Travertine is a porous stone, which means it’s very absorbent. While that’s great news for your pool deck if you use travertine pavers, it can make stains more likely to penetrate the stone. This shouldn’t be much of a problem if you seal the tiles or pavers on a regular basis, but sometimes accidents happen. If you notice a spill on your travertine, your best bet is to wipe it up as quickly as possible to ensure that it doesn’t have much time to soak in. However, if you see a stain that’s already formed, there are ways to remove it. One of your best bets is with a poultice powder.
Try water and stone soap first
Acidic substances can damage the stone, so it’s important to use pH-neutral cleaners when you’re addressing stains on your travertine. Before you bring in the big guns, it’s a good idea to try removing the stain with water and soap. Start out by using plain water to wash the stain away. If that doesn’t work, use water and a soap specifically made for natural stone to try cleaning the stain. A brush can help you scrub the stain away. If it’s still there, then it’s time to try the poultice.
Prepare the stone and poultice
Before you use a poultice powder, you’ll need to remove any sealer, coating or wax from the travertine with a sealer stripper. This will make sure that the poultice penetrates into the stone to remove the stain. Then, follow the directions from the poultice’s manufacturer to mix the solution. Usually, you’ll need to combine the powder with distilled water and mix it into a peanut butter-like consistency.
Apply the poultice and cover the stone
Apply the poultice paste right onto the stain in a thick coating, about 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick. Make sure the entire stain is covered by going 1/2 inch or so outside the stain’s perimeter. Then, use plastic wrap to cover the paste and tape it down to create an air-tight seal. Let the paste dry completely, which should take about one or two days.
Remove the poultice
When the paste is dry, remove the plastic wrap and use a spatula or putty knife to carefully remove the poultice. Then use distilled water to rinse the area. If the stain isn’t completely removed, you may need to repeat the process. Once the stain is light enough to not be noticeable or completely removed, seal the stone again to protect it from future accidents.
