Nothing says luxury and class quite like Travertine tile. Travertine is a limestone that offers strong durability, but also is relatively porous versus other materials that are often used in flooring. Because of that porousness, Travertine presents unique challenges when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. Let’s take a look at the proper ways to keep your beautiful Travertine shining bright.

How Often Should You Clean Your Travertine Floor?

Most people think that cleaning natural stone tile flooring has to be a major chore. The truth is that if you keep up on them regularly, they don’t have to be a drag on your regular day. You can do yourself a favor and sweep or vacuum the floor regularly. This will keep dirt and debris from pushing into the corners, and building up.

Beyond sweeping and vacuuming, you will want to mop and disinfect the floor, typically about once a month. Every few months, you should give your tile a deep clean, making sure to scrub the grout and all the corners. How often this all happens depends a little bit on what goes on inside your home, but these are good general guidelines.

What You Need To Clean Your Tile

Before you get started, you’ll want to make sure that you have everything you need to get the job done properly. Here’s a look at what you need –

  • A vacuum or broom
  • A mop
  • A bucket with ample capacity
  • Mild, non-acidic dish soap
  • A towel for drying
  • Baking soda
  • A small scrub brush
  • Surface stone sealer

When you clean your floors, you’ll want to avoid using any kind of abrasive cleaner at all. You’ll also want to steer clear of anything acidic. Acid-based cleaners don’t play well with Travertine and will stain and discolor your floor.

The Cleaning Process

1.       Vacuuming and Sweeping

As we mentioned earlier, the best way to be sure that your floor stays clean is to vacuum or sweep it at least every week. Dirt and dust that builds up on the floor can lead to unsightly scratches, and cause your tile to dull prematurely. If you keep up on it regularly, sweeping the flooring is typically pretty quick and easy.

2.       Mopping

As with any hard flooring, mopping is a necessity for keeping it clean. Use warm water, and be sure to change it often.  Don’t saturate tiles with water since it can penetrate down through the sealant or into the grout lines. This can cause discoloration and the development of mildew and mold.

3.       Disinfecting Your Floor

Because the tile is porous, it’s important to disinfect it regularly. Failing to do so can cause a buildup of mildew or food-borne parasites. Use about a tablespoon of non-acidic detergent in your mop bucket, and use that to lightly dampen the floor as you mop. Once done, you’ll want to give it a rinse-mop with fresh water.

4.      Cleaning The Grout

The grout is an important part of your tile flooring. It allows the tile to expand and contract as needed and helps keep them in place, without putting them under pressure. The grout acts as a bit of a buffer between individual tiles, so they stay neatly aligned.

The problem with grout is that it’s the number one place in your tile flooring that is susceptible to water damage, and discoloration. When you have water that penetrates your grout and sits, you run an increased risk of mold development, which can lead to having to tear the floor out altogether.

To clean the grout, mix water and baking soda in equal parts. In the end, you should have a paste with a gritty texture. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the paste into the grout channel. Just be careful not to scratch the edges of your precious tiles.

5.       Sealing The Travertine

We’ve mentioned the porousness of Travertine more than once, and that’s because it’s important to remember when you think about cleaning and maintaining your tile. Sealing your Travertine gives it a shield against water, scratch-causing debris, and other dirt.

When sealing the tile, be sure to use a sealant that will penetrate the surface, and leave you with a water-resistant surface that will last for years to come. Or call us at Castles Home Service and we can take care of the cleaning and sealing of your Travertine floor for you professionally.

Travertine tile is one of the most sophisticated and premium options for stone flooring. Regular cleaning maintenance and sealing will keep your floor looking great for decades.