HOW TO CLEAN TRAVERTINE FLOORS?
As you probably already know, travertine is a natural stone commonly used among homeowners in flooring due to its durability. Because its hard surface this natural stone can handle heavy footfall without showing signs of damage, scratches or cracks. However, homeowners should take into consideration that travertine is a highly porous stone — which is nothing to worry about! It just means that floors made out of travertine are sensitive to specific cleaning methods.
Cleaning travertine floors isn’t difficult as long as you’re using a suitable cleaner and tools. With regular maintenance and care, travertine floors can last for decades. At Marble Unlimited we want to make sure that you get the best materials and learn how to take proper care of them.
Here is a small guide on how to clean your travertine floors.
Sweep or vacuum regularly
Small particles of dust or dirty can cause minor scarring to the surface of the travertine tiles, so it’s important you remove them with a soft fibre broom or a vacuum before moping your floors with water. Over time, these tiny particles can wear down the luster, finish and sealing of the stone, leaving it vulnerable to discoloration and staining.
Clean with the right product
Warm water is effective at cleaning travertine floors since it cuts through most soil and grease. If your wish to deep-clean with a product we recommend you use a suitable cleaner for travertine that is pH-neutral; meaning it doesn’t contain any acid or alkaline chemicals.
Wring the mop thoroughly
When you mop your floors, apply a small amount of plain water to a mop that is nearly wrung so that the travertine surface gets just barely damp. Do not saturate travertine tiles with water, as it can penetrate down past sealant or into grout lines, causing discoloration, degradation, and the growth of mold and mildew. Once you are done moping, rinse with clean water and dry with a cloth to prevent streaks from forming and eliminate any chance of standing water.
Clean spills as they happen.
Avoid etching and permanent stains by cleaning any spills that may happen straight away. If a stain has settled and caused a mark, you can buy a poultice paste to remove it. Apply the paste evenly and generously to the stain. Cover it with plastic and leave for 24 to 48 hours.
Clean the grout lines
Grout lines should be cleaned monthly. The best way to do it is by mixing equal parts of baking soda and water to create a paste. You need to be really careful as the grout is also susceptible to water damage and discoloration. Gently scrub the grout with the paste created with a tiny bush avoiding etching the edges of the tile.
Disinfect when needed.
Disinfecting floors is usually done with chemicals such as bleach or vinegar, however you should never use these products on travertine. To disinfect your floors just add a tablespoon of non-acidic dish soap to a bucket of water, mop thoroughly, rinse and dry with a cloth to remove any lingering residue that may exist.