Proper maintenance and cleaning are essential to maintain the beauty and service life of terrazzo stone flooring. Incorrect use of certain chemicals may cause serious damage to terrazzo ceramic tile.
This article will explore in detail which chemicls should not be used on terrazzo stone flooring and the possible impact of these chemicals on the floor.
Characteristics and maintenance requirements of terrazzo stone flooring
● Composition of terrazzo stone flooring
Terrazzo stone flooring is a composite material made of crushed stone such as marble, granite, quartz, etc. mixed with cement or resin cementitious materials, and made through pouring, grinding, polishing and other processes. Its surface is hard and smooth, with high wear resistance and decorative properties, but it is also sensitive to certain chemicals because of its porous structure and chemical composition.
● Daily maintenance
Daily maintenance of terrazzo stone flooring usually includes regular sweeping, wiping and timely waxing to maintain its gloss and stain resistance. During the cleaning process, neutral detergents and mild cleaning tools should be selected to avoid the use of chemicals that may cause damage.
What chemicals cannot be used on terrazzo stone flooring?
Chemicals that cannot be used and their effects:
1. Acidic cleaners
Acidic cleaners (such as products containing acetic acid, hydrochloric acid and nitric acid) can cause serious corrosion to terrazzo stone flooring. Acidic substances dissolve the stone components in terrazzo, causing the surface to lose its luster and even produce pits and roughness. Long-term use of acidic cleaners may also cause the protective layer on the floor surface to be damaged, increasing the risk of stains and bacterial penetration.
2. Alkaline cleaners
Highly alkaline cleaners (such as products containing sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide) are also harmful to terrazzo ceramic tile. Strong alkaline substances will destroy the cementing material of terrazzo, causing the floor to lose its strength and toughness, and the surface to become powdery and peeling. Using highly alkaline cleaners may also cause the floor color to fade, affecting the appearance.
3. Bleach
Although bleach (such as sodium hypochlorite solution) has a strong decontamination and bactericidal effect, it is not suitable for terrazzo stone flooring. The strong oxidizing property of bleach will destroy the surface structure of terrazzo, causing the floor to lose its gloss and color. Especially for colored terrazzo stone flooring, the use of bleach will cause uneven color and fading.
4. Solvent-based cleaners
Solvent-based cleaners (such as products containing organic solvents such as toluene, xylene, acetone, etc.) will dissolve the resin components in the terrazzo stone tile, causing the surface to become fragile and lose its gloss. Solvent-based cleaners may also penetrate into the interior of the floor, causing long-term damage and pollution, affecting the durability and safety of the floor.
5. Grease-based cleaners
Although cleaners containing high concentrations of grease have a good cleaning effect on certain stains, they will leave greasy residues on the surface of the terrazzo stone flooring that are difficult to remove, affecting the anti-slip performance and appearance of the floor. Long-term use of grease-based cleaners will cause a layer of oil film that is difficult to clean to form on the surface of the floor, increasing the difficulty of cleaning.
6. Abrasive cleaners
Cleaners containing abrasive particles will cause greater physical damage to terrazzo stone flooring. Abrasive particles can scratch the surface of the floor, causing it to lose its smoothness and gloss, increase surface porosity, and make it easier for stains to penetrate and accumulate. Using abrasive cleaners may also cause uneven floor surfaces, affecting the overall appearance.
What is the correct way to clean terrazzo ceramic tiles?
1. Use neutral detergents
Neutral detergents are the most suitable cleaning products for terrazzo ceramic tiles. Neutral detergents are mild, do not contain acid or alkali components, and can effectively remove stains without damaging the floor surface. When using neutral detergents, dilute them according to the instructions to ensure the cleaning effect and floor safety.
2. Warm water and soft cloth
In daily cleaning, you can use warm water and a soft cloth to gently wipe the terrazzo stone flooring to remove surface dust and stains. For stubborn stains, you can use a neutral detergent to assist in cleaning, then rinse with clean water, and finally wipe dry with a clean soft cloth.
3. Waxing regularly
In order to maintain the gloss and anti-fouling properties of terrazzo stone tiles, it is recommended to wax them regularly. Choose a special wax suitable for terrazzo stone tile, apply and polish according to the instructions. Waxing not only protects the floor surface, but also enhances its wear resistance and beauty.
4. Prevent water accumulation and moisture
Although terrazzo stone flooring has good water resistance, long-term water accumulation and humid environment will have an adverse effect on it. It is recommended to clean up the water on the floor in time, keep the floor dry, and prevent the growth of mold and bacteria caused by moisture.
5. Avoid heavy impact
Although terrazzo stone flooring is hard and wear-resistant, it should also avoid heavy impact and dragging to avoid surface scratches and damage. It is recommended to use soft pads to protect the bottom of furniture and equipment to reduce direct friction and impact on the floor.
Conclusion
As a high-quality decorative material, terrazzo stone flooring is both beautiful and durable, but its maintenance and care require attention to details. Only by correctly selecting and using cleaning agents and avoiding the use of chemicals that are harmful to the floor can the service life of terrazzo stone tile be extended and kept in its best condition.