You could be pleased to have travertine tile in your home because it is a high-end improvement. It gives your area earthy tones and elegant charm because it is made of natural stone. Unquestionably durable, this material is ideal for high-traffic areas of your home. However, particular attention is needed to keep it beautiful and in excellent shape. Learn how to properly clean a travertine flooring before you start cleaning it.
What is Travertine Floor Tile?
Like marble, onyx, and granite, travertine is also a natural stone. When calcium carbonate condenses in limestone hot springs or caves, travertine is created. When it dries out, it turns into a sturdy stone. For simple installation, travertine is sold in tile form. It has various earthy hues like tan, rust, beige, and brown.
Metamorphosis is a process that other natural stones go through, such as marble and granite. Thus, these are also referred to as metamorphic rocks. As a result, the stone is subjected to pressure and heat and either become polished like marble or sparkles like granite.
Contrarily, travertine is a completely natural stone. Carbon dioxide bubbles create the microscopic pores in the substance as it sets its defining feature. However, the floor type is also sensitive to particular cleaning techniques because of these pores.
Travertine may be found within some of the most famous architectural structures because it has been used for ages. Travertine is used in several incredible structures around the world.
How Frequently Should You Clean a Travertine Flooring?
Travertine floors should be routinely swept and mopped every week or whenever the surface appears dirty. Small fragments that could leave the tile’s surface slightly scarred by abrasion can be prevented by sweeping the floor. These small particles can dull the material’s luster and gloss over time, dissolving the sealant coating and making the stone underneath it susceptible to stains and discoloration. Weekly steam mopping is another option for maintaining travertine floors. Because steam mops use so little water, there is no chance of discoloration.
How To Clean A Travertine Flooring?
Step #1: Gather your cleaning materials
Remember that travertine typically responds well to pH-neutral cleaning solutions before selecting any products for your floors. Acids, including vinegar, lemon juice, or other corrosive substances like bleach, can negatively affect the stone and result in discoloration and long-term damage.
- Soft broom
- Mop
- Microfiber towel
- Non-acidic cleaner for floors
- Stone sealer
Always remember to clean your cleaning tools before you use them. Unclean mop, towels, or broom will only spread dirt and germs on surfaces.
Step #2: Sweep the floor
Sweep up any dirt and debris from the floor. Using a soft broom is recommended. Make sure to reach every nook and cranny so as not to miss any area.
Step #3: Mop it thoroughly
Combine some non-acidic floor cleanser and clean water in a mop bucket. To avoid staining the stone, squeeze as much water as you can out of the mop before mopping the floor. The easiest approach to cleaning a room is to start from the top part and work your way down to the door. You won’t be stepping on wet stones and spreading new dirt that way.
Step #4: Tackle the grout
The grout may require some attention based on how long it’s been since the travertine stone floors were given a thorough deep clean. To better reach grout lines without harming or scratching the adjacent stone, think about resting your heavy-duty grout brush and substituting a used toothbrush.
Step #5: Mop once more
If you aren’t using a completely neutral product, think about cleaning the floor once more with clean water to get rid of any leftover cleaner. This might not be needed if using travertine floor treatment products.
Step #6: Wipe to dry
Once the floor has been cleared of all stains and spills, you can utilize a dry microfiber cloth to wipe it down one more time and remove any remaining moisture. As long as you don’t step on it until it has dried off, you may also let it air dry. Alternately, let it air dry primarily before using a dry cloth to dry any remaining wet parts.
Step #7: Put a sealer
Every few years, use a low-VOC sealer safe for travertine stone after making sure your floor is fully clean and dry. Penetrating sealers and surface sealers are two kinds of sealants that are frequently combined to stop liquids from permeating the stone.
Do’s and Don’ts When Cleaning a Travertine Floors
Do’s | Care tips for travertine floors
- Act Quickly: Blotting spills or quickly sweeping up trash are two of the easiest ways to avoid travertine tile stains. The simplest method to prevent difficult-to-remove stains is to do this.
- Seal: If you’re installing travertine tiles outside a patio area, you should be careful to seal them. Your travertine tiles will look spotless after cleaning if you do this.
- Cleaning: To remove daily grime, dust, and debris from your travertine floors, dry “mop” them using a clean, dry dust mop. Next, clean the travertine with warm water and a soft mop. You can also employ a travertine-specific floor cleaning if necessary.
- Regular Maintenance: You may prevent dulling of your travertine by regularly cleaning and wiping it to get rid of the dirt that might otherwise permeate the surface.
Don’ts | Avoid these cleaning errors
- Prevent using a vacuum: While using a vacuum may be easier than sweeping, over time, it increases the risk that the travertine floor tiles may become scratched or chipped. To get rid of dust and debris, you should ideally use a soft broom.
- Never use vinegar or ordinary floor cleaners: Steer clear of “green” options like vinegar or basic floor cleaners. These solutions’ acidic properties have the potential to wear off at the travertine stone’s surface as time passes and degrade its finish.
- Avoid trying to DIY: You really don’t want to damage those lovely travertine floors. Call the experts to handle any difficult-to-remove stains or to deep clean a travertine flooring. The travertine tiles and stains can be cleaned by cleaning professionals in a safe and efficient manner. To avoid costly damage to the travertine, contact a reputable tile provider.
