Proven Ways to Clean Travertine Floors – Easy Guide

The best way to clean the travertine floor is to regularly sweep all the stains from its surface so that the dirt particles may not get hidden in the sealant of these floors.

But now, the question is how to make a schedule for this DIY cleaning task to get a glossy finish from this stone-type floor. Unluckily, the verified cleaning methods on other hard floors may not be affected on travertine stone surfaces.

You have to think out of the box because of the sealed structure of this flooring. Let’s see how you can maintain the shine of this flooring option.

 

Things to Consider Before Cleaning Travertine Floor

Regular sweeping and mopping are necessary to clean travertine floors whenever their surface looks dirty.

Sweeping or vacuuming the floor removes small particles such as soap scum that damage the floor’s surface.

When time passes, these tiny particles wear down the finish of the flooring and remove the protective sealant coat. In addition to regular cleaning, some important things should be considered:

1. Every month you should disinfect the flooring.
2. Clean colored grout lines or simple ones every few months when required
3. Seal travertine floor surface every three to five years. Harsh chemicals and heavy use may wear out the sealer more quickly.

Tools & Materials Required

Steps to Clean Travertine Floors

Following are the steps that you should follow in order to clean your dirty Travertine Floors.

Sweep the Floor

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First of all, use a broom to clean away all the dust and dirt particles on the floor.

Mop the Floor

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Mix clean water with a small non-acidic travertine cleaner in a bucket. Dip the mop in it, then wring out as much liquid from the mop as possible. Now use this mop on the floor.

Disinfect the Floor

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Add a tablespoon of mild detergent to a gallon of water to disinfect the floor. Dip the mop in this solution.

Now, dip this mop in clean water to remove any remaining residue. Wring it as much as possible and use it on the floor. After mopping, use a towel to dry it.

Clean the Grout Lines

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Cleaning the grout around floor tiles can be tricky because you do not want to damage the stone. Mix equal parts of baking soda and water to make a paste.

Scrub this paste onto the grout with a tiny brush. Avoid scratching or etching the edges of the tile. You can also try any travertine floor cleaner to clean the grout.

Here is a video for those who are looking to see and observe travertine floor cleaning in a practical way.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Travertine Flooring

Although travertine stone is considered very strong, it is still very important that you clean it regularly.

It is necessary to clean your floors properly with products that will not harm the stone. Below are the do’s and don’ts of cleaning your travertine flooring.

1. Sealing

Do’s
It is well-known that travertine stone has pores. If you do not clean your flooring, the pores will be filled with dirt particles.

So, it is necessary to seal your tiles with a good quality sealant. This will increase the lifespan of your flooring. Always use the right kind of sealant.

Two types of sealants are used for floors:

• Penetrating Sealer: A penetrating sealer will flow into your tile’s holes and block them, thus preventing dust build-up.
• Surface Sealer: A surface sealer will create a barrier on the top of the tiles, which will stop entering the moisture and dirt. It also reduces the chances of staining.

Don’ts

• Do not compromise on the quality and type of sealant to save some money. Properly sealing your travertine tiles will add strength to your flooring.

2. Testing

Do’s

• Testing is very important when choosing the right cleaning, sealing, and polishing product for your travertine flooring.
• There are different cleaning products in the market. Any product that is too acidic can damage your travertine tiles.
• Try the product in a small section to test whether it reacts. Once you have tested and are fully satisfied with the result of your product, only then should you use it to clean your travertine floors

Don’ts

• Do not start cleaning your travertine flooring with a product without testing it because it is impossible to remove discoloration caused by a chemical reaction.
• Do not test on a visible tile area, as you never know how the product will react. A corner of your house is the ideal place to test your product.

3. Mopping

Do’s

• Mopping is the best way to keep your travertine floors neat and attractive. Mopping can be done with warm, clean water by adding a cleaning product or mild detergent.
• Due to frequent steam mopping of your travertine flooring, dust and grime do not settle into the pores.

Don’ts

• Do not use a completely soaked mop on the floor because the water goes into the tiles. It results in damaging your tile and the growth of mold.

4. Cleaning

Do’s

• It is necessary to clean your travertine flooring to keep them in good condition. You should clean your travertine flooring by sweeping or mopping regularly.
• Doing so will protect your flooring from any harm. You can also clean your travertine floors with a good quality cleaning product and a clean cloth.

Don’ts

• Do not leave your travertine flooring dirty for a long time. No cleaning will result in staining and damage from moisture and grime.

5. Stains

Do’s

• It is necessary to clean any spills like juices, coffee, wine, and vinegar; otherwise, they will cause stains.
• Many popular commercial cleansers can remove stains from your travertine floors. DIY remedies are also effective in removing stains. Use an authentic and effective remedy.

Don’ts

• Do not let your spills turn into stains, as removing a stain can be difficult. Always test your product or remedy to ensure that it will not harm your flooring.

6. Maintenance

Do’s

• The best way to take care of your travertine tiles is by maintaining them properly.
• Regular mopping, quickly wiping away spills, sweeping, reapplying sealant, cleaning the grout line, and polishing are the ways to maintain it.
• Make use of doormats, rugs, and carpets. Keep mats under heavy furniture to reduce the contact between the flooring and furniture legs.

Don’ts

• Do not place or slide heavy furniture around your travertine floor. This will scratch the soft surface of the travertine tile. Regular care of travertine tiles ensures that your flooring lasts longer.

7. Grout Lines

Do’s

• Grout is a paste of cement, water, and sand used for filling the gaps between tiles. It reduces the expansion and contraction of travertine stone due to temperature.
• It does not allow the dirt, moisture, and grime to build up in the tile’s pores.
• Regularly clean your grout lines with brush and water.
• If the grout lines are damaged, they can be replaced or removed. The best way to prevent damaging your grout lines is by getting them sealed.

Don’ts

• While cleaning your travertine flooring, do not ignore the grout lines surrounding your travertine tiles. Make sure that the dirt from the grout lines is properly removed.
• Do not worry about brushing too hard on the grout lines because they are composed of cement and water.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Cleaner to Use for Travertine Floors?

The best cleaner for travertine floors is mild liquid dish soap or mild-detergent mixed with warm water. It can be applied with a soft mop.

What Should You Not Use on A Travertine Floor?

Harsh chemicals such as bleach and ammonia should be kept away from travertine floors.

Can You Use Vinegar on Travertine?

Do not use vinegar on travertine flooring because it contains the harsh chemical.

Can You Use Baking Soda on Travertine?

Yes, baking soda can be used to clean stains on travertine flooring. Make a paste by mixing equal parts of water and baking soda. Scrub this paste into the travertine tile. Now clean with a towel.

Conclusion

Travertine stone gives your flooring a unique and attractive look. This flooring is very delicate, and you should know how to clean the travertine floor.

Regular cleaning will increase its lifespan. Follow the techniques and methods given above to keep your travertine floor in perfect condition for decades.

I hope this article will be helpful to you.