How to Treat Mold With Travertine
Travertine, a calcium-based stone similar in composition to marble and limestone is frequently used in homes on floors, patios, on bathroom walls and on counters. Light in color, the stone has natural color gradations and a swirling effect. Inherent pock and pit marks come from bubbles embedded in the stone from hot springs, where travertine is typically found. Generally, this stone is easy to maintain. However, if conditions--moist environment and poor ventilation--allow mold to grow, special care is needed. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Non-acidic cleaner
- Soft-bristled brush
- Talcum Powder
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Plastic wrap
- Tape
- Poultice Powder
- Rubber Squeegee
Instructions
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Care and Cleaning of Travertine
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Travertine, like sandstone varies in hardness and porosity. If tumbled or left unpolished, it ages with a warm patina. Leaving the natural pitting and pocks created from hot spring bubbling does add character, but it also traps dirt, making the stone difficult to clean. Travertine is less porous if holes are filled and surfaces are polished. While sealing is not necessarily effective on polished travertine, it will prevent unpolished stone from absorbing stains. Travertine, a calcareous stone, is not recommended for use as a kitchen counter because it's sensitive to staining and etching from acidic substances like wine, juice and tomato sauce.
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Test a sample of your travertine for softness. Seal the travertine surfaces with a high-quality stain-resistant sealant if it seems to etch easily. Blot spills immediately, especially acidic-based substances. This is the best preventative action against dulling or etching.
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Use a rubber squeegee to remove excess water from polished travertine. Wipe all surfaces daily with hot water and a soft cloth or chamois. Remove excess water with a squeegee if you have polished travertine in your shower. For regular cleaning, Countertop Specialty recommends Stone Plus All Purpose Cleaning Spray. Routinely seal travertine surfaces. Dust-mop travertine floors, and avoid dragging chairs, tables or vacuum cleaners across surfaces.
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Look for unchecked sources of moisture if mold grows on travertine surfaces. Create more effective ventilation in bathrooms to draw moisture away from the stone. Clean stone surfaces with a non-acidic cleaner. For mold, Marble Atlas recommends VitalOxide. An ecologically safe cleaner, Vital Oxide, an antibacterial, anti-fungal spray, kills mold through oxidation. Spray Vital Oxide directly onto the travertine, scrub with a soft-bristled brush and rinse with plenty of water. Dry the travertine surface and reseal with a high-quality sealant.
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Use a poultice on tough-to-clean mold stains. Poultice acts by absorbing stains. Countertop Specialty recommends a poultice from the MB Stone products line, or make your own by mixing hydrogen peroxide and talcum powder into a paste. The poultice mixture should be thick and spreadable like cream cheese. Spread over the entire travertine surface, work into grooves, pits and grout with a soft-bristled brush. Cover with plastic wrap and seal with tape. Allow the poultice to set. Rinse with plenty of water and dry.
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Call in a stone sealant or installation professional if etching, moisture and mold remain a problem. They can hone and reseal your travertine.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid vinegar or citric-acid based cleaning products.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit table and tile image by Donald Joski from Fotolia.com squeegee image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
