6 Steps to Protect and Clean Travertine Stone Flooring
Taking care of clean Travertine stone – a popular porous stone used in residential and commercial flooring, countertops, backsplashes, and walls – isn’t magic. It’s composition and makeup make it sensitive to stains and etching from acidic liquids such as wine, juice and coffee. How sensitive depends on the type of finish applied to the stone.
Polished travertine is naturally stain-resistant but that also means it is hard to seal. Natural, honed and tumbled finish is more susceptible to staining and dulling. Because of this Travertine will require you to actively guard against staining. The following 6 steps will help you protect your travertine architectural stone flooring.
Step 1: Always Seal Travertine
The most important thing you can do is minimize all potential stains by sealing your travertine. If your home has travertine installed in the bath, kitchen, or dining room verify the stone was sealed. Properly sealed travertine is your first line of defense against all aggressive agents, especially on countertops and floors. WikiHow has a great article detailing how to prepare and seal Travertine. Link: http://www.wikihow.com/Seal-Travertine
Step 2: Always Wipe-up Spills Immediately
It is best to clean up spills on porous stone quickly using hot water and a stone cleaning product because of the sensitivity to acidic liquids and certain carbonated beverages. Vinegar, lemon or orange cleaning agents, bleach, ammonia or store-bought products that contain acids, alkalis or other chemicals should be avoided when cleaning travertine stone.
Step 3: Always Use a Duster
Use a clean non-treated, dry dust mop regularly and then once a week use a wet mop with hot water and a specially formulated stone cleaning agent. It is best not to vacuum stone flooring as the machine can create chips and cracks.
Step 4: Protective Coverings
Prevention is the best remedy when it comes to maintaining travertine stone. Carpets and other floor coverings help protect against ground in stains from a steady flow of feet in high traffic areas. A good practice for other flat surfaces is to use coasters and trays to protect the travertine from drinks, cosmetics and bath products like colognes, perfumes, oils, soaps and other toiletries.
Step 5: Poultice Stain Cleaner
What do you do if your travertine gets stained? Try a poultice floor cleaner. How exactly? Simple. Just create a paste by combining a formulated stone cleaner with baking powder. Smooth this paste over the stain and cover with a clear plastic wrap. If you let it stand for several days the poultice will slowly draw the stain out and you can simply clean the area with warm water and buff with a soft cloth. If you’ve got a very serious stain, try an alkaline cleaner typically found in stone and tile supply stores. You should be aware these types of cleaners should be treated as the last resort for cleaning travertine stone.
Step 6: Professional Advice Never Hurts
Travertine has a luxurious appeal and is a very popular material for a reason. Regardless of how popular it may be, it still has limitations and you should seek guidance about the performance of this type of stone. Professionals always have “Pro Tips” for proper care and maintenance.
