When you think of your favorite room in your home, your bathroom might not make the top of the list, but the fact is that this space is one of the most used rooms in the house. You might not hang out in there “just because” or get anything really productive done, but it’s where you spend a lot of time taking care of yourself.

The shower in particular is one of the most important parts of a bathroom. As such, it should be functional and aesthetically pleasing. After all, you have to look at it up close every day!

If your shower currently isn’t up to par, it may be time to consider refinishing it with travertine tile floor. As one of the most beautiful natural stones out there, travertine is the perfect choice for a stunning, efficient shower.

But travertine tiles do require some maintenance, so if you’re not sure how you’ll need to take care of your travertine shower, here are some tips.

Seal on a yearly basis
Because travertine is a naturally porous stone that can trap water, you’ll need to seal it regularly to ensure that it doesn’t take in water and eventually become stained. Sealer will also make your travertine tiles much easier to clean and maintain. Once every year should be all you need to make sure that your travertine is protected.

Perform regular inspections
Every so often while you’re showering, you should take a minute or two to check out the state of your travertine tiles. Look for signs of damage like chipped or broken tiles, and make sure all of the grout lines are intact and unstained. If you notice a problem, you’ll be able to take care of it right away and prevent any further damage from occurring.

Use a squeegee daily
If you don’t already own a squeegee, now’s the time to get one. This handy tool can not only get rid of standing water that’s on your travertine tile, but it can whisk away soap scum and prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Take a minute after each shower to go over the walls with your squeegee to keep them dry.

Use a neutral cleaner once a week
Once a week after taking a shower, take a moment to spray the floor, walls and door with a neutral soap – abrasive, alkaline or acid cleaners can cause damage, so ask someone at a hardware store which brands are best for cleaning natural stone – and let it sit for a moment to dissolve grime.

Then use a microfiber cloth or soft rag to go over all of the surfaces and remove the soap and moisture. Rinse with warm water and dry with your squeegee.

Keep your shower ventilated
Whether you leave a window open, turn on the fan or keep the shower door open, it’s important to ensure that your shower has plenty of ventilation. This will discourage the growth of mold and mildew, which like warm, wet areas. Ventilation during each shower and for at least 30 minutes after should be all you need to keep your travertine tile clean and beautiful.