Travertine Cleaning and Maintenance

In order for it to last and add constant beauty to your home, you need to properly care for the travertine stone. Before purchasing, you should learn a few facts about cleaning and maintaining this sort of tile.

Maintenance of Interior Stone

The types of stone that are usually used indoors are the hone finished stone and polished-finish stone.
Hone-finish stone is known for its satin-smooth surface with little light reflection while polish-finished stone has a higher gloss, reflects light and accentuates the sonte markings and the color. Honed-finish travertine is usually used in the high traffic areas (floors, treads etc) and polish-finish stone is used in moderate traffic areas, usually not on the floor but on furniture, tables, walls or countertops.
In order to remove dirt and debris it is recommended that the interior stone be cleaned by dry dust mopping. For washing the interior stone, use neutral clean water as the honed-finish stone can only tolerate a neutral mild abrasive cleaner. Also be careful to use a soapless cleaner in order to avoit straks and film left behind as it can become noticeable, especially on polish-finished stone. A mild, phosphate-free, biodegradable liquid, dishwashing soaps or powders are the most recommended solutions for cleaning your travertine tile.
The washing should be taking place from the bottom up (if the surface is vertical) in an overlapping sweeping motion. Make sure the water is constantly clear, change it many times if necessary. Also, another option from removing contaminants from the tile can be a wet vacuum. For a high traffic area, we recommend an automatic scrubber with a disc brush. That should do the trick without damaging the natural stone tile.
Be careful with the stone and use coasters, trivets on countertops and tables. If you want to prepare food on the surface, make sure you use a sealant that is nontoxic and safe for you. In case of spilling, make sure you clean the stone right away in order to avoid any damages. The best solution to maintain this stone is regular cleaning and never use acid or chemical cleaner. You can ask your stone supplier or installer for further questions.

Sealing Stone

If you want to preserve the tile intact, it is necessary that you apply a sealant. Some tiles might be already pre-sealed. To decide whether or not your tile needs to be sealed, you can apply a few water drops on the surface. In case of absorption and if the tile darkens, the tile definetly needs to be sealed. The type of sealer (water based or petroleum based) you need is determined by the surface preparation, porosity and density of the natural stone. Ask for recommendation from the manufacturer in order to have access to the best option.

Stain Removal

Firstly you need to identify the cause of the stain so that you know what cleaning method you should approach. Most of the stains can be removed by using the proper household cleaning product.

– Oil-based Stains – they are usually created by grease, cooking oil, cosmetics, tar, and other items that have any oil in them. This type of stain darkens the stone and needs to be chemically cleaned in order to dissolve and then rinse away the source. First, remove any excess staining agent by wiping or chipping it off. Afterwards you should easily clean the area with a soft liquid cleanser. Suitable cleansers include ammonia, household detergent, acetone, or mineral spirits. Be careful not to pour the cleaner directly on the stain because it may make the agent thin and go deeply into the stone. Best solution is to wet a cloth with cleaner and afterwards place it over the stain so that the agent is driven into the piece of cloth. Other cleaner recommandation: special cleaner for oil-based stains for instance: alkaline degreaser or homemade poultice.
– Organic Stains – are created by an organic substance such as coffee, tea, tobacco, fruit juice, food, paper, urine, leaves, bird droppings, or bark. They usually leave a pinkish-brown stain that, if outdoors, may disappear through the process of rain and sun. However, if the stain is indoors you will have to use a cleaning formula such as 12% hydrogen peroxide mixed with a little amonia (only a few drops), homemade poultice or commercially marketed cleaners
– Ink Stains –If the stone has a light color then you can remove the stain with bleach or hydrogen peroxide and if the stone is darker use acetone or lacquer thinner. Just as for the oil-based stain, wet a cloth with the cleaning agent and let the stain be drawn into it
– Paint Stains – In case there are large stains, use commercially formulated liquid paint stripper. If there are small stains of paint, you can scrape them off with a razor blade or remove them with lacquer thinner.If the paint is covering only a small portion of the tile, scrape it off with a razor blade, or remove with a lacquer thinner. If a large area is covered by the paint, it must be removed with a commercially formulated liquid paint stripper. Never use flame tools or acid to strip the paint from the stone, under no circumstances.
– Water Spots and Rings – this appears due to the surface accumulation of hard water. In order to clean these stains you can buff the affected area with dry 0000 steel wool.
– Fire and Smoke Damage – usually occurs when the stone is part of a fireplace. You must thoroughly clean the stone, usually with commercially formulated smoke removal products
– Etch Marks – These stains are left by acid that has been left on the surface of the stone. Some acids will cause the finish to be etched but the surface of the stone won’t actually be stained; other acids will etch the finish and discolor the stone. After removing the acid, wet the surface with water and apply marble polishing powder. Be sure to rub the powder into the stone with a buffing pad and a drill or polisher set to a low speed, or by hand with a damp cloth. Buff until the etch marks disappear and the surface shines. Honing may be needed for a deep stain that requires a professional stone refinisher.
– Efflorescence – the cause of these stains are the mineral salts within the stone that are being carried to the surface by water and left behind as soon as the water evaporates. You can remove the stains trying to vacuum or dry mop the surface as often as it is neccessary, until it dries completely. Using water to remove the powder can intensify the problem. If the problem persists, make sure you contact the professional so that you discover the true cause and remedy of the moisture.

Poultices

Poultice is a thick paste made out of a chemical/mixture of chemicals and an absorbent material that is useful in removing stains. The poultice is spread over the stained surface in a thickness of between ¼ ” to ½ with a wooden or plastic tool and let on to stand between 24 and 48 hours. During these hours the stain will be drawn into the material and the floor will eventually, after repeating the process several times, you will get rid of the stain. However, it is possible that the stain may not be removed completely.

Poultice Materials
You will need aproximately one pound of absorbent material (fuller’s earth, kaolin, diatomaceous earth, whiting, powdered chalk, talk, white molding plaster) for every square foot of tile that you need to get cleaned. Do not use whiting and iron based clays (fuller’s earth) with acidic chemicals because the poultice will have no effect. Another proper choice can be highly volatile solvents (mineral spirits, acetone) combined with absorbent materials such as paper towels (white), cotton balls (white) or gauze pads (also white). You can also use commercially available premixed poultices.

Poultice Mixtures
Each type of stain will require a different mixture for optimal removal.

– Oil-Based Stains – Create a poultice with water and baking soda or combine one of the powdered absorbent materials and a commercial degreaser or mineral spirits.
– Organic Stains – Create a poultice with one of the powdered absorbent materials and a 12% hydrogen peroxide or acetone.
– Iron Stains – Create a poultice with a commercial rust remover and diatomaceous earth. However, be careful as many rust removers will etch stone. It may be necessary to consult a professional to remove an iron stain.
– Copper Stains – Create a poultice with ammonia and one of absorbent materials. However, these stains are very difficult to remove and may require the services of a professional.
– Water Based Paint Stains – Create a poultice with a commercial paint remover and one of the absorbent materials.
– Oil Based Paint Stains – Create a poultice with mineral spirits and one of the absorbent materials. If the stain is deep within the stone, it may require methylene chloride. If you must use a highly volatile solvent in your poultice, pour it directly on a paper towel and then place the paper towel on the affected area.
– Ink Stains – Create a poultice with mineral spirits and one of the absorbent materials. If the stain is embedded deeply within the stone it may be necessary to use methylene chloride. If you do use a highly volatile solvent, pour it directly on a paper towel and place directly on the affected area.
– Biological Stains – Create a poultice with ammonia and one of the absorbent materials. Instead of ammonia you can use bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Only use one of the chemicals, do not mix as they combine to create a toxic gas.

*Flammable Materials – The above text does not purport to address all possible safety concerns which are associated with the use of flammable solvents. The user is cautioned to consult the manufacturer’s labeling and MSDS for complete cleaning directions and handling directions for the individual products. There are commercial cleaners available for many of the most common stains, which may have fewer safety and health concerns.

Poultice Application

After preparing the poultice (remember the thick paste you have to obtain), prepare the stained area by wetting it with distilled water. If using paper product, soak it in the chemical and let the excess drain. Apply ¼” to ½”tp tje affecte area using wooden or plastic tools in order to have a uniform appliance. Afterwards, cover it with plastic and make sure to tape the edges in order to seal the poultice in. Be careful in making small holes in the plastic to permit ventilation.Let it dry. This whole process could take up to 48 hours but make sure you remove the plastic after 24 hours to allow the drying to be continued.After it dried completely, rembve the poultice from the stained area, rinse with distilled water and buff dry using a soft material cloth.If the stain didn’t dissappear, repeat process. You may need to repeat the process a few times before the stain is removed. If the surface has been etched, use a polishing powder and buff with the pad that the manufacturer recommended.

Cleaning Exterior Stone

Even if you use the exterior stone as a structural component or as a facing material, you should clean the exterior stone in order to maintain it at least once per year. This process can be done by rinsing with clean water. This way you will prevent the excess of dirt or other impurities. If you don’t do this on a regular basis, another method is to purchase water systems such as hydro-air, plain water or hydraulic that can help you maintain the stone clean.
Older buildings, unpreserved, are usually harder to clean. The best option is a pressure washer. In addition to that you can use soft bristled bruhes. Do not use chemicals on exterior stone unless you are a professional.

TESTING
Before cleaning, test your cleaning method on a small, hidden section of the stone to assure that it will not damage the stone and that it will have satisfactory results

Grout Cleaning

Remember to immediately wipe up the spills from the grout. Recommended for this type of cleaning: soap-less detergents, pH balanced cleaners, soft bristled brush, water. Avoid acidic cleaners because they may make your cleaning a lot more difficult next time or they can seriously damage or discolor grout.

Stained Grout

Apply a pH cleaner and let it on the stain for a few minutes. After, use the brush to ensure that the cleaner gets the stain. If the stain still won’t go, use one of the alkaline cleaners that provide a “deep clean” or use cleaning machines or buffers. Another option would be the use of acidic cleaners but it is not recommended because of the reasons mentioned before.. Most effective cleaners are known as sulfamic acid and phosphoric acid. If you use them follow the directions exactly to prevent any accidents or damage. Remember to polish the area you have cleaned.

Cleaning Grout Haze

Grout haze is the residue left by the application of the grout on the face of the tile. It can be removed only by using a scouring pad and some water. If not enough, you can also use the pad with poultice or a scouring cleaner. There also exist grout haze removal cleaning solution or acidic cleaning solution.