Cleaning Travertine Guide – Orange County CA

Cleaning travertine is easy …but it’s important to know what you are dealing with. Once you learn more about the qualities and characteristics of travertine and apply the simple “How To” secrets found on this page your travertine will look fabulous for decades.

First of all, travertine is warm and beautiful with unique pattern and color characteristics that complements almost any design. But in a way, it is delicate….Travertine is a stone, of course, but not nearly as dense or hard as granite. Travertine will wear well and last forever, however it is sensitive to acidic substances (juice, wine, coffee) so it can etch (dull the polish) rather easily… just like marble and limestone.In fact, travertine, marble and limestone are so similar in composition, chemical and physical characteristics that cleaning procedures and maintenance requirements are essentially the same for all three types of stone.That’s why you see a link to at the top of this page. This book details every technique, method and solution along with all the information and answers you’ll ever want or need about protecting, maintaining, repairing, restoring and cleaning travertine, marble or limestone.So…. travertine will etch easily, but sealing has nothing to do with and won’t prevent etching.Sealing is to guard against staining. Travertine can stain when honed or tumbled, but polished travertine is nearly stain-proof and usually doesn’t need sealing. You just need to test it to know for sure.

Because of the “etching” issue, travertine is not recommended for you kitchen countertop or heavily used bathroom. Travertine floor tile, however, will be just fine in any room.

Best use of travertine is for powder baths, table tops, tub surrounds, showers, floor tile and stone fireplace surrounds.

Use the following Do’s and Don’ts to help you avoid bad habits and establish a safe method for cleaning travertine.

Also check out the General Care & Cleaning Guide for the best tips on maintaining all types of countertop surfaces and floor tile.

Call on Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning in Orange County CA  (949) 545-5205   www.pacificcarpetcleaning.net