Cleaning Travertine Flooring

Travertine floors are a type of limestone, and while very durable, they require special care. You want your beautiful natural stone floor to last for many years to come then knowing the proper way to clean it is essential. 

Travertine floors are a porous natural stone and are susceptible to scratches and marks. Caring for them properly can keep them looking their best. As with any type of floor care it all begins with regular sweeping and mopping mopping. Accumulated dust and dirt will act like sandpaper on your floor. The floors should be regularly swept and lightly mopped for fine particles. Neglecting this step will leave you with really dirty travertine floors that can be challenging to clean when you finally decide to.

Travertine floors should not be subjected to harsh cleaners. Start the process by dust mopping the floor with a plain dustmop, or a vacuum with a proper glider attachment. Once the floor is free of most dust, a microfiber flat mop can be used to clean it. Only neutral cleaners should be used to prevent pitting. A specialized travertine floor cleaner is the best choice for cleaning your floors.

Ideally, you should use stone soap, available from your local stone dealer. This special type of soap will allow you to thoroughly, and safely, clean your travertine floors. If you find that the floor has streaks after mopping, you have used too much cleaner. Once the wet mopping is done, follow with a dry mop to polish out any streaks.

Do’s of Cleaning Travertine Floors
• They should be mopped frequently
• Only mop floors with a neutral pH cleaner or special stone soap.
• Immediately after mopping, the floor should be rinsed and dried.
• Mats should be used inside and outside the area to catch as much dirt as possible before it can reach the floor.
• Spills should be cleaned up immediately to prevent staining.
• Non-slip mats or area rugs should be placed on the floors for protection.
• Have your travertine floor sealed regularly to protect it.
• All furniture should have pads placed under the legs to protect the floor from scratching.

• Never use acidic cleaners or vinegar.
• Abrasives should be avoided.
• Cleaners containing orange or lemon juice will harm your floor and could cause pitting, therefor they should not be used.
• Never allow any kind of cleaner, chemical, liquid, or food to sit on the floor. 

Your travertine floors are beautiful, unique and a true asset to your home. Once you know how to clean travertine floors you can keep yours looking their best without causing any damage to them for as long as you own your home. Knowing how to clean the floors and using a proper travertine floor cleaner will allow you to make even really dirty travertine floors crystal clean and as gorgeous as the day they were installed.

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