What to Use on Travertine Floors

Natural travertine marble makes for beautiful stone flooring, but it requires good installation practices and careful maintenance to keep it in like-new condition.

Sealant

Upon installation, travertine floors should be sealed with at least two evenly applied coats of clear semigloss or matte sealant. Allow the sealant time to dry and cure, in keeping with the manufacturer's directions, before walking or moving furniture on it. Sealant should be reapplied onto a clean floor at least every year or two.

Regular Cleaning

For maintenance regular sweeping and vacuuming will remove dust. Then use low moisture mopping or gentle scrubbing with a mild detergent solution and warm water to keep it in good condition.

Repair Stripping

If your travertine gets badly damaged by scrapes or cuts or is just neglected so long that it has become dingy and its natural pores filled with debris, it can be resurfaced with a power sander and resealed to bring it back to a nearly new condition.

Filling Dings and Crevices

Travertine has naturally large pores and crevices that can be filled with a stone dust compound and sanded to achieve a smoother surface.

Polishing

Travertine floors can be polished with mechanical orbital sanders and polishing compounds to leave it with a lustrous matte or gloss finish.

What to Avoid

Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleansers or abrasive debris brought in from out of doors and excess water (use only a very wrung out mop) to keep your travertine in its optimal condition.