Travertine is a type of limestone and is a very popular choice in bathrooms and kitchens. With it’s beautiful swirls and textures, it’s a great choice but it can also be more likely to collect soap scum. The best way to prevent this from happening is to clean and maintain your travertine surface, and have it sealed when recommended. Keep reading to learn how to clean and maintain it.
Always Clean Your Shower When You Are Done Using It
No, you do not have to get out the cleaning supplies every time you take a shower, but you can simply rinse off the travertine surface. Doing so can help loosen and soften any surface dirt that’s on the tiles. If you want to be extra-diligent, you can use a squeegee to simply wipe down the surface after you have finished rinsing it.
Use the Right Soap Scum Remover
As is true of all types of limestone, travertine is sensitive to acids. As a result, you must be sure to use a non-acidic stone cleaner and scum remover. You want a cleaner that is gentle enough to use daily if needed, but also strong enough to remove oil and other deposits – all without leaving behind any harsh chemicals or waxes that can damage the surface. If you need help selecting a cleaner, contact Fuller Stone Care at 310-944-9099.
Scrub the Tiles with Warm Water and a Soft Toothbrush
When you are cleaning travertine, make sure you are using warming water. Scrub the tiles starting from the top and working your way down. If you start at the bottom and work your way up, you will have dirty water dripping on areas you’ve already washed. To get into the grout or other tough areas, use a soft toothbrush.
A Razor Blade May Be the Answer to Hard Water Stains
If you use it carefully, a razor blade can be successful in getting rid of calcium deposited by hard water without scratching the travertine. However, the key word here is carefully. Once you have gotten rid of the hard water deposits, you may want to consider having a water softener or filter installed to prevent the issue form happening in the future.
Rinse and Allow to Dry
Once you have cleaned the tiles, turn on the shower and rinse them down with warm water. Make sure you are not leaving any soap suds behind. Then allow the travertine to dry completely. You may want to use a fan to speed up the process, or make sure that you have proper ventilation to get the shower completely dry.
Of course, you can also call on Fuller Stone Care for help cleaning and otherwise maintaining your travertine surface. We can be reached at 310-944-9099 and are happy to help you keep your travertine looking brand new for years to come.