Have your travertine floors seen better days? Is it time to improve the look of them? Are you ready to clean or restore them? Keep reading for some simple steps on how to clean your travertine floors. However, if there is significant damage or travertine restoration is necessary, then we recommend contacting Fuller Stone Care as soon as possible.
Get Your Tools Ready
The first step is to get everything you will need. This includes a dust mop, broom, bucket of water, mild non-acidic dish soap, microfiber cloth, small scrubbing brush, baking soda, and a small towel. Once you have gathered them together, you are ready to get started.
Begin by Getting Rid of Dirt and Dust
The first step is to remove any dirt and dust that’s on the floor. Use a broom to sweep the floor or a dust mop with a microfiber pad. Microfiber pads have the added advantage of picking up hair, dirt, and fine dust you might not even see.
Prepare Your Cleaning Solution
It is very important that you use the right cleaning solutions for travertine flooring. Many so-called natural stone cleaners actually leave behind films or waxes. Some of these can actually damage and discolor your flooring. That’s why we recommend nothing more than mild non-acidic soap (such as the soap you use to wash your dishes). Never use citrus, vinegar, or ammonia as their high-acid content can damage your travertine.
Mop the Floor
Once you have your soapy solution ready, wring out as much water from your mop as you can get rid of. Start mopping on one side of your floor and head toward the other side. Make sure to continue dipping your mop and wringing out excess water. This prevents streaks from forming when the floor dries. If you have a larger area to clean, you might need to change your cleaning solution to make sure you are cleaning with clean water.
Once you have gone over the entire floor, then you will fill the bucket with clean water. Then start the process over again to rinse the floor. Once again, you will need to change the water when it begins to look less than clean.
Drying and Finishing the Floors
Use your towel to dry the floor. This is important to prevent water damage and to reduce streaks. If your grout is dirty, avoid water as much as possible because it can break it down. Instead, get baking soda and mix it with equal parts water. Then use a small brush to scrub this mixture into the grout.
If you need help or want to turn to the professionals to have this done, contact Fuller Stone Care at 855-205-0972.