Q. How do you remove rust stains from a terrazzo floor?
A. Rust stains, or iron oxidation, on terrazzo can be frustrating, and sometimes, surprisingly complicated to remove. While Iron-Out or similar products can be used in a poultice to draw out the stain, if the stain removal process is not performed correctly, further damage to your floor can occur.
In some cases, the stain may have penetrated below the surface, requiring light honing to open the pores and allow the rust remover to work effectively. This step involves using specialized equipment and techniques that, if done improperly, can worsen the appearance of the floor or leave visible marks.
Sometimes, rust stains in terrazzo aren't caused by spills—they're the result of iron oxidation within the floor itself. Rust can come from iron-bearing minerals in the aggregate or from underlying metal, like rebar or mesh, especially if it's too close to the surface or exposed to moisture. When rust is coming from inside the terrazzo, stain removal methods can sometimes make the stain worse or more visible.
This doesn’t mean rust stains are impossible to treat yourself, but it’s important to understand the risks involved. If the stain is minor, recent, and you're comfortable experimenting cautiously, a poultice might work. But for deep stains or high-value flooring, it’s worth having a stone restoration professional evaluate the situation. They have the tools and expertise to safely remove rust stains and restore the terrazzo’s appearance without compromising its integrity.
For best results, we strongly recommend contacting a stone restoration professional to handle this for you. To find a vetted PRO in your area, visit www.surfacecarepros.com and click on Find a PRO.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Fred Hueston is the Chief Technical Director at SurfaceCarePROS.com and Director at StoneForensics.com. He is also the author of Stone and Tile Restoration: The Manual, a comprehensive online manual for stone and tile restoration contractors. [Learn more about Fred.]
Article ID: 631
Created: January 21, 2022
Last Updated: July 12, 2025
Author: Fred Hueston
Online URL: https://surfacecarepros.com/kb/article/how-do-you-remove-rust-stains-from-a-terrazzo-floor-631.html