Terrazzo floors are stunning when they’re cared for the right way. If you’re looking for the best way to clean terrazzo floors, your search ends here!
This post reveals the tools you need, a step-by-step guide, and the small things you can do to maintain that crisp, mirror-like shine. No confusing jargon or risky shortcuts; just a clear, reliable method any DIYer can follow with confidence.
🔔 Heads up! Some links in this post are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you!
Tools You’ll Need to Clean Terrazzo Floors the Best Way
Before you start cleaning, gather a few basics. You don’t need specialty machines or anything expensive. Just simple tools that protect the terrazzo surface and help you clean without leaving streaks or scratches:
1️⃣Neutral pH floor cleaner: This is the safest type of cleaner for terrazzo. Check out our previous guide to the best floor cleaning products➡ for reliable options.
2️⃣Microfiber mop: Gentle, effective, and perfect for both daily and deep cleaning.
3️⃣Bucket with warm water: Warm water helps loosen dirt and makes the cleaning process faster.
4️⃣Soft scrub pads or soft-bristle brush: Only for spots that need a little extra attention. Nothing abrasive.
5️⃣ A soft-bristle broom or a vacuum with a hard-floor setting.
6️⃣A few clean towels: Great for drying any leftover moisture so the floor doesn’t get cloudy.
Time to gear up! Gather what you need on Amazon➡
Assuming you’ve got all those tools on hand, let’s now show you the best way to clean terrazzo floors, step by step.
Best Way to Clean Terrazzo Floors – Simple Step-by-Step Guide
The best way to clean terrazzo floors is to sweep or vacuum first. Then mop with a pH-neutral cleaner. For tough spots, scrub gently with a soft brush. Rinse with clean water and let the floor dry completely.
Here’s exactly how to do each step for the best results:
Step 1️⃣: Sweep or Vacuum the Floor
Use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum with a hard-floor setting➡ to remove grit, dust, and debris. Loose dirt can scratch the floor during cleaning.
Step 2️⃣: Prepare Your Cleaning Solution
Use a bucket of warm water mixed with a pH-neutral cleaner safe for terrazzo➡. Follow the cleaner’s instructions for dilution — too strong can leave residue, too weak won’t lift dirt. You can also use common household items, such as mild dish soap (just a few drops in warm water). Or a paste made of baking soda and water (for spot-treating tough stains).
⚠️ Important: Avoid acidic or harsh cleaners like vinegar, lemon juice, bleach, or ammonia. They can etch or dull your terrazzo finish.
Step 3️⃣: Start the Wet Cleaning
Dip a microfiber mop➡ into the solution. Wring it out so it’s damp, not soaking. Mop in small sections, overlapping strokes for full coverage.
For stubborn spots, use a soft scrub pad, soft-bristle brush➡ with gentle motions, or a low-speed rotary machine➡.
Step 4️⃣: Rinse Thoroughly
Fill a clean bucket with fresh water. Mop the floor again with just water to rinse off any cleaning solution. You don’t want any residue left behind to dull your terrazzo.
Work in small sections and change rinse water if it gets dirty.
Step 5️⃣: Dry the Floor
Use clean microfiber towels➡ or a dry mop to remove all moisture. Ensure no standing water remains to avoid streaks or marks.
Best Way to Keep Your Terrazzo Floors Clean – Preserve that Mirror-Like Finish.
Once your terrazzo floor is clean, the next goal is to keep it looking smooth and glossy. A few simple habits go a long way:
✅Dust and Sweep Regularly
Daily or frequent dusting and sweeping remove grit and debris before it scratches your terrazzo. Even light particles act like sandpaper over time. A soft-bristle broom➡ or microfiber dust mop➡ keeps the surface smooth and prevents dulling.
✅Use Mats at Entrances
Place mats at all entry points to catch dirt, sand, and moisture before they reach your floor. This simple habit reduces cleaning frequency and protects the terrazzo from abrasion.
👉 Grab some stylish entry mats here➡ and keep grit out!
✅Blot Spills Immediately
Blot spills with a clean, soft cloth right away. Quick attention prevents the spills from settling into stubborn stains.
✅Clean More Frequently in High-Traffic Rooms
Areas like kitchens, hallways, or living rooms get dirtier faster. Increase cleaning frequency in these zones. Consistency prevents buildup, minimizes scratches, and preserves the floor’s smooth, mirror-like finish over time.
You might want to check our guide on how often to mop floors➡
✅ Use Furniture Pads Under Heavy Pieces
Terrazzo is harder than hardwood and generally resists scratches and dents much better. Still, it’s not invincible. Heavy furniture, dragging chairs, or sharp legs can leave scratches, chips, or dull spots over time. Furniture pads and protectors help prevent damage.
👉 Read more in our post on floor protectors for heavy furniture ➡
Action Time! Apply the Best Way to Clean Terrazzo Floors Now
You’ve got the tools, the steps, and the tips. Now it’s time to put them into action and give your floors the care they deserve. Go ahead and enjoy that mirror-like finish.
And then, drop a comment below to tell us how your floors turned out—we’d love to hear about your results!
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