Last Updated on March 6, 2023
Travertine stone is extensively in use for architectural purposes, especially for flooring. The Travertine stone looks divine on the floor. However, the maintenance and cleaning of travertine floors require extra effort due to their porous nature. Travertine contains grains that can store dirt and dust easily if you ignore the regular cleaning.
The stone is purely natural and does not undergo metamorphosis like granite and marble. If you aspire to floor your home with travertine tiles, it requires regular cleaning, disinfection, and maintenance.
With regular cleaning and some tips, you can increase the sustainability of the stone. This article contains all tips and cleaning hacks that will preserve the natural aesthetics of the stone. You can also follow these tips to keep the porous surface seal.
Read below and find out tips and methods to know how to clean travertine flooring, to maintain the quality of the travertine floor.
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Tips and Tricks: How to clean travertine flooring?
Travertine floors are available in multiple shades such as brown, rust, or beige and cannot be cleaned easily. You can follow these easy tools and techniques to keep your travertine clean for a long time.
Step 1: Clean travertine flooring with a vacuum.
Firstly, you need to remove all the dirt and debris on the surface. In this regard, the vacuum can be a great help. You can vacuum all the house or space containing travertine. A broom can also help you to remove large particles and dust. This step will help you in easy deep cleaning.
Step: 2 Disinfect your floors
As you have completed the vacuum, now is the time to mop and disinfect your travertine floor. The floor surface is porous, and any abrasive attempt to clean it can cause permanent damage rather than good. If you are using any disinfecting spray, read the chemicals carefully. You cannot use vinegar, citrus, fruits, bleach, or any harsh home hack on the travertine floor.
- Select pH-neutral cleaning products
The best solution for travertine floor cleaning is pH-neutral cleaning products. These products are not strongly bases nor highly acidic. A lower or higher pH can discolor or degrade the surface because the porous surface absorbs the chemical. You can use non-acidic dishwashing soaps. Avoid any bleach, harsh chemicals, or floor cleaners.
Things you need:
- Mop
- Non-acidic soap
- Microfibre cloth
- Bucket
- water
- Use dishwashing soaps
Although dishwashing soaps are safe to use, experts suggest only a small quantity of them.
- Take a bucket half-filled with warm water.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of dishwashing soap and mix it. Make sure the dishwasher soap you are using is non-acidic.
- Now damp the mop in the solution and spin once or twice.
- Take out the mop and extract as much water as you can.
- Use a very damp mop on the travertine surface.
- Now you can start mopping all around the floor.
- Use a slightly wet mop.
It is important to note that you cannot use a very soggy or wet mop on the travertine floor. As indicated earlier, the surface of this stone is porous. If you are saturating the surface with a lot of water, it can penetrate deep into the travertine stone. This step will give room for mildew and bacterial molds. A wet place also increases the chance of cracked grouting.
Once you have thoroughly disinfected the travertine floor, don’t let the water on the surface for too long. After cleaning the floor with dishwashing soap and water, wash the mop under clear water. Take out excessive water and mop again.
- Dry the floor after mopping
The purpose of this second-time mopping is to ensure that no chemicals are left behind the surface as travertine can gradually absorb it later on.
Now take a soft dry cloth or microfibre-mop that is clean and dry. Dry the surface with a cloth or dry mop and absorb all the extra moisture left on the surface. You can also turn on ceiling fans while mopping so that the surface dries. A cloth or mop will absorb water from the surface.
Step 3: Clear All Grout Lines
With regular tile cleaning and maintenance, the filling can leave the space leading to cracks and crevices. You need to clean grout lines after regular intervals. After all, grouting is easier than replacing all the fallen tiles.
The cracks can enlarge with time travertine floors may fall as the surface is not sealed. You can use baking soda for grouting. You can also use commercially available grout fillings.
- Baking soda
Baking soda can serve as a workable filling on grouting lines. However, if the lines are too large, you might need to seek professional grouting help.
Things you will need
- Baking soda
- Water
Steps:
- Take a gentle amount of baking soda depending upon what you need.
- Add very little water to it.
- The consistency of the paste should be granular.
- Apply the mixture in grout lines with a small brush.
- Do not let the mixture reach the tiles.
- Baking soda is strong and can discolor the tile.
Step 4: Use a Stone Sealer
You can do stone sealing after every one or two years. The sealing depends on the kind of exposure your travertine floor has and the extent to which it is affected. The stone sealant will prevent the travertine surface from discoloring, mildew, degradation, and deep stains.
You can find many types of sealants in the market. The surface stone sealants work as an upper coating. This type of sealant prevents the surface from any spills and discoloration. Strong colors, nail paints, or food might spill, and this surface will prevent the stone.
Deep penetrating stone sealants on the other hand work on a deeper level by penetrating in the stone. It will not let the moisture or mildew go deep in the travertine stone and damage the stone.
You need to hire professionals for the stone sealing process. You can call restoration and construction service providers. Stone sealants are feasible and cheaper. If ignored over a long time, you might have to go with floor replacements which is expensive.
Conclusion
Travertine floors are not easy to maintain. Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucially required. The stone is purely natural, so its nature is also sensitive compared to granite or marble. However, you can use non-acidic liquids while cleaning the surface. pH neutral cleaning products work best on this type of flooring. The strong chemicals can discolor the stone. Always go for cleaning grout lines and use stone sealants at least once in years. Little precautions can increase the longevity and shine of your travertine floor.