Terrazzo Cleaning Process Boca Raton
Stains are one of the most common forms of damage on terrazzo floors and are often found on terrazzo that has been buried by another flooring. Instead of hiding these damages by installing carpet or tile over it or having other flooring replace it, the terrazzo can be cleaned and restored to greatly fade or disappear stains completely. Keep in mind that STAIN REMOVAL IS NOT GUARANTEED. The first thing you want to do is remove any coating your terrazzo may have such as wax or sealer with a stripper. It is worth noting that if your terrazzo floor does not have any coatings of any sort then no stripping is needed since there is nothing to strip. Always read the instructions carefully and use all the safety equipment required to protect yourself and your surroundings. Add your water base as directed by the product you are using and apply it to the area where the stains are located.
After letting it sit for around ten minutes, scrub the solution with a scrubbing pad, wipe the solution with an absorbent cloth and a pH neutral terrazzo cleaner and repeat all the previous steps. If it was a topical stain and was not on the terrazzo itself, then the stain may have been removed when you stripped the coating. If the stain is still visible, it is on the terrazzo itself and needs a poultice to be removed. A poultice is a chemical solution that is a mixture of absorbing and cleaning agents to essentially “pull” the stain out of the terrazzo. You can make the poultice yourself or buy poultice kits that are already made which makes the processes much easier and much safer. One thing to keep in mind is knowing exactly what type of stain affects your terrazzo. Knowing what caused the stain on your terrazzo dictates the best solution to remove by determining what type of poultice to use if you choose to buy one that is pre-made. Again, if your terrazzo has a polished finish with no coatings, then there is no need for a stripping process. For those who removed the coating to apply the stain, use a water-based coating and apply as many coats as required for the area to blend seamlessly with its surroundings.
Deep cleaning is a much simpler process that only requires a dust sweeper or a damp mop, a brush, and a pH neutral terrazzo cleaner. To start, remove as many particles as you can such as dirt, sand, or hair of the terrazzo with the damp mop or dust sweeper. From there, mix the terrazzo pH neutral cleaner with water as instructed and with the brush scrub the terrazzo thoroughly. Make sure to scrub the corners and any other areas where grime may accumulate. Scrubbing really hard is not necessary and can even damage the floor, so use light but consistent strokes. After this is done, dry the terrazzo with a towel and let the rest air dry. It is worth noting that professionals are much better equipped and have the experience to deliver better results. If you want safe results and don’t wish to risk any accidents, professionals will know exactly how to remove stains and use the best method and equipment to remove it such as grinding a thin layer where the stain is located to remove it. Keep in mind that whether you’re trying to remove the stain yourself or by a professional, every stain is different and is not guaranteed to come out.
