When it comes to home décor, natural stone travertine is a popular choice. A travertine shower is a popular option among those who can afford it, but this pricey stone may also be used for floors and worktops. Architects and designers love this stone because of the variety of textures and colors. However, to ensure that travertine floors last as long as possible, residential or commercial properties owners should follow a few simple travertine cleaning and repair tips.
Travertine’s fundamental properties and why it’s distinct from other natural stones are essential to know before we get into the specifics of cleaning travertine.
Travertine has the following characteristics:
- Underground rivers, springs, and other water sources containing mineral ingredients are responsible for forming this stone. Multiple layers of calcium carbonate, in particular, are formed, resulting in a new stone that is firm and polished. Travertine is what you see here.
- It’s a natural stone that’s prone to porosity. When a building is being built, gases leak out and cause the pores to develop.
- It has a more homogeneous structure than granite, although it is less complicated.
- It is simple to mine and process since it is not particularly hard in nature.
- Travertine is simple to move because of its low density.
- Natural pits and holes on the stone’s surface give it an old, worn look and texture.
- These hues include warm earth tones like ivory and cream, striking gold and honey tints, and even deep chocolate brown colors available in various shades. Even though this stone has several veins or band-like lines running through it, you may never locate a single piece with the same tint throughout.
- There are no two the same travertine stones.
- Preparation is required before using this stone in interior design projects. There is a special appearance to the stone after each of these procedures. Stones that have been polished, honed, tumbled, and brushing is given a textured and rough look by these processes.
- Typically, honed travertine is preferred because it seems flat, smooth, and matte.
Tips and Tricks for Maintaining Travertine:
Do’s:
- If you want to remove stains and mold from the stone’s pores, you must use deep-penetrating cleansers.
- Use an alkaline-based cleaner since this stone is not acid-friendly.
- Always wipe up spills as soon as possible. Leaving them unattended for an extended period might allow the spills to get into the pores, allowing bacteria and mold to grow.
- Use blotting paper instead of a cloth for mopping up a spill. This process will prevent spills from spreading over the whole surface and causing damage.
- Always use a soft cloth and hot water to remove more stubborn stains from the surfaces. Once a week, use a stone care cleaner to clean the surface.
- Store soaps and lotions on a dish in the bathroom. This measure will keep the stone from being etched or eroded by the spillage.
- Get rid of extra filth and dust accumulated on your shoes by placing a doormat in front of your door. Abrasive dirt and little grit might damage your tile.
- After thoroughly washing the surface, seal the grout to prevent mold and bacteria from forming in its pores. If you don’t seal the grout around your travertine stone, it will seem foggy under the tile sealer, affecting the stone’s overall appearance.
- To protect travertine stone against acidic food spills, acidic soaps and lotions, and acids in drinks and beverages, seal the grout separately and then seal the stone. These compounds may permanently harm the stone’s surface because of their acid concentration.
Don’ts:
- Avoid using abrasives to remove stains or mold from travertine since you may wind up scratching the surface.
- Also, avoid cleaning with acidic household remedies like vinegar, lemon, and others.
- Because you don’t know what they are made of, don’t use any household cleaning solutions for travertine cleaning. The stone may be etched as a result.
- Granite countertops are more robust, so never put your weight on a travertine one. The stone might shatter if it bears too much weight.
- Water-based sealers should not be used to protect travertine against stains and mold since they rapidly wear off, exposing the stone to further deterioration.
- Keep hot items away from travertine stone by placing them on a coaster instead. The stone may be subject to chipping, splits, or etching if hot containers are placed directly on the surface.