Terrazzo floors are known for their durability and longevity, which is why they are a popular flooring option for schools, retail stores, airports, and commercial buildings and spaces. It is a low-maintenance flooring system, making it the ideal choice for places that receive high traffic.

But if you have terrazzo flooring in Dubai, remember that low maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance. You still have to clean and maintain the floor to prevent it from getting damaged or unappealing.

And since this type of flooring is low maintenance, you don’t have to spend a lot of time cleaning and maintaining it. You only need to follow these simple cleaning and maintenance tips for terrazzo floors:

1.    Clean the floor daily.

Dust mopping your terrazzo floors daily, preferably at the end of the day, goes a long way in preserving their look and condition. By doing this daily, you remove dirt, dust, and debris that can scratch the surface over time.

Use a microfiber mop for this task since it effectively captures dust and debris. Remember to employ gentle sweeping motions to avoid scratching the surface.

An important tip to remember when dust mopping your terrazzo flooring is to avoid lifting and shaking the mop off the floor. This simple mistake causes dust and other particles to fly around the room, return to the floor, or settle on different surfaces.

Use a mild, pH-neutral cleaner recommended by the contractor to remove stains and scuff marks from the floor. Make sure you dilute the solution with water if it’s stated on the label.

2.    Give the floor a good scrub every week.

While daily dry mopping removes surface dust, dirt, and debris, gently scrubbing the floor gets rid of grime that settles into the tiny pores.

Choose a soft-bristled brush or a mop with a gentle scrubbing pad for this chore. Dip it in warm water and apply light pressure to lift dirt and stains without scratching the surface. Remember to work in sections to ensure you clean the entire area.

You can use plain water if there are no stains or marks. However, use a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water or a pH-neutral cleaner to remove stubborn blotches.

When mopping or scrubbing, give the cleaning solution time to react with the terrazzo surface and loosen up the dirt and other foreign particles. After a few minutes, rinse the floor with clean water to remove any residue. Use a soft towel or clean mop to dry it and prevent streaks from forming.

3.    Choose your cleaning solutions carefully.

As mentioned, use only a pH-neutral cleaning solution when you need to remove stubborn stains or marks. Choose a product recommended by your terrazzo floor installation contractor.

But if you want to use another product, keep the following in mind:

• Avoid cheap cleaning solutions since they may contain harsh chemicals that can damage the terrazzo surface.
• Skip all-purpose cleaners with inorganic or crystallizing salts and strong alkali and acids.
• Avoid “miracle” cleaning solutions unless they are recommended by your contractor. 

Also, make sure the cleaning product is formulated or safe for use on terrazzo floors.

4.    Protect your terrazzo floors with a water-based sealer.

Sealing your terrazzo floors is a tried-and-tested way to keep them looking polished and protected.

A water-based sealer creates a barrier that helps prevent stains and moisture damage, minimize wear and tear, and enhance the floor’s natural shine.

Experts recommend applying a fresh coat every six to twelve months to provide your floor with better protection. However, you may have to do this more often if your space receives regular heavy foot traffic.

When applying the sealer, make sure the floor is dry and clean first. Use a microfiber mop or good-quality applicator pad to spread a thin, even layer of sealer.

Let the sealer dry completely, which may take up to 30 minutes, before applying a second coat if needed. Make sure no one walks on the floor until it’s fully cured.

5.    Use floor mats.

One of the easiest ways to keep your terrazzo flooring in great shape is by placing mats in entryways, hallways, and high-traffic areas. These floor features trap dirt, dust, and moisture and help prevent them from building up and scratching the surface.

Since mats trap particles and moisture, they also make cleaning your floors easier.

Select mats with a non-slip backing to make sure they stay in place. Clean them regularly by shaking them out daily to get rid of dust and particles and wash them as needed.

Place mats at both the inside and outside entrances to catch as much debris as possible. During the rainy season, consider adding absorbent rugs to entryways to prevent water from being tracked indoors.

A little effort goes a long way in protecting your terrazzo floors. When you have a good cleaning and maintenance routine, you can preserve their appeal and protect them from wear and tear.