Travertine floors are regarded as one of the long-lasting as well as durable floors, but as long as you maintain and care for it properly. Therefore, it is a must & very important to clean these types of floors regularly. Travertine floor is sensitive to some of the specific chemicals that are found in most of the cleaning products because of the presence of the pores in these types of flooring, which are usually carbon dioxide bubbles left behind while the stone was setting. This is due to the fact that the porous surface makes it easy for any liquids used to clean it to soak in as well as settle inside the stone, which in turn makes it vulnerable or susceptible to damage. However, it is still extremely simple when it comes to cleaning a travertine floor provided you use the right tools and products. Proper cleaning will help the tiles maintain their natural & flawless appearance for longer period of time or as long as possible.
Best Way To Deep Clean Travertine Floors
Travertine floors need regular vacuuming as well as mopping at least once a week. Regular mopping will make sure that no dust or grime settles into the pores. But, remember to use a dry or damp mop, rather than a drenched one. If something is poured on the floor, you need to clean it instantly or as soon as possible. Another thing to take into consideration when cleaning travertine floors is grout lines. You need to clean grout line every few months, however, it is entirely dependent on usage and how dirty your floor gets. If it is not a high trafficked area, then it is ok to clean your grout lines less often.
Things You Will Need
- Vacuum Cleaner/Broom
- Mop/Sponge
- Microfiber Cloth
- Non-Acidic Floor Cleaner
- Stone Sealer
Step 1: Remove Dust & Dirt
First of all, it is important to get rid of dust as well as dirt before mopping, due to the reason that cleaning the travertine floors will get easier, and the results will be better. You can use a flared broom in order to quickly gather debris and fine dust, assemble in a dustpan and throw away. However, the best tool that you can use is a dust mop. Dust mops have a microfiber head or pad that moves over the floor effortlessly & smoothly. The microfibers will attract fine dust, dirt, as well as hair that might be present on the floor. When you are done, the pad can be washed in the washer so that it is clean for the next time.
Step 2: Prepare The Solution
Warm water is effective when it comes to cleaning travertine floors due to the fact that it cuts through the majority of the soil and grease. Take a bucket and fill it with warm water and add the cleaner that you have selected. Go through the directions in order to make sure that the product is used correctly. If you select to use dish soap, then you need to add only a small squirt to the warm water.
Step 3: Wring The Mop Thoroughly
Soak or rinse the mop in the bucket of warm water and rigorously wring out the excess. In order to do this, you can use a spin mop as it effectively wrings out the majority of the water without leaving your hands feeling twisted. Another useful tool for travertine floors is a spray mop, as it bear a resemblance to a dust mop but it has a spray nozzle as well as trigger fixed to it. Add your solution to the container before spraying as you go.
Step 4: Start Mopping
Start the mopping process at the farthest part of the room and work your way in the direction of the entrance or exit in sections. Keep soaking or rinsing your mop and wringing out the excess at regular intervals. This will help keep away with the streaks as the floor dries. When it comes to covering a large room, then you can use one bucket for each half of the area. Once you are done with one half, change the water as well as solution to a fresh batch.
Step 5: Rinse The Floor
After finishing to mop the floor, take a bucket & fill it with clean, cold water. Start in the same way as you did before and mop the floor once again with the help of a freshwater, you should still keep the mop damp. As soon as the water begins to look dirty, dump it, before you fill it with fresh water.
Step 6: Dry Using A Cloth & Seal
Drying your travertine floors is extremely important if you are looking to preserve them and improve the results from your labor. Use a soft cloth or towel in order to dry the floor. This will help keep away the streaks from forming and eliminate any chance of standing water. Entirely dependent on the foot traffic, the cleaning chemicals that you use, as well as the type & quality of sealer used on your travertine surface, you need to reapply a stone sealer once every year. The floor needs to completely clean and dry before applying. Finally, you will have a clean, shining travertine floors.