How to Clean Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Floors Safely

Floors are among the most expensive surfaces in a property, and they are also the easiest to damage with the wrong product. What cleans a ceramic tile beautifully can permanently mark marble. Here is how to care for the most common floors in Kenyan buildings.

Know your floor

• Ceramic and porcelain tile: smooth, usually glazed and tough
• Terrazzo: chips of marble or stone in cement, common in older Nairobi buildings
• Marble: natural stone that looks luxurious but reacts to acids
• Vinyl: a soft, resilient floor often used in offices and rentals
• Concrete: tough but porous, unless it is sealed

Everyday care for every floor

Grit is the common enemy. Sweep or dust-mop every day, then damp mop with clean water and a suitable cleaner. Change your water when it turns dirty, and use a dry mop to remove excess moisture.

Cleaning ceramic and porcelain tile

These floors are forgiving. A mild all-purpose cleaner works well. Do not use too much product, as residue makes floors look dull and sticky. For stained grout, read our guide to grout and tile cleaning.

Cleaning terrazzo

Terrazzo can last for decades when treated correctly, and it can often be brought back to life.

• Use a pH-neutral cleaner
• Avoid acids such as vinegar, lemon and toilet cleaner
• Avoid bleach and harsh abrasives
• Wipe up spills quickly

A dull terrazzo floor can often be improved with professional scrubbing and polishing.

Cleaning marble

Marble needs gentle care.

• Use only a pH-neutral cleaner, or one that is made for stone
• Blot spills straight away, especially juice, wine and coffee
• Never use vinegar or lemon
• Use soft mops and cloths

Acid does not just stain marble. It can etch the surface and leave a dull mark, which may need professional work to fix.

Cleaning vinyl

Use a mild cleaner and a damp mop. Do not flood the floor, since water can get under the seams. Avoid abrasive pads.

Cleaning concrete

Sealed concrete can be mopped like tile. Unsealed concrete needs scrubbing for stains, and it may benefit from sealing.

Common floor-cleaning mistakes

• Mopping before sweeping
• Using too much product
• Using dirty mop water
• Using acidic products on stone
• Dragging furniture across the floor

Protect your floors

• Put mats at each entrance
• Use felt pads under furniture
• Lift heavy items instead of dragging them
• Clean spills straight away

When to bring in professionals

How to tell what kind of floor you have

Not sure what is under your feet? Terrazzo has visible chips of stone in a smooth surface, and it usually runs without grout lines, or with thin metal or plastic strips. Marble has natural veins and a cool, smooth feel. Ceramic and porcelain tiles have repeating patterns and grout lines. Vinyl feels softer and warmer underfoot, and it can look like tile or wood. If you are unsure, ask your contractor or test any product on a small, hidden area first.

Removing common floor marks

Scuff marks on vinyl and tile can often be removed with a damp cloth and a little mild detergent. Paint spots should be softened and lifted carefully, and never scraped with metal on polished stone. On grout, use a soft brush and a mild cleaner. Rust marks from metal furniture can be stubborn, and they may need a specialist product suited to the floor.

Polishing, sealing and waxing

These words are often used as if they mean the same thing, but they do not. Polishing brings a shine to a surface. Sealing helps to protect porous stone and grout from stains. Waxing adds a coating, which needs to be maintained and can become dull over time. Before you apply anything, find out what is already on the floor, as products can react with each other.

Frequently asked questions

Can a scratched marble floor be repaired?

Light marks can often be improved by professional polishing. Deep scratches and etching may need specialist restoration.

Why does my tiled floor look dull after mopping?

Too much detergent or dirty water usually leaves a film. Use less product, change the water often and rinse with clean water.

Is bleach safe for floors?

It can damage grout and stone, and it should be avoided unless the product and floor manufacturers say that it is suitable.

If your floor looks dull even after a good clean, or if it has stains and scratches, it may be ready for floor scrubbing and polishing. Macky Group works with tile, terrazzo, marble, vinyl and concrete floors in Nairobi and Thika. Request a free quote.