The Ultimate Guide To Cleaning Your Terrazzo Shower Pan

Terrazzo is a durable material made from marble or granite embedded into treated concrete. It is often used for shower pans due to its long lifespan. However, terrazzo can still chip and crack, and it is susceptible to staining. To clean a stained terrazzo shower pan, you should first identify the type of stain. For example, rust stains and unidentified stains require different treatments. For rust stains, you can use white vinegar, corn starch, and non-chlorine bleach to remove the stain. For unidentified stains, you can try sanding with a fine grit or using a commercial terrazzo cleaner. It is important to note that harsh chemicals should be avoided when cleaning terrazzo, as they can damage the surface. Additionally, regular maintenance, such as sweeping, mopping, and deep cleaning, can help keep your terrazzo shower pan looking its best.

How to clean a terrazzo shower pan

Sweep the floor regularly and mop weekly

Keeping your terrazzo shower pan clean is simple and straightforward. The key is to be consistent and to sweep and mop regularly.

Sweeping your terrazzo floor daily is essential to keep it in good condition. Start by sweeping the floor thoroughly, working your way from one corner of the room to the other. Use a dustpan to collect the dirt and debris and discard it. This will ensure that any loose dirt or dust is removed and prevent it from building up and causing stains or discolouration.

Mopping your terrazzo floor weekly is the next important step. Fill two buckets with one gallon of warm water each. In one bucket, mix in half a cup of a mild, pH-neutral terrazzo floor cleaner. Put on rubber gloves to protect your skin and begin mopping. Work in small areas, using a circular motion to scrub the floor. Rinse the mop frequently in the second bucket of clean water as you go. Pay attention to the edges and corners of the shower pan, using a cloth dipped in the cleaning solution to wipe them down. If you have an electric floor scrubber, you can use this instead of a traditional mop for added convenience.

By regularly sweeping and mopping your terrazzo shower pan, you will help to maintain its beautiful appearance and ensure that it stands the test of time.

Use marble counter spray cleaner

Terrazzo is made from marble chips mixed into a cement or resin base. It is prone to staining from spills, shoe marks, grease, and grime. To clean your terrazzo shower pan, you can use a marble counter spray cleaner.

Firstly, sweep the shower pan to remove any dirt and debris. Then, fill a bucket with a gallon of warm water and add half a measure of the marble counter spray cleaner. Put on some rubber gloves and dip a scrub brush into the bucket. Work the cleaner into the terrazzo using a circular motion, and be sure to work in small areas, rinsing the brush frequently in a second bucket of clean water. Pay particular attention to any stained areas, and ensure you wipe down the edges with a cloth dipped in the cleaning solution.

If you have an electric floor scrubber, you can use this instead of manually scrubbing the floor. You can also use a steam mop to clean your terrazzo shower pan, as the steam will remove most dirt and stains.

You should deep clean your terrazzo shower pan twice a year and mop it weekly to keep it in good condition.

Seal terrazzo after cleaning

Sealing your terrazzo after cleaning is an important step to protect your floors and ensure they remain stain-resistant and durable. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to seal your terrazzo after cleaning:

Identify the Type of Terrazzo:

Before sealing, identify whether you have cement terrazzo or epoxy terrazzo. Cement terrazzo is more porous and absorbent, while epoxy terrazzo is made from tough, non-absorbent polymer. This distinction is crucial as it determines the type of sealer you should use.

Choose the Right Sealer:

There are three main types of sealers: penetrating or impregnating sealers, topical sealers, and polyaspartic sealers. Penetrating sealers are ideal for porous cement terrazzo as they soak into the material without changing its appearance or making it slippery. Topical sealers form a protective film over dense surfaces and can be used on both cement and epoxy terrazzo. However, they may become slippery when wet. Polyaspartic sealers are a newer type of coating that offers increased thickness, toughness, and UV resistance. They are suitable for both cement and epoxy terrazzo.

Prepare the Surface:

Before sealing, ensure your terrazzo surface is clean, dry, and free from any previous sealers or residues. You can use a chemical stripper or a floor-buffing machine with a sand screen to remove any existing sealers. It is essential to clean and remove any stains, dirt, oil, or grease from the surface before proceeding.

Apply the Sealer:

Once the surface is prepared, you can apply the sealer. Topical sealers can be applied using a flat mop, a roller, or a pump sprayer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing and application techniques. Remember to allow adequate drying time before walking on the surface or exposing it to foot traffic.

Maintain and Care for Your Sealed Terrazzo:

Regular maintenance is crucial to keep your sealed terrazzo looking its best. Use neutral pH cleaners specifically designed for terrazzo flooring. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can damage the sealer. Additionally, use floor mats and take other preventative measures to minimise soil and moisture exposure, which can deteriorate the terrazzo over time.

Use a commercial terrazzo cleaner

Terrazzo is a durable material designed from bits of marble or granite embedded into treated concrete. While it is long-lasting, it can still be susceptible to cracks and chips. To clean your terrazzo shower pan, you can use a commercial terrazzo cleaner. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare the Cleaner: Fill two buckets with 1 gallon (3.78 litres) of warm water each. Then, add 1/2 cup of a commercial terrazzo floor cleaner to one of the buckets. Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands.
• Treat Stains: If you have any stubborn stains, such as blood, urine, or pet droppings, treat them with hydrogen peroxide. Soak a cloth or sponge in hydrogen peroxide and apply it to the stained area. Re-dip the cloth as needed and scrub until the stain is removed.
• Apply Ammonia: For added cleaning power, use ammonia. Add 3 tablespoons of ammonia to a clean, non-abrasive cloth. Place the cloth over the area where the stain was and let it sit until the ammonia evaporates.
• Scrub the Surface: Dip a scrub brush into the bucket of cleaning solution (the one with the cleaner). Start scrubbing the shower pan using circular motions. Work in small areas and rinse the scrub brush frequently in the second bucket of clean water. Pay attention to the edges and corners as well. If you have an electric floor scrubber, you can use that instead for added convenience.
• Rinse and Dry: Once you've scrubbed the entire surface, thoroughly rinse the shower pan with clean water to remove any residual cleaner. Make sure to dry the surface afterwards.

It is recommended to deep clean your terrazzo shower pan twice a year. For regular maintenance, sweep the pan daily and mop it weekly to keep it in good condition. Additionally, always refer to the manufacturer's instructions when using any cleaning products, and ensure the area is well-ventilated when working with strong chemicals.

Avoid harsh chemicals

Terrazzo is a durable and long-lasting material that is often used for shower pans and bases. However, it is important to avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning terrazzo, as they can damage the surface and affect its sheen. Here are some tips for effectively cleaning a terrazzo shower pan without resorting to harsh chemicals:

• Identify the type of stain: Different types of stains require different cleaning approaches. For example, if the stain is rust, you may need to use a rust removal product specifically designed for terrazzo.
• Use a gentle cleaner: Opt for a mild, pH-neutral cleaner that is safe for terrazzo. Avoid alkaline or acidic cleaners, as they can damage the surface. A mixture of white vinegar, cornstarch, and non-chlorine bleach can be effective in removing stains.
• Test on a small area first: Before applying any cleaning solution to the entire shower pan, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn't cause any discolouration or damage.
• Sweep and mop regularly: To prevent stains from setting in, sweep the shower pan regularly to remove dirt and debris. Follow up with mopping using a mild cleaner to keep the surface clean and maintained.
• Deep clean with hydrogen peroxide: For stubborn stains, soak a cloth in hydrogen peroxide and apply it directly to the stain. Re-dip the cloth in peroxide as needed and scrub gently.
• Use ammonia for tough stains: For particularly tough stains, apply ammonia to a clean, non-abrasive cloth and place it over the stained area until the ammonia evaporates. Be cautious when using ammonia, and ensure proper ventilation during and after application.
• Seal the terrazzo: After cleaning, consider sealing the terrazzo shower pan to protect it from future stains and make it easier to clean. However, always consult a professional or the manufacturer's instructions before applying any sealant.

By following these tips, you can effectively clean your terrazzo shower pan without resorting to harsh chemicals, preserving its beauty and longevity.

Frequently asked questions