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Robert Erickson's personal tips and help guide for the Handyman
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This page is my attempt to gather information, links, etc for all who are interested in home improvement. Please feel free to e-mail me at: roberterickson7@hotmail.com with NEW articles, links etc. Check back with this site often as I will update it as often as I can. Enjoy the web site!
Home Improvement - MARBLE - TERRAZZO FLOORS-CARE AND CLEANING
Terrazzo Floors-Care and Cleaning
Care
Traditional terrazzo is made of cement and marble with
extra marble chips on the surface. The cement portion is
porous and quickly absorbs stains. A more modern form,
made with synthetic resins such as urethane or epoxy as
the "binder", in place of cement do not stain as readily.
A penetrating sealer should be applied to new terrazzo
floors to seal the pores in the cement and thus retard
stains absorption. Resealing may be needed occasionally.
Cleaning
1. Clean as often as needed keep grime and sand
removed. Soil acts as an abrasive and damages the floor.
2. Use only neutral liquid cleaners (meaning those
which are neither acid not alkaline).
For best results, use a commercial cleaner made
especially for terrazzo. All-purpose household cleaners,
soaps, detergents and wax removers usually contain one
or more alkalis, and so should not be used on terrazzo.
For general cleaning, use once cup of neutral cleaner
with each three gallons of water-or follow manufacturers
directions.
3. Wet mop the solution onto the floor, and allow the
solution to remain several minutes. Then mop up the
dirt-filled solution, changing rinse water often. This
helps to remove all soil and also does away with
unsightly "moplines".
Keep the floor wet at all times during the cleaning
operation. Otherwise, dissolved soil dries back onto the
floor. When the floor is dry, buff with an electric
polishing machine, if you have one. Buffing helps restore
the natural sheen on the floor.
4. To remove stubborn soil, periodically use an
electric scrubbing machine with a stronger solution of
the neutral cleaner.
5. Daily sweeping or dusting will mean easier weekly
care and more attractive floors. Do not use an oiled mop
or oily sweeping compound. Oils in any form can penetrate
the surface and permanently discolor terrazzo floors.
6. Wipe up spilled materials quickly so staining has no
chance to occur.
From Georgia
Extension bulletin Buying and Caring for Smooth Surface
Flooring: Masonry.
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