Routine Preventive Maintenance Guidelines For Terrazzo

Procedure code:

940001S

Source:

Developed For Hspg (Nps - Sero)

Division:

Finishes

Section:

Terrazzo

Last Modified:

06/08/2015

ROUTINE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES FOR TERRAZZO


This standard includes guidelines for maintaining terrazzo floors
on a daily and periodic basis.


- Scrub new terrazzo several times a week and mop on remaining
days.

- Cleaning compounds used on terrazzo should be free from
alkalies, acids, or other strong ingredients which can
permanently damage the floor.

- Avoid acids and washing solutions containing carbonates or
trisodium phosphate.

- DO NOT USE sweeping compounds containing oil, sand or
abrasives.

- The floor must be carefully rinsed after cleaning.

- All cleaning solution and rinse water must be picked up, by
squeegee, mop or wet-dry vacuum, to prevent slipperiness.

- DO NOT USE soaps and scrubbing powders containing water
soluble, inorganic salts, or crystallizing salts in the
maintenance of terrazzo.

- The cleaning cycle should be regulated by the amount of
traffic.

- For general cleaning, use a neutral cleaning compound diluted
in accordance with the manufacturer's directions.

- For very dirty areas, increase the amount of compound.

- The floor should be pre-wet with clean, warm water before
beginning the washing operation.

- A mop dressing used for daily sweeping should be NON-OILY;
Sweeping compounds containing oil will penetrate and
permanently discolor terrazzo.

- Sweeping compounds containing sand are difficult to sweep up
and may abrade the surface if left on the floor (wax-treated
dustmops and sweeping compounds are good).

- Electric- or battery-powered scrubbing machines should be used
periodically with a solution of neutral compound to loosen
dirt.

- Floor machines should be equipped with fiber brushes, or with
abrasive nylon pads.

- Buffing the floor with a powered machine after each cleaning
restores the luster to the surface, building a natural sheen.

- Steel wool SHOULD NOT be used on terrazzo; It may rust and
stain the surface.

- Terrazzo floors containing abrasive aggregates SHOULD NEVER be
sealed; They should be scrubbed regularly to keep them free of
build-up of dirt and other foreign matter.