Cleaning terrazzo floors

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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.

Removing the old finish is the first step. Floor strippers (strong detergents) are available in hardware stores, janitorial supplies and tool rental outlets where you may rent floor scrubbing 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 petroleum products; carpets, pads and adhesives. If you are removing carpets, do not pull the tack strip nails or drive them into the floor. In most cases, the nails are aluminium and will sheer off with a hammer and sharp chisel. 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. Periodically, remove the top coat and reapply another thin coat.