Are you planning a home remodeling project that includes new tile countertops or floors? If so, durable and elegant travertine can be an ideal choice. Travertine tiles majorly come from Italy and are characterized by a surface covered in troughs and pitted holes. The natural variations in the material make it an attractive option for your home.
Travertine is a durable yet delicate material often used for floors with dense foot traffic. Most experts use penetrating sealers to make it less porous. Before buying travertine from reliable suppliers like Saturnia Travertini Italia, you should learn the cleaning and caring tips for these beautiful floors.
8 Caring and Cleaning Tips for Travertine Floors
1. Vacuum or sweep regularly
Dirt and debris on the surface can cause scratching, leaving your floor with a tainted look. Travertine stones form from mineral deposits found in hot springs and limestone caves. The surface is delicate and susceptible to scratching. Dirt and dust buildup on the surface acts as an abrasive that rubs against the floor.
That’s why vacuuming or sweeping the floor regularly will remove dirt to keep the floor clean. It also helps in maintaining its shiny, glossy look. It’s an easy and quick task that can be done daily.
2. Use pH-neutral cleaners
Using the right floor cleaners can make a significant impact on your floor. Acidic floor cleaners are robust and remove mineral deposits and rust stains effectively. However, they will corrode your travertine floors.
The alkaline cleaners are close to neutral cleaners and are often a good choice for degreasing. These products are ideal for removing animal fats, oil stains, and grease. And like their acidic counterparts, alkaline cleaners can be used as neutralizers, but they might not effectively clean acidic spills.
That’s why neutral cleaning detergents are the best choice for travertine floors. They can be incorporated into daily cleaning routines for surfaces that are not densely soiled or stained. pH-neutral detergents are safe because they don’t contain harsh acidic or chemical ingredients. Avoid lemon juice or vinegar cleaners as they can etch travertine surfaces, leaving permanent marks.
3. Test any new sealer or cleaner before using it on the floor
The travertine floor is delicate while delivering an aesthetic look. These materials are also costly, so you would want to ruin them, so testing a new sealer or cleaner is advisable. To see its effectiveness, ensure you test the compound on a small area first. It helps you determine if the cleaner is ideal for the entire floor.
Some sealers or cleaners can cause damage or discoloration to the travertine surface. Reading reviews about the new sealer helps you know if it causes damage to the floor.
4. Seal travertine periodically
Travertine is a rugged and durable natural stone. Even though it’s the toughest material, it needs some care periodically. Sealing the floor yearly will keep it looking fresh and protected from damage. Travertine sealers come in three categories:
- Topical sealers
- Enhancing stone sealers, and
- Impregnating sealers
Topical sealers give your travertine floor a gleaming, lustrous look while sealing out grease and oil. They prevent discoloration of your tiles even when under full sunlight. Topical sealers suit outdoor tiles like pool decks, walkways, and patios.
Enhancing stone sealers are designed to penetrate the floor and boost the natural colors of travertine. They protect the floors from acidic discoloration and staining. Besides, these sealers can refresh old pavers, bringing out elegant colors in travertine.
Lastly, we have impregnating sears, formulated to work similarly to enhancing sealers. However, these products can deposit particles into the holes on the surface. As a result, it prevents dirt, oil, and water from penetrating the surface. Impregnating sealers are suitable for tumbled surfaces.
5. Use rugs or mats in heavy-traffic areas
High-traffic places like hallways are prone to grit, sand, and other debris. They are also susceptible to spills which can leave the floor damaged. That’s why you should always use rugs and mats to prevent wear and tear.
Rugs or mats can also minimize the debris and dirt tracked on the travertine floor. Cleaning becomes more manageable, faster, and effective. Buying mats is also cheaper than repairing your travertine floor.
6. Avoid cleaning with water
Travertine tiles are versatile and stunning and come in various colors. To keep its lustrous look, you must clean it regularly. But you should note that the material can easily get stained or etched, so corrosive or acidic cleaners should be out of the equation.
But because travertine is porous in nature, water can sip into the surface, causing damage. Excess water contributes to mold and mildew. Instead of using water, use a gentle cleaning agent on the floor.
Sweep or brush off dirt and sand with a dry cloth or broom with soft brittles. Then use warm water and mild dish soap to wipe off the surface. Complete the cleaning process by adding a layer of sealer that suits your surface type.
7. Be gentle when moving objects
Moving heavy objects or furniture across your travertine floor can cause damage and scratches. It’s, therefore, essential to be gentle when moving furniture. If you have heavy items, you may ask relatives or friends to help you lift them instead of dragging them on the floor.
Ensure you place furniture on a rug or furniture for easy and safe movement.
8. Use soft cleaning materials
Although travertine is durable, it’s prone to scratches and discoloration. When cleaning the floor, use a mop with a soft cloth head or a soft-bristled brush. Abrasive materials can cause permanent damage to the floor. Even when you’re using a soft-bristled brush, be gentle and don’t apply excessive force.
Conclusion
Travertine floors are aesthetically appealing and durable. They require special attention and care to boost their durability and maintain their beauty. By following these tips, you can enjoy the longevity and exquisiteness of travertine floors. Taking care of these floors means less or no damage, thus no costly repairs and maintenance.
