The Best Way To Clean Terrazzo Tiles
20 September 2022
5min read time
Guide
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The difficulties in cleaning terrazzo tiles and why: Cleaning Terrazzo tiles in large areas can be a challenge as these tiles are used in various applications that have high traffic and can have spills of all sorts, including in shopping centres, medical centres, and commercial offices.
The tiles are very durable and used for high-traffic floors and are made from composite marble chippings set into cement. Once understanding that these tiles may be factory sealed or will need to be sealed, they will require either a Strip & Seal procedure or deep cleaning.
How to deep clean and a topcoat reseal for worn tiles:
In the process of deep cleaning, you don’t want to strip the sealer off, but you want to remove a layer of sealer as this may be retaining the dirt in the tiles. The best way to do this is using a mild/ medium strength Alkaline cleaner (Actichem Tile & Grout Power). This solution is great for Auto scrubbers or used in a mop bucket.
The process if you’re using a COLUMBUS auto scrubber:
1. Use a large dust mop to remove any large objects or debris on the floor, this also can remove any old residue or liquids before starting your deep clean process. Using the blue scrubbing pads (or 3M Clean & Shine pads if doing the process daily).
2. Fill the machine with water and dilute the chemical to the suggested dilution. The solution is then scrubbed onto the floor and left for about ten-minute dwell time. This dwell time helps release stains and heavy soiling but make sure you don’t let the solution sit there too long to the point it dries!
3. Using the COLUMBUS auto scrubber with vacuum now scrub with a neutral cleaner (E-Z-Kleen X), to rinse the surface to create beautifully clean floors.
The process if you’re using a mop and bucket:
1. Before starting the deep clean, use a large dust mop to remove any large objects or debris, this also can remove any old residue or liquids before starting your deep clean process.
2. Using the diluted solution, mop this onto the terrazzo tile with a figure “8” method and let dwell for about ten minutes but make sure you don’t let the solution sit there too long to the point it dries!
3. Using a clean bucket of neutral cleaner (E-Z-Kleen HD), use the same figure “8” method again for mopping any excess tile and grout cleaner off the floor. As it can be slippery if it gets wet, using the neutral cleaner will help to eliminate any slip hazards.
4. Once the tiles have been cleaned with an alkaline cleaner and neutralized then sometimes the floor may require another layer of sealer as the floor can be worn from traffic or staining. This can be achieved by blocking off the area from pedestrians with the correct safety procedures and making sure the floor has been cleaned with the above method and is completely dry. The floor has been checked for loose old sealer or staining, once this has been confirmed and cleaned the floor is ready for the new sealer.
Figure 8: Cleaning Method
How To Seal Terrazzo Tiles
Laying sealer (Actichem Defender SV) in figure “8” method will give the best coverage and will eliminate streaking. If a second layer is required, it is advised that a wait time of approx. 2 hours is advisable and allow the floor 12-24 hours to completely dry before allowing traffic back over these tiles.
For ongoing maintenance using a red pad or 3M clean & shine pad on a Columbus auto scrubber with a neutral cleaner (Radiate) will give you optimal results over time, the floor care products like Radiate will clean and enhance shine when used daily in place of a neutral cleaner. It deep cleans and repairs when used daily in place of a restorer. Using this process will give your floors optimal shine and long-lasting conditioning.
If you wish to purchase products for cleaning your terrazzo floors get in contact with our team by calling us on 1800 177 399 or email us at sales@abcopro.com.au
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