How to Clean Travertine Tile
Travertine is a luxurious and smooth tile, but is also highly porous, making it very susceptible to dirt and grime, especially if it’s outdoor travertine tile. Conversely, because of its porous nature, it can also make it difficult to clean as too much water or soap can seep into the tile and cause permanent damage. When you’re dealing with a very high-end stone, you might be asking yourself, “How do you clean travertine tile?” Thankfully, we have the answer thanks to our tips and procedures for cleaning travertine.
Can I Use Bleach or Vinegar to Clean Travertine?
While bleach and vinegar are frequently used home-made cleaning solutions, we don’t recommend them for travertine tiles. Bleach or any cleaning products containing it can corrode the tiles and cause permanent damage. Meanwhile, cleaners containing acidic substances like lemon or vinegar can degrade the rock, as sedimentary stone like travertine dissolves when in contact with acids. That’s why we recommend sticking to pH-neutral stone cleaners to ensure that the stone doesn’t get degraded and worse off than when you started.
How to Clean Travertine
By following these steps, you’ll be able to clean and prevent the buildup of grime and dirt, leaving your tiles sparkling and beautiful:
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Gently sweep tiles to remove surface debris like dust, dirt, and other debris. (Be cautious of using a vacuum cleaner, as the wheels or nozzle can scratch the stone.)
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Divide the tiles into sections, as you don’t want the cleaning solution or water to stay stagnant in one area for too long.
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Spray a pH-neutral travertine cleaner on the tile. Follow the product instructions before applying.
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Use a soft-bristle brush to work the mixture into the tiles. If you need to cover a large area, use a soft-bristled broom to scrub multiple tiles at one. For particularly tough stains, getting down with a hand-sized cleaning brush is helpful.
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Use a mop and clean water to rinse off the cleaning solution.
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Dry the area with a dry cloth or another mop. You don’t want the water to air dry, as any stagnant water or cleaning product could stain the stone.
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Repeat this process for each section of your floor is clean.
Note: If you wish to pressure wash your tile, make sure it’s at a distance or on a lower setting, as cleaning at a high setting can permanently damage the tile.
Travertine Cleaning Tips
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If you’re putting down furniture on travertine, make sure to place down mats or felt pads at the bottom of furniture legs to protect the floor.
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Make sure to sweep your travertine on a weekly basis so dirt doesn’t settle in the tile.
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It’s vital to clean up spills immediately, as the porous rock can absorb liquids, which can cause staining or mould growth.
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If your travertine is outside, the grout is likely to grow moss or weeds. Keep an eye out for any growths before they grow out of control.
Consider Sealing Travertine
For some households, sealing your travertine tiles is a viable option, as that prevents grime from accumulating in the small pits and pores of the tile, and makes it easier to clean and maintain. However, this can make the tile quite slippery if you’re using the it as pool coping or have an outdoor travertine tile area that’s prone to getting wet. Ultimately, the choice is up to you,
Finding the Right Tile For You
If you’re frustrated due to cleaning your tile more often than you’d like, are getting the sense it’s not a great fit for your home, or are looking to refresh your property—you need some new tiles.
No need to worry! Arlo Stone has 20 kinds of travertine products, and even more offerings made of different stone materials. Browse our wide range of tiles in our Warana showroom. If you can’t reach us, you can order up to 12 free samples of our different products to your doorstep anywhere in Queensland. If you have any more questions about our range of stone or other services, you’re more than welcome to contact us.
