After realizing the benefits of using travertine tile in your home, you’ve likely already taken care of the hard stuff – like picking out your favorite color and finish or getting the tiles in place on your walls, floors or countertops. But just because your travertine installation project is finished doesn’t mean there’s nothing left to do with this aspect of your home’s decor.
Here are a few insider tips and tricks from Gina Moreno, an account representative from Travertine Mart with lots of experience in the care, maintenance and installation of travertine tile.
Pair travertine with other natural materials
When you’re decorating the room with the new travertine tile, Moreno suggested using plenty of natural materials to complement the stone. Whether it’s natural linens, couches, area rugs or knickknacks, they’ll all go well with the color and finish of your tiles.
“While our Honed and Filled travertine tiles provide a more contemporary appearance, our Brushed and Chiseled tiles are preferred for more rustic settings,” she said.
Always seal your tiles
“It is important to seal the stone at least once a year, in order to protect the tiles from dust, stains and moisture. In addition, the sealing will add beauty to the tiles, highlighting the base color of the stone,” explained Moreno.
Pay attention to your cleaner
When you’re cleaning your travertine tile, you need to be careful to choose cleaners that are safe for the surface. Acidic, abrasive and alkaline substances can damage the stone, so Moreno recommended using a neutral cleaner or stone soap, which can be found at stone dealers or home improvement retailers.
“These are best applied using a clean mop or a microfiber/soft cloth, quickly followed by a dry mop,” she added.
Take advantage of mats and rugs
Whenever possible, you should try to find a mat, hall runner or area rug to place on top of your travertine tile in high-traffic areas, noted Moreno. The sand, dirt and grit that people often track into homes with their shoes can damage natural stone, but these protective layers can help you avoid scratches.
Clean up spills immediately
If you’re not in the habit of cleaning up spills immediately after they happen, you’ll need to start being more on top of it when you have travertine tiles. As Moreno explained, liquids can soak into the porous stone, which may stain if they’re left there for too long.
Use a microfiber cloth or soft rag to wipe up the stain and get rid of as much moisture as possible.
