Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500310
06/24/03
Terrazzo Floors--Stain Removal
Caution: Follow directions carefully when you use
chemicals to remove stains. Always "remove the stain
remover" as soon as its job has been done. Remember many
of these substances are on the "Not recommended list" for
general floor care, but must be used if the stain is to
be removed.
Try the following methods for these common stains.
Try the first method listed first, and go to the second
only if this doesn't work. For unknown stains or heavy
staining, consult a professional.
Caution: Always wear rubber gloves when using the
methods marked with an asterisk (*).
Alcoholic Beverages
1. Use liquid detergent and warm water.
*2. Follow with denatured alcohol if stain remains.
*3. Lay an absorbent cloth soaked in hydrogen peroxide
directly over stain; put an ammonia-saturated cloth on
top of this.
Blood
1. Try cold clear water first, then add a few drops of
ammonia.
2. Wet spot with lukewarm water and sprinkle with
powdered malt. Let stand an hour and rinse.
Coffee
1. Saturate an absorbent cloth with solution of one
part glycerin and three parts water and lay over spot.
*2. Apply a poultice of hydrogen peroxide and calcium
carbonate.
3. Apply a poultice of abrasive powder and hot water.
Fruit
1. Use a powdered detergent and warm water.
2. If rough spot results, rub with powdered pumice
stone under a block of wood.
Grease or Oil
1. Use a liquid detergent and warm water.
2. Pour solvent on spot. Rub with clean, soft cloth.
Ink
1. Use a liquid detergent and warm water.
*2. Apply a poultice of two tablespoon sodium perborate
in pint of water mixed with whiting into a paste. Repeat
if necessary.
3. Some blue inks respond to a treatment of strong
ammonia water solution applied on a layer of cotton.
Lipstick
1. Use a liquid detergent and warm water.
*2. Lay an absorbent cloth soaked in hydrogen peroxide
directly over stain; put an ammonia-saturated cloth on
top of this.
Paint
1. Use a liquid detergent and warm water.
2. Pour solvent on spot. Rub with clean, soft cloth.
Rust/Iron
1. Apply a poultice made by mixing one part sodium
citrate crystals to six parts water, mixed thoroughly
with an equal amount of glycerin. Mix with whiting to
form a paste stiff enough to stick to the surface in a
thick coat. Allow to stand several days. Repeat process
if stain remains.
Soft Drinks
*1. Lay an absorbent cloth soaked in hydrogen peroxide
directly over stain; put an ammonia-saturated cloth on
top of this.
Tobacco
1. Try lemon juice in water.
*2. Lay an absorbent cloth soaked in hydrogen peroxide
directly over the stain; put an ammonia-saturated cloth
on top of this.
3. Apply a poultice of abrasive powder and hot water.
4. Treat with equal parts of alcohol and glycerin.
Urine
1. Apply a poultice of abrasive powder and hot water.
*2. Lay an absorbent cloth soaked in hydrogen peroxide
directly over stain; put an ammonia-saturated cloth on
top of this.
The chemicals listed may be purchased at drug stores or
at chemical or laundry supply houses. Where poultices are
recommended, apply them about one-half inch thick, and
let the mixture dry thoroughly before removing.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus with references from Florida
Extension bulletin Keeping Your Terrazzo Floors Beautiful.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .