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How to Get Glue Stains Out of a Terrazzo Floor

Terrazzo floors have been around for hundreds of years, but it wasn't until the 1950s before they made their way into American homes. Terrazzo is made from a marble and cement mixture on which chips of glass and marble are scattered. It is then smoothed and polished, creating a durable, easy-to-care-for flooring. If your terrazzo floor has glue stains on it -- perhaps from a spill or from leftover adhesive from a second floor covering on top -- try several different removal techniques to find the one that best works for your situation.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic spatula, credit card or other plastic scraper
  • Dish soap
  • Rags
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Waterless hand cleaner
  • Paper towels
  • Adhesive remover
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Instructions

    • 1

      Scrape off any excess glue with a plastic spatula, plastic scraper or edge of an old credit card.

    • 2

      Mix approximately two drops of liquid dish detergent for every 1 cup of warm water. Apply the soap mixture to the glue stain, let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes then rub the glue away with a rag or sponge. This simple process may remove everyday glue products, such as glue sticks or craft glue, that are not as heavy duty as other types of glue.

    • 3

      Spread a layer of petroleum jelly on hardened water-based glue stains, then add a layer of waterless hand cleaner. Cover the area with four or five paper towels moistened with warm water and leave for one hour. According to "Good Housekeeping" magazine, this process may soften the glue so you can better remove it. Follow Steps 1 and 2 to remove the softened glue.

    • 4

      Apply an adhesive remover, such as one with a citrus or soy base, for more stubborn glue stains. Test in an inconspicuous area of your terrazzo floor to verify it will not damage the finish. Use the adhesive remover per label instructions, allowing it to soak in for the prescribed amount of time and then remove it and the glue with a rag. It one type of adhesive remover does not work, try another.