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How To Maintain Travertine Tile Flooring?

You finally did it. After hours of trawling through Pinterest, you found the perfect backsplash tile for your kitchen. Congrats! Now that you’ve taken the plunge and installed travertine tile, you’re probably wondering how to maintain it so it always looks as good as new.

Never fear! We’re here to help. In this blog post, we’ll share our top tips for keeping travertine tile clean and looking its best. Keep reading to learn more!

 Features of Travertine Tile Flooring

Travertine is a type of stone that is formed from hot springs or limestone caves. Because of its natural formation process, travertine tile typically has a pitted or textured surface. This porous quality is one of the things that makes travertine tile so unique – it’s also what requires special care when cleaning and maintaining the tile.

Travertine tile is available in a variety of colors, from light ivory to rich chocolate brown. No matter what color you choose, travertine will add a touch of luxury and sophistication to any room in your home.

Maintain Travertine Tile Cleaning Routine

Travertine Tile

Travertine floors have become more and more popular over the years. People love travertine because it has a slick surface when it is polished, and it is shinier than other types of tile.

The polished appearance of travertine is similar to that of marble. If you want your travertine tile floors always to look their best, daily and long-term maintenance is essential.

  • Sweeping

It is essential that you sweep your floors daily. Sweeping will allow the natural beauty of the tile to shine through. Also, daily sweeping will prevent dirt and debris from scratching the floors.

  • Regular mopping

If you want to be sure that your travertine floors are always looking great, you need to mop them regularly.

Areas of the floor that don’t get much use, such as in the guest bathroom, you don’t need to mop as often. High traffic areas should be mopped regularly.

You should avoid using acidic cleaners such as ammonia, bleach, and vinegar because these products can etch the surface, which can cause lasting damage to the tile. It is best to use a mild cleaner that is pH neutral, mixed with water.

  • Cleaning spills

It is essential that you clean up spills right away. If the liquid spilled is acidic, such as orange juice, wine, or soda, it can damage the tiles and cause stains.

If you clean the mess right away, there is less chance that the liquid will stain the tile.

Although daily maintenance is essential in keeping your travertine floors looking great, long-term maintenance is equally important.

  • Using small rugs or area rugs

The best way to protect your travertine tile from scratches is to use rugs. You don’t have to cover the entire floor with rugs, but you should put them in high-traffic areas.

For example, put down mats in front of doors so people can wipe their feet or remove their shoes. You can also use an area rug in the living room or other high-traffic areas to protect the floors.

  •  Sealing floor every few years

It is essential that you have your floor sealed. There are two types of sealers.

The first will seep deep down into the stone, clogging the pores. This will make it impossible for moisture or spills to penetrate the tile.

The second type is a surface barrier. This will create a clear coating over the tile, and it will keep liquid and stain from getting into the tile causing permanent damage.

For maximum protection, you should have the floors sealed every three to five years. If you go with a glossy finish seal, you will need to do it more frequently.

  • Checking for stains

It is a good idea to check for stains on the floors every few months. Some stains are large and very noticeable and can be treated right away.

However, smaller stains can be less visible, and you should go over the floors closely looking for them. If you find a stain, you can use a paste that contains an absorbing agent and chemicals called a poultice.

  • Clean the grout

The grout on travertine floors allows the tile to expand and contract when the temperature and seasons change. It also keeps the tiles from rubbing against each other, which can cause the tile to crack.

The grout can start to look dirty over time. It can also develop water damage and mold. It is essential that you clean the grout lines when they start looking dirty.

The best way to do this is with equal parts of baking soda and water. This will form a paste that is easy to apply to the lines. It is important that you keep the mixture off of the tile and only on the grout.

If you get too much of the paste on the tile, it can cause permanent damage. You should avoid using commercial grout on your travertine floors. These products contain bleach, which can etch the natural stone.

  • Regrouting when necessary

If your grout is such a mess that cleaning isn’t working, you can regrout. This is where you would remove the existing grout and replace it.

This may seem like a big project, but it is better to replace the tile that has been damaged due to the failing grout. You can also hire a professional flooring company to handle this.

Top Tips for Keeping Travertine Tile Clean

Top Tips for Keeping Travertine Tile Clean

One of the most important things to remember when cleaning travertine tile is to never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. These can damage the surface of the tile, making it more likely to stain. Instead, opt for a mild soap and water solution.

To clean travertine tile, simply mix a quarter cup of gentle dish soap with a gallon of water. Grab a soft cloth or sponge and lightly dampen it in the soapy water. Then, gently wipe down the tile surface. Be sure to rinse away any soap residue with clean water when you’re finished.

If your tile is looking extra dirty or grimy, you may need to give it a deeper clean. For tough stains, make a paste out of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain with a soft cloth and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before wiping away with a damp cloth.

For really stubborn stains, you may need to call in reinforcements in the form of a professional stone cleaner. But don’t reach for just any old stone cleaner! You’ll want to choose one that’s specifically designed for travertine tile so you don’t end up damaging your beautiful backsplash.

Preventative Maintenance: How to Keep Your Travertine Tile Looking Like New

In addition to regular cleaning, there are some preventative maintenance measures you can take to keep your travertine tile looking like new for years to come. One of the best things you can do is seal your travertine tile periodically. This will help protect it from staining and make cleanup a breeze. Just be sure not to over-seal; twice a year should do the trick!

Another easy way to keep your travertine tile looking great is by sweeping or vacuuming regularly (depending on the finish). This will help prevent dirt and debris from building up and becoming difficult to clean later on down the road—plus, it’ll keep your kitchen looking spick and span in between deep cleans!

Conclusion

Maintaining travertine tile is easy—as long as you know what you’re doing! Just remember to use gentle cleaners, avoid harsh chemicals, and seal your tile periodically. With these simple tips, you’ll be able to keep your travertine tile looking like new for years to come!

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