Here is the comprehensive guide to cleaning travertine stone flooring
Travertine is a form of limestone. It is hard as a rock but relatively porous compared to other stone floorings. Thus, some inherent vulnerabilities should be taken care of while cleaning travertine flooring. This article is a comprehensive guide to regular and long-term maintenance of travertine flooring.
Cleaning Instructions
Follow these steps to clean your travertine flooring like a pro.
Sweep And Mop The Travertine Flooring
- Before you begin deep cleaning, it is essential to sweep or vacuum the floor to get rid of dirt and grit particles. Prepare a disinfecting solution by adding a small amount of mild and non-acidic dish soap to a gallon of water. Use a damp mop to remove lingering dirt residue from the surface. Make sure to clean the corners and crevices.
In the end, finish off by drying your tiles with a towel. Be sure not to apply too much water, as it can seep past the sealant into the grout lines. This can lead to discoloration, growth of mold, and deterioration of the tiles.
Carefully Clean The Grout Lines
- Cleaning the grout lines around travertine tiles is particularly challenging. An abrasive cleaner is required to clean the grout, but you don’t want to damage the tile surface. The best solution to deal with this problem is baking soda paste. Create a gritty paste by mixing equal parts of water and baking soda.
This slightly abrasive paste should be carefully scrubbed onto the grout. Use a tiny brush to clean the grout lines, as this helps you avoid scratching the edges and surface of the tiles. Alternatively, you can also use a stone cleaner to clean the grout. These cleaners are specifically formulated and approved for use on travertine flooring.
Keeping Travertine Tiles Clean
- Taking care of the grout and using mild cleaners are the key to maintaining clean-looking travertine flooring for a long. Follow these precautions to avoid damage to your flooring:
Grout Cleaning
- Do not use acid-based, abrasive chemical cleaners for travertine floors. Acidic cleaners can discolor the tiles or leave stains. The most vulnerable points in your travertine flooring installation are the grout lines.
The grout lines are susceptible to staining, discoloration, growth of unhealthy mold, and water penetration. Commercial grout cleaners marketed for ceramic tiles should not be used on travertine flooring. They contain bleach that can cause etching of the travertine stone.
Replacing Grout Lines
- When grout lines become too dark and unsightly, the best solution is to replace them. This will give your floor a revitalized and brand-new look. Regrouting may be a little challenging. However, it is easier and less expensive than replacing the entire flooring.
Maintenance Of Travertine Flooring
- Regular vacuuming and mopping should be done whenever the surface is visibly soiled or weekly. Sweeping before vacuum cleaning eliminates the risk of minor abrasion caused by residual dirt particles on the surface of the tiles.
The grit and dirt can, over time, wear down the luster and finish of the tiles by removing the protective sealant coating. Once the sealant is damaged, the stone and grout are exposed to staining and discoloration.
- Disinfect the floor as a part of monthly maintenance.
- Depending on how dirty your floor gets, clean the grout lines at least once a month.
- Most stone flooring manufacturers recommend surface sealing every 3 to 5 years.
Give your floor the cleaning it deserves by hiring a professional cleaner. At Love Your Carpet, we provide the best tile cleaning services for your floor. We are one of the best grout cleaning service providers in Las Vegas. Call us at 702-898-6070 and get a free quote for all your cleaning needs.