Cleaning terrazzo floors: Best tips

Learn how to clean terrazzo floors with the best tips and advice. No stain will get the better of you and you’ll be able to get it sparkling again.

Terrazzo floors are made from a mixture of cement and small marble stones to which pigments are added for colour. The tiles are usually polished and then a resin is applied to protect them. Hence, the robust and sparkling result. 
Over time, you can see the wear on the resin that covers the tiles and it starts to look opaque, without any shine and it can even look dirty.

This material was widely used during the construction boom because it’s cheap and durable, so it can be found both indoors and outdoors in many places. We tell you how to keep dirt at bay on this surface and how to combat the loss of shine. 

How to clean terrazzo floors properly

• Remove rugs and other items that are on the floor to make the task easier.
• Remove dust and dirt from the whole surface. You can use a broom or vacuum cleaner.
• Mix neutral soap with water in a bucket and get the mop ready.
• Mop the floor, preferably in a vertical direction so you don’t leave marks.
• Ventilate well so the surface dries as soon as possible.
   

How to make terrazzo sparkling again

If you have followed the entire process and the surface is clean but the floor hasn’t recovered its shine, you can try these 3 alternatives. Always apply after cleaning and drying the area.

• Add a little ammonia to the soap and water mixture.
• Rub the floor with a damp cloth with linseed oil.
• Apply a specific wax product for terrazzo floors with a mop. Check the polish is spread evenly.

How to clean outdoor terrazzo flooring

Outdoor terrazzo floors are exposed to the weather, including poor weather conditions, as well as the dust and dirt from our shoes when walking on it.  You can follow the same cleaning process as inside the house and, to add more sparkle to your outdoor terrazzo terrace when it's dry, you can use a microfibre mop a few times. Then, apply clear wax so it stays cleaner for longer and the floor is more protected.