Things You'll Need
Rubber gloves
Soft cloth
Plastic bucket
3-percent hydrogen peroxide
Soft-bristled scrub brush
Lint-free cloth
Lint-free towel
A natural stone, tiles made with travertine can develop algae growth, which will stain and damage the tiles. Even though travertine will last for years with the proper care and cleaning, common household cleaners used to remove algae -- such as bleach -- can scratch the stone doing more harm than good. Fortunately, not all hope is lost and you can use a few inexpensive items to safely remove the algae and restore the look of the travertine.
Step 1
Put on rubber gloves. Brush the surface algae off the tile with a soft cloth.
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Step 2
Pour 1 gallon of cool water in a plastic bucket. Add 1/2 cup of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide and stir with a spoon for several seconds. Alternatively, use 1/2 cup of clear ammonia.
Step 3
Dip a soft-bristled scrub brush in the diluted hydrogen peroxide. Scrub the remaining algae off the stone gently with the damp scrub brush.
Step 4
Rinse the mixture off the travertine with a lint-free cloth dampened in cool water. Wipe the stone dry with a lint-free towel.
Tip
Test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the tiles. If damage or discoloration occurs, discontinue use.
Never mix ammonia with bleach or products that may contain bleach. The fumes that will result are dangerous.
Hydrogen peroxide is available in the health and beauty aisle of grocery and department stores.
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