Travertine Tile Cleaning

Travertine is a hard stone material which is very similar to limestone. It is composed of porous form of calcite. The surface of this stone has small holes and crevices. The unique patterns, texture and colors of travertine tiles have their natural warmth that makes them an ideal choice for both floor tiles as well as wall tiles. It is widely used not only just for flooring but also for patios, kitchen countertops, kitchen backsplashes, showers, fireplace surrounds, and so on. Some people use it for external walls as well. Travertine tile cleaning procedures are similar to that of marble or limestone cleaning, because the composition and characteristics of all three are very similar to each other.

Cleaning Travertine Tiles

Travertine tiles once installed, can last for long periods of time. Its durability and elegance can be maintained if you are cleaning it correctly. Following are the main steps for cleaning travertine tiles:

Step#1: First of all, the travertine tile floor needs sweeping with a broom made of soft material. You can also clean it with a vacuum cleaner fitted with glider for this purpose. Travertine wall tiles can be mopped with the help of a clean and dry microfiber cloth. This should be done regularly so that the dust and dirt particles on the tile surface do not enter the tiny pores of the tiles

Step #2: Selecting the right cleaning product is a vital part of travertine tile cleaning. The usual tile cleaners cannot be used on this type of tiles. While selecting cleaning products, opt for those which have neutral pH cleanser. The ideal tile cleaners are those mild soaps that are suitable for any stone surface. Read the manufacturer's instructions before using it on the floor.

Step#3: When it comes to cleaning the travertine tiles with liquids you need to be extra careful because its porous surface readily absorbs liquids and cause harm to the surface. Prepare a mixture by mixing the cleaner in a bucket of clean water as per the manufacturer's instructions. Take a clean microfiber mop and dip it into the bucket of cleaning solution and wring out all the excess of water from the mop and use it to wipe off the grime and dirt from the tiles.

Step #4: Take a piece soft cloth and make it damp by dipping it into a clean water and wring out the extra water from it. Now mop the tiles with this to make them free from the residues left behind by the cleaners. Lastly, make the tiles dry thoroughly using a dry cloth. Rub it well all over the tile surface to absorb all the moisture from the tile. This wet mopping of the tiles has to be done once a week.

Tips for Maintenance and Care

Here are some valuable suggestions regarding the care and maintenance of travertine tiles:

• Travertine tiles are highly susceptible to staining, and hence, sealant should be applied to prevent any unwanted mark on the tiles. It should be applied at least once in a year. You can use clear epoxy resin for this purpose. This will maintain the look and can give a glossy finish to the tiles. Moreover, a sealed tile surface do not require heavy cleaning very often.
• Polishing the tiles is a must once in a month to keep its smooth glossy shine intact. You should use the floor polish that are available in the market which are specifically made for stones.
• Clean any kind of liquid spills from the travertine tiles as soon as possible to prevent any kind of damage to the floor surface. If you allow to stand liquid spill on the tiles it will get absorbed on the tile and cause damage.
• Do not use any kind of bathroom cleaners, gout cleaners on travertine floor tiles as they may have acidic ingredients. Abrasive cleaners or cleaning pads should also be strictly avoided on the tile.
• The only disadvantage of travertine is that it can be get dull when it comes in contact with any acidic substances like coffee, wine or juices. So for a better protection of the tiles, use area rugs or non slip mats on the floor tile.

If you strictly follow the instructions that are given here, then you can prevent it from getting a scratchy, dull and discolored look, and can keep it visually appealing year after year.