9 Easy Ways to Maintain Travertine Stone In Your Home

We live in a world with an abundance of choices!  If you’ve ever tackled a home, kitchen or bathroom remodeling project you know about choices.  There are thousands of brands and stone products available.  For flooring alone, you have tile, marble, travertine stone, slate, laminate, bamboo and so much more.  It is so easy to fall in love with any of these products but it is important to understand the product and the care required.

One of the most used surfaces today is travertine stone.  Just because travertine is readily available in a myriad of sizes and shapes, does not mean it will work in all spaces.  Travertine stone is considered a “high maintenance” product so before deciding if travertine stone is the best option for you, it’s important to understand the product and what is involved in its care.

Travertine stone is basically compressed limestone, a softer rock material.  This type of stone wants to return to its natural state, which is lime from the natural heating and cooling of the earth.  If the travertine is in direct contact with water, it needs to be sealed as soon as it is installed and on a yearly basis.  All those little unfilled holes are nice but they give the stone more area to absorb water or humidity.  The holes also affect the strength — or lack of strength — the product has to withstand from pressure and breakage.

Travertine stone is fairly easy to maintain and keep looking like new, if you follow these tips:

1. Always blot up spills as soon as they happen. Travertine is sensitive to acidic substances such as coffee, juices, sodas
2. Always clean surfaces using a sponge of soft cloth and only use hot water and a specific stone cleaner/sealer. If you use a mild soap occasionally (3-4 times a year) won’t harm the stone but consistent use will dull it.
3. Always use a decorative tray or something in your bathroom that will protect the surface from damaging chemicals that are in toiletry products.
4. Always mop your travertine floor tile regularly.
5. Always use coasters under all glasses, bottles and cans. (There will be glass rings left on Travertine – absorbs quickly)
6. Don’t use vinegar, ammonia, lemon or orange for cleaning travertine.
7. Don’t use generic, store-bought cleaning products of ANY kind. Most cleaning aids contain chemicals, acids, alkalis and can damage.
8. Don’t use generic bathroom, tub and tile or grout cleaners
9. Don’t place toiletries such as toothpaste, hair products, perfume directly on the countertop.

By using products specially formulated for cleaning travertine or similar soft stones, you will be able to extend the life expectancy of the product.  Travertine stone, marble and limestone are all very similar in their chemical makeup so cleaning and care procedures are basically the same.   They all add beauty but must be properly cared for in order to last.

For more money saving kitchen and bathroom remodeling tips call us for a consultation.