19 Apr 2024
The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Travertine Tiles: Tips and Tricks
We understand it can be quite challenging at times to find the right information as to how to clean a natural stone, keeping it look afresh for years to come and enjoy its beauty. Kudos, you have come across the best and quickest guide on how to clean outdoor Travertine tiles and pavers. Furthermore, we will talk about the stone in this blog, if you are yet to decide whether to invest in Travertine for your next outdoor build and how this stone can enhance your property value in the wrong run. Isn’t it amazing?
Travertine sure does need a little touch of care, maintenance and regular upkeep, and this is important too, since you have either already put it in your outdoors or planning to do so, this beautiful natural stone would be exposed to a lot of weather conditions including dirt, moisture, heat and cold.
Having said that, its common with all the natural stones and Travertine is no different, but if you maintain the stone periodically and follow the tricks mentioned in this blog, you will surely enjoy the beauty of this stone for ages to come.
This article covers how to clean Travertine pavers and tiles for both long-term care and regular maintenance. Anytime you work with tiled surfaces, follow these specific instructions and precautions.
What are Travertine Tiles?
Travertine is a natural sedimentary stone derived from the mineral deposits in natural springs. This stone is known for the natural flow of veins on the surface that offers a distinctive look and adds elegance to any project space. The formations of years give Travertine this striking appearance, making it an exquisite choice for various applications in your home.
We have Travertine tiles and pavers for all your requirements, be they for indoor or outdoor applications. The wide variety of colours, shapes and finishes provides you with the creative freedom to design your space uniquely. Like we have Silver and Classic Travertine as outdoor tiles in unfilled, honed and tumbled finishes. This stone is suitable for all space requirements, such as pool surrounds, patios, alfresco, courtyard, verandah and backyard paving.
Benefits of Travertine tiles:
Durability and Longevity
Because it is a hard stone, Travertine is a wonderful option for work that can be done both indoors and outside. Its sturdy, compact structure, which was created by the gradual deposition of minerals, is resistant to weather extremes, heavy foot traffic, and the passage of time. With the right care, Travertine may keep its natural beauty for many years, giving any building long-term value.
Aesthetics and Versatility
The inherent beauty of Travertine is one of its greatest benefits. The stone has a unique pattern with delicate veining and muted earth tones that gives it a refined and beautiful appearance. Travertine can be used at multiple project spaces and can add the right amount of elegance to your home. It also comes in a variety of finishes, including tumbled, brushed, polished and honed, giving it adaptability to fit different tastes and design aesthetics.
Heat Resistance
Because of its superior heat resistance, Travertine is a great material for spaces that get a lot of heat, such outdoor patios, pool decks, and fireplaces. Travertine, in contrast to synthetic materials, is cool to the touch even in the intense sun, making it a pleasant surface for relaxing or strolling on.
Slip Resistance
For safety in any construction job, Travertine is an excellent option. Its rough texture provides excellent slide resistance, especially when it's left unpolished. Because slip incidents are more likely in damp locations like bathrooms, showers and poolside areas, this makes it the perfect option for flooring applications in these areas.
Pre-cleaning Preparation for Travertine Tiles
Gathering Supplies
Soft Brush
A soft-bristled brush is essential for gently removing dirt and debris from the surface of Travertine tiles without scratching or damaging them.
Mild Detergent
Mild detergents such as soap water or specialised stone cleaner can be used to remove the stains from the surface without rubbing too hard, which may lead to discolouration.
Microfiber Cloth
Microfiber clothes are non-abrasive and soft on the surface of the stone, and they are ideal for wiping down Travertine tiles without leaving scratches.
pH- Neutral Cleaner
pH-neutral cleaners are specially formulated to clean natural stones. Stone-specific cleaners are also available in the market. They help effectively clean Travertine tiles without compromising their integrity.
It is important to use non-acidic or abrasive cleaners to preserve the beauty of the stone. Travertine is a calcium-based stone, and it can be sensitive to acidic substances like liquor, vinegar or any sort of acidic drink, which can damage the shine of the stone and make it dull. Cleaners containing harsh substances can damage the stone in the long run, leading to wear, tears and discolouration. With mild cleaners, you can easily clean the Travertine and maintain its glimmer for a longer duration.
Testing a Small Area
It is always best to test your cleaning solution on a small area before applying it all over the floor. This allows you to assess how the cleaner will interact with the stone and whether it may cause any discolouration or damage.
To test the cleaning solution, apply it on a small area, wait for 1 minute and then wipe it off. If you notice any change, then avoid using the cleaner; otherwise, if there is no change of texture or colour, you may proceed and use it. This simple precaution can help you prevent damage to your stone and maintain the longevity of the stone.
How to Clean Travertine Tiles?
Regular Maintenance
You must know how to clean Travertine pavers and tiles. And the first step is regular maintenance. It involves daily sweeping and mopping using a soft-bristled broom and cloth to prevent scratches. Additionally, you can also clean weekly with a damp mop and pH-neutral cleaner designed for natural stones or specifically for cleaning Travertine tiles to remove dirt and stains from the surface and maintain cleanliness. The same process applies to indoor and outdoor Travertine tiles.
Removal of Moss and Debris
Moss are incredibly adaptable plants that can grow on surfaces easily. Removing moss or debris promptly prevents causing discolouration or damage to the stone. Use a soft brush or gentle pressure wash gently and scrub away moss and debris. Be careful not to apply too much pressure while cleaning Travertine tiles.
Preventing Rust
Rust marks usually happen from metal patio furniture, and it can be quite difficult to remove the stains and sometimes impossible to fully remove. Therefore, it is better to take precautions and use protective pads or coasters underneath them. If stains do occur, ensure that you promptly remove them rather than leave them longer.
Hard Water Deposits
To prevent buildup, make sure you clean instantly any water spills and regularly clean the surface with a mild detergent or soap water. If hard water deposits occur, use a commercial stone cleaner or a water-ammonia solution to clean Travertine tiles.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, maintenance plays a crucial role in keeping the shine of the stone intact for a longer duration. Any sort of negligence may lead to costly damage to stones. To keep them in good condition, you must know how to clean Travertine pavers and tiles and make sure you are sealing the tiles periodically to ensure long-lasting protection. It creates a barrier that helps maintain the stone's appearance and durability. Follow the application instructions provided by the manufacturer for sealing natural stone. Regular sealant maintenance helps prolong the Travertine's life and preserves its beauty. Cleaning Travertine tiles, whether they are installed outdoors or indoors, typically follows the same process. The primary difference lies in the frequency and intensity of cleaning due to varying exposure to environmental conditions.
Here are a few more blogs on Travertine Pavers & Tiles:
Travertine Pavers: You Must Consider Them for Your Pool
Travertine Floor Tiles: Experience Walking on Elegance
Silver Travertine – Perfect Option for Outdoors
FAQs
What is the best way to clean Travertine Floors?
The easiest and the best way to clean Travertine tiles or pavers is to mop them either with plain water or with water mixed with a PH neutral solution.
How to protect Travertine from Staining?
The best way to prevent Travertine from staining is to seal them. We recommend dip sealing before installation and periodically resealing it after every 2-3 years as a part of maintenance measures.
What should you not use for cleaning Travertine tiles and pavers?
The regular household cleaners are a big “NO”. They will react with your stone and leave an etching mark or cause stains that are hard to remove.
How to seal Travertine pavers?
The best and recommended method is to dip seal them. In case you choose to do surface sealing, we recommend 2 coats of sealant. After you have put in the first coat, wait for it to dry and then apply the second coat. Your Travertine is safe now!
