Clean travertine tile with a soft tool and a pH-neutral stone cleaner. Protect the finish from grit, acid and incompatible chemicals.
Remove grit before wet cleaning
Use a soft dust mop or a suitable vacuum attachment. Grit can scratch the tile when dragged across the face. Keep entry mats clean.
For wet cleaning, use a cleaner approved for the travertine finish. Follow its dilution and contact-time instructions.
Use a gentle cleaning sequence
- Remove loose dirt and grit.
- Prepare the compatible cleaner.
- Use a soft mop or cloth.
- Rinse if the product instructions require it.
- Remove excess water without spreading dirty solution.
- Let the floor dry before normal use.
Do not use vinegar, lemon or general acidic bathroom cleaners. Avoid abrasive powders and tools that can change the finish.
Distinguish stains from etching
A stain changes the color within or on the stone. Etching changes the surface after chemical contact. Honed or polished areas can show dull marks.
Do not scrub an etch mark with stronger cleaner. Ask a stone-care professional to assess it. Use a compatible poultice only for the type of stain specified.
Care for kitchens and bathrooms
Clean spills promptly. Check cleaning products used on nearby surfaces so they do not reach the stone. Soap residue and standing water can affect a wet floor.
Sealing travertine tile is optional. If you choose to seal, a compatible sealer can reduce some absorption. It does not make the tile waterproof or acid-proof. Read what a stone sealer does.
Keep the finish consistent
Test every new cleaner on a small area. Record the product used. Compare the care needs of travertine tiles and different travertine tile finishes.
Questions and answers
Can sealed travertine still etch?
Yes. A penetrating sealer does not prevent acid from reacting with the stone.
Should I use an abrasive brush on filled tile?
Use a tool approved for the finish. Abrasive cleaning can change the surface or affect fill.
