Cleaning and protecting Travertine Floorings

Functional plus aesthetical values of travertine stone are the reasons behind its popularity. This is a type of natural stone that gained tremendous popularity among people, as they prefer using this stone for construction in properties. Travertine stones in form of tiles are being used for floorings, patios and for interior decoration as well. Travertine stones are durable and last longer if they are maintained in a proper manner.

Let’s discuss on how to protect and clean natural stone type Travertine Stone:

•    Natural travertine stone is less dense than other stone type such as granite. It becomes important to test and seal the stone, in case a person has travertine stones or flooring installed in the bath, kitchen, dining room, etc. Sealing will help in the event of a spill of red wine, cranberry juice or another aggressive agent, especially on countertops and floors. Because this type of stone is sensitive to acidic liquids.

•    Another important tip to keep travertine clean and new-looking, make sure you wipe-up spills immediately, if any. As this stone is also sensitive to things like tomato sauce, ketchup and certain carbonated beverages. You should make sure to clean up the area quickly using hot water and a stone cleaning product. Many people use vinegar, lemon or orange cleaning agents, bleach, ammonia or store-bought products that contain acids, which should be avoided strictly, completely. In fact, you should use high quality stone cleaning products only.

•    One tip is to dust mop a travertine floor. Make sure you are using a clean non-treated, dry dust mop. It is better if you can dust mop regularly. And it will be best if you use a wet mop with hot water and a specially formulated stone cleaning agent once is a week. Avoid vacuuming stone flooring because vacuum machine can create chips and cracks.

•    You must have placed door mats and carpet runners in some areas in your house. These mats and carpets should be used to help keep foot traffic from bringing in dirt and elements that will damage the travertine.

•    There can be events when travertine flooring may get stained. If through the normal cleaning procedures you are unable to fix the problem, then you should use a poultice. A simple paste can be made by combining a formulated stone cleaner with baking powder. Put and smooth this paste over the stain and cover it with a clear plastic wrap. Let it be there for several days and the poultice will slowly draw the stain out. You can then remove the poultice with warm water and buff with a cotton cloth.