Care and Maintenance
Keeping your terrazzo beautiful for decades
Terrazzo is one of the lowest-maintenance surfaces you can choose — but a little routine care goes a long way. Here is how to clean, protect, and reseal your floors and countertops, based on what we have learned over 30 years of installing terrazzo across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
Everyday Care
Cleaning tips for a lasting shine
Most terrazzo care comes down to routine sweeping and the right cleaning products. Here's what we recommend.
Daily & weekly cleaning
Sweep or dust-mop regularly to remove grit that can dull the surface over time. For a deeper clean, damp-mop with warm water and a few drops of a pH-neutral cleaner — avoid anything acidic or abrasive.
Spills & stains
Wipe up spills promptly, especially oils, wine, and citrus juices. A soft cloth and pH-neutral cleaner handle most marks. For stubborn stains, a terrazzo-safe poultice can lift the stain without damaging the surface.
What to avoid
Skip vinegar, bleach, ammonia, and other acidic or highly alkaline cleaners — they break down sealers and etch the surface over time. Avoid steel wool or abrasive scrub pads, which can scratch a polished finish.
Sealing & Resealing
A simple resealing schedule
Sealing protects terrazzo from stains and moisture. How often you'll need to reseal depends on location and traffic — here's a general guide. We'll confirm the right schedule for your specific installation.
| Setting | Recommended interval | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Interior, low traffic | Every 3–5 years | Bathrooms, foyers, and feature floors with light foot traffic. |
| Interior, high traffic | Every 1–2 years | Commercial lobbies, retail spaces, and busy kitchens. |
| Exterior surfaces | Every 2–4 years | Pool decks, patios, steps, and driveways exposed to U.V. and weather. |
Not sure if it is time to reseal? A simple test: if water no longer beads on the surface and instead soaks in, it is time.
Quick Reference
Do's and don'ts
Do
- ✓Use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches.
- ✓Place mats at entrances to reduce grit tracked onto the floor.
- ✓Clean spills as they happen, especially acidic liquids.
- ✓Schedule a resealing assessment if water stops beading on the surface.
Don't
- ✕Don't use vinegar, bleach, or ammonia-based cleaners.
- ✕Don't drag heavy furniture or equipment across the surface.
- ✕Don't use steel wool, wire brushes, or abrasive scouring pads.
- ✕Don't let standing water or de-icing salts sit on exterior terrazzo.
Every completed project comes with a care guide tailored to your specific terrazzo system. If you are not sure how to handle a stain or whether it is time to reseal, just reach out — we are happy to help.