Robert asked: How do I remove brown stains from terrazzo flooring? I was able to remove all of the solid glue from the surface, but I still have a brown stain on the floor. The glue was probably 40 years old. It was a chocolate colored glue. Thanks.
Table of Contents:
While the specific stain removal method for your terrazzo flooring will depend on the cause of the stain, it’s safe to assume that the dye in the glue is what left the matching stain on the floor. This method will effectively remove or lighten most stains on terrazzo.
You Will Need:
- Bucket
- Water
- Sodium perborate (You will probably have to buy this online)
- Clean rag
Steps to Remove the Stain:
- Add 2 tablespoons of sodium perborate to 2 quarts of water.
- Apply the mixture to the stain, and allow it to sit. Do NOT let it dry.
- Rub the area with the clean cloth.
- If the stain remains, make a poultice of the same ingredients, using less water. Mix the water and sodium perborate until it is the consistency of a paste.
- Apply to stain and allow it to sit. Again, do NOT let it dry on the terrazzo. If it needs more time to work, cover the area with plastic and tape the edges down. This will help lock in the moisture and slow down the drying time.
- After it has had sufficient time to work, wipe the poultice up with the rag.
- Rinse with clean water.
- Repeat as necessary until the stains are removed.
Additional Tips and Advice
- Do not use all purpose cleaners or soaps on terrazzo if they contain salts, harmful alkalis or acids. Cleaners should have a pH between 7 and 10 to avoid damaging the flooring.
- An alternative method is to try Krud Kutter Graffiti Remover. It’s safe for terrazzo and should remove the dyes from the glue which caused the stain.