ensure a fair price.
highly NOT recommended to steam clean any wood or laminate floors
You sweep the floors
The Luhya translation of the English words "clean floors" is "Obweru obulafu tswee".
Goof Off has more chance of working than anything. Rub it with this till it softens enough to peel off.
You can remove battery acid from terrazzo by sprinkling some baking powder on the affected area and scrubbing the stain with a wet toothbrush. Wipe away the chalky residue with a clean, damp cloth.