Best Way to Clean Travertine Floors
Travertine has been prized for its beauty and durability for thousands of years. With its classic style and light shades of brown, tan, gold, gray, and white, travertine brings a beautiful weathered look to any space. As long as you understand the basic do's and don'ts, you can keep your travertine tile floors and shower looking its best for decades to come. Here's how to clean and care for your travertine tile safely and easily.
Daily Care of Travertine Floors
While travertine is very durable, it's still important to take care of it properly to prevent damage and stains. Use doormats to keep dirt and debris from being tracked onto the floor and wearing down the stone. Your floor should also be swept daily to prevent a buildup of debris. Use a safe attachment if you vacuum to prevent scratches, and make sure there are no worn parts or grit on the wheels that can damage your stone. Never drag anything across the stone. Spills should always be cleaned up as soon as possible to prevent stains.
Cleaning Travertine Tile
If you’re unsure how to clean granite and natural-stone floor like travertine, the process is fairly simple. Use a stone-safe cleaner at least once a week to keep your travertine looking brilliant and clean. Never use household chemicals or standard floor cleaning products on natural stone, especially products with acids like citric acid and vinegar that can eat away at the stone and dull the surface. To clean travertine, start by sweeping to remove debris. Then, using a stone-safe cleaner such as Granite Gold Stone & Tile Floor Cleaner®, damp mop the stone to keep it looking pristine.
Sealing Travertine
Regular cleaning is important, but leaving your travertine unsealed will make it easy for water or other spilled liquids to penetrate the stone and leave stains. Use a high-quality stone-safe granite sealer to protect your investment and guard against stains. To seal your travertine tile, clean it thoroughly to remove grime. Spray on the sealer in a 3-foot section and use a clean, lint-free cloth to buff the surface immediately. Repeat this process up to three times, working section by section, buffing the sealer into the stone until it's dry. Don't let the sealer dry on the surface or it will cause hazing. While polishing can be done after sealing natural stone, it isn't recommended for flooring because it can make the stone very slippery.