How to Clean Travertine

Travertine is a beautiful, natural stone that can add beauty and value to a home's interior or exterior. Travertine doesn't require a lot of maintenance, but improper care can lead to unsightly, and perhaps irreversible, damage. Follow these steps to clean travertine.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Seal travertine after installation. Proper sealing will not fully protect your stone from damage, but will strengthen its surface and make routine maintenance easier.
2. Keep travertine free of dirt and dust which can damage the stone's surface. For travertine floors, sweep regularly and mop with warm water. Wipe other travertine surfaces with a soft, damp rag or towel.
3. Clean travertine with a cleanser designed for natural stone. Travertine is an alkaline-based stone and any acidic product will cause surface damage in the form of etching. Abrasive cleaners, scouring pads and vinegar also cause etching.
4. Wipe up spills immediately. Pay particular attention to spills of citrus-based products like orange juice. Etching and staining usually occurs upon contact, but cleaning spills quickly will limit the extent of the damage. Stains are generally less noticeable on honed travertine than on polished or semi-polished varieties.
5. Use drink coasters on all travertine and apply felt bottoms to canisters and decorative pieces before placing them on the stone.

Tips & Warnings

• Use stone-safe cleansers on all surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms that contain travertine. General purpose cleaners for sinks, tile, glass and tubs will damage travertine.
• Travertine is durable stone and is ideal for indoor or outdoor use. The natural stone is appropriate for flooring, bathrooms, kitchens, garden paths and patios. Travertine comes in many colors, sizes and shapes and the price range can fit any budget. How often you clean your travertine and what specific products you use, depends on the type of stone you buy and its location in your home.
• If your travertine has severe etching or stains, ask a stone company about restoring or repolishing.

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