Tips for Maintaining the Travertine Tiles

Travertine is a type of limestone that can look great as flooring. When used on floors, travertine tiles guarantee longevity and durability that no other conventional flooring can match, and these qualities are proven by numerous ancient structures that were built using the material and are still standing today. The Roman Colosseum, ancient baths, and aqueducts are just some examples. Although travertine flooring is low maintenance, there are still some things you will need to do to ensure that it can last for generations. Here are some tips:

• Make sure nothing acidic touches the stone for a long time – Harsh and acidic cleaning agents and liquids can cause the quality of travertine tiles to deteriorate. So, be sure to use gentle cleansers, preferably a specially formulated stone cleaning agent, or clean the floor using a non-abrasive rag or microfiber cloth with clean, warm water and a gentle soap that is alkaline or pH natural. Gentle soaps on the hands are likely to be mild on travertine flooring, too.

• Clean up spills immediately – Dark liquids may leave a permanent stain on travertine floors, so be sure to wipe them up as soon as they occur. Do the same for any food remnants that may have landed on the floor.

• Clean regularly with the right tools – Use a vacuum cleaner carefully with an appropriate attachment that will not scratch the surface of travertine tiles. Mopping is recommended, too.

• Wipe your feet – If travertine tiles are present in entryways and foyers, make sure that there is a rug where people can wipe their feet before entering your home. That way, you can minimize the amount of soil, dirt, and debris that can scratch the surface of the floor. If you have guests, consider dust-mopping the floor when they leave.

• Remove stubborn stains with a poultice – A poultice may help remove difficult stains, which stone cleaners may not be able to lift. To do this, take your formulated stone cleaner and create a paste with baking powder. Apply the paste over the stain and cover it with a clear plastic wrap. Leave it for a few days to allow the poultice to drain the stain. You can remove it with warm water, then buff the tile with chamois or a cotton washcloth.

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