Travertine is a natural stone that is known for its beautiful appearance and versatility. Today, travertine continues to be a popular stone used in many homes and commercial spaces due to its stunning appearance and durability. Its ability to seamlessly blend with various design styles, from traditional to modern, makes it a popular choice for flooring, countertops, wall coverings, and outdoor features.
What is Travertine?
Travertine is a type of natural stone formed from mineral deposits left by hot springs. It has a porous texture and features beautiful patterns and earthy colors like cream, beige, and brown. With beautiful patterns that often resemble rust and red veins, travertine is often considered a more affordable alternative to marble for construction or decorative purposes.
Additionally, travertine is resistant to water and mold, making it a low-maintenance option compared to other natural stones. It is easy to clean and doesn’t require special cleaning tools or solutions. The stone is also non-slip, which makes it safe to use as a floor whether for indoor use or in areas that are often wet, such as bathrooms, kitchens, or around pools.
How to Clean Travertine Floors?
Step 1: Remove Dirt and Dust
Start by sweeping or vacuuming the floor to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. Removing dirt and dust first before starting to clean with a mop, can help prevent scratches on the surface of the travertine floor.
Step 2: Prepare the Cleaning Solution
The best cleaning solution for your travertine floor is a mix of mild pH-balanced cleaner with warm water in a bucket. But if you don't have them, a gentle dish soap can also work just fine. Do keep in mind, when cleaning travertine floors, it is a must to avoid using harsh chemicals or acidic cleaners as they can damage the stone.
Step 3: Mop the Floor
Next, dampen a mop with the cleaning solution. When mopping the floor, it’s important to wring out the mop properly to prevent excess water from soaking into the stone, as travertine is porous and can absorb moisture. Mop the floor in small sections, and work your way across all the surfaces.
Step 4: Rinse the Floor
After mopping, rinse the floor with clean water to remove any soap residue. This helps avoid any buildup that could dull the surface over time.
Step 5: Dry the Floor
Once you finish rinsing the floor, make sure to use a soft and clean cloth to dry the floor. Drying helps prevent water spots and also ensures that no moisture is left in the stone’s porous surface.
Step 6: Use Baking Soda to Clean the Grout
If the grout between your tiles is looking dirty, make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it to the grout lines and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub gently with a soft brush, then rinse thoroughly. Baking soda is a gentle yet effective way to clean grout without damaging the travertine floors.
How to Remove Stain from Travertine Floors?
To maintain the cleanliness of your travertine floors, regularly clean them using a cleaner specifically designed for natural stones. This helps remove dirt stains and soap scum that may accumulate over time.
For more persistent stains, you can create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply this paste directly to the stained area and let it sit for a few hours to allow the paste to absorb the stain. Afterward, gently scrub the area with a soft brush to lift the stain and rinse it off with clean water. Additionally, you can also use a 50/50 mixture of chlorine bleach and water in a pump sprayer—to clean stubborn stains and make your travertine floor look new again!
Other Cleaning Tips
Aside from regular cleaning and addressing stains, you should also follow these important cleaning tips to ensure your travertine floors look their best all the time.
- When selecting a cleaning solution for your travertine floors, avoid products that contain harsh chemicals or acids.
- Do not use rough or abrasive cleaning tools like scouring pads or hard-bristled brooms.
- If a spill happens on the travertine floor, always blot it up immediately with a soft cloth or paper towel. Do not rub, as rubbing the spill can push it further into the stone.
- To protect travertine floors from dirt, debris, and excessive wear, place rugs or mats in high-traffic areas.
- To maintain the appearance and durability of your travertine, apply a stone sealer periodically. This protective layer helps to prevent stains and water damage.
When in Doubt, Let Luce Handle It
There are a lot of things that go into the maintenance of natural stone floors like travertine, so it might be best to leave it to the professionals. When you’re unsure about something or simply don’t have the time or energy to spare, Luce is here to help you out with its impressive selection of affordable and customizable household and commercial cleaning services and packages.
Send Luce a message today to schedule an appointment!
