Travertine tiles are an excellent choice for your home; they will not only look stunning but will last a lifetime. However, whilst travertine is a hardwearing stone it requires some care and maintenance to keep it looking beautiful.
Sealing your travertine tiles
Travertine is a porous stone and is therefore prone to staining and etching; it is particularly sensitive to acidic substances. This is less of an issue than it sounds however, and can be mitigated against by applying a sealer to your tiles. Sealing travertine tiles is a relatively easy job and won’t take you ages, but it will need to be repeated every one to two years as sealer breaks down gradually with time. To test if your tiles need sealing, put some water onto the corner of a tile; if it is absorbed and turns the tile a darker colour, your tiles require sealing.
Use a coaster
Whether you have travertine counter tops or floors, one of the easiest ways to protect your tiles is to minimise contact with liquids, chemicals or dirt. Using coasters and boards in kitchens, decorative trays for toiletries in bathrooms and matts and rugs on floors will help to maintain the floorless natural look of your tiles.
Clean up spills
However hard you try to minimise contact with liquids or dirt, a spill is bound to happen eventually. Cleaning up any spills with a sponge or soft cloth instantly will ensure you minimise the likelihood of permanent damage or staining – the longer a spill is left, the more likely you are to have problems.
Avoid household cleaning products
When it comes to cleaning your travertine tiles, less is more. Avoid using many commonly available cleaners as they contain chemicals harmful to your tiles; simple hot water and a sponge or soft cloth is best. Whilst mild soaps can be used, use should be limited as it can dull your tiles and leave streaks – natural stone cleaners are a better alternative. The same is true for travertine floors, which should be dusted regularly then mopped with stone cleaner. Hoovers are OK to use but ensure the end is clean as bits of dirt or dust can scratch and damage the tiles.
Stain removal
If stains do occur and removal with water and/or stone cleaner fails to fix the problem, you can use a poultice. Mix stone cleaner with baking powder and cover with cling film for a couple of days; the mixture should draw the stain out of the tiles. Remove with warm water and buff your tiles with a cloth or chamois.
View our range of Travertine Tiles sealers, and maintenance products for everything you need to create a lifetime fo beauty with Travertine.
