Stone Cleaning and Restoration: Everything You Wanted to Know About Travertine

There's a wrong way and a right way to clean travertine.  None of this is new information, but it bears repeating.

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Travertine Cleaning and Care:  Be Careful With Your Stone

As we covered previously, you never want to wet mop travertine.  While water itself is harmless, what may be in your water is not, particularly any chlorine.  Anything acidic put on travertine can eat away at the stone.  And you'd be surprised at what can cause damage to travertine.  Bleach, of course, is a given, but did you know that something as simple as spilling a cup of coffee or a glass or wine or orange juice on your travertine floor can damage it too.  In addition, certain species of bacteria can also eat away at the stone and these bacteria are often found in municipal water sources.  Another problem with using anything acidic is that travertine is usually not one piece, it has gaps and voids that form in it naturally and these are usually filled with resin or other filling material that is as vulnerable, if not more than the stone itself.

Travertine is Tricky and Surprisingly Fragile:  Get a Professional Stone Cleaning Service In

Although travertine is extremely durable, it can lose its glossy appearance with wear and tear.  That's why its important for you to contact a professional who can restore its original appearance, preferably one who specializes in stone cleaning. They know what can be used on your stone as well as how to bring back it's lovely luster and shine.  One thing that a professional stone care service will likely recommend is to seal your stone.  This is a good idea from so many angles.  Stone is naturally porous, and a stone sealer sinks into the pores and makes it more resistant to stains as well as damage. Ultimately, you want to make sure that one of two things occurs where your travertine floor is concerned.  Either you know exactly what to do at all times in regards to cleaning it and taking care of it, or you get on the phone and call a stone cleaning service in San Antonio, Texas.
Travertine has been used for centuries.  But why not take advantage of technology in this century?  Call a professional travertine cleaning service to help your floor or counter look it's best.
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Lone Star Tile and Grout Cleaning
4019 Stahl Rd, Suite 202
San Antonio TX 78217
(210) 637-5050
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Professional Stone Cleaning and Your Floor Part 2

Part two of our series on stone cleaning explores travertine.

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How to Clean Travertine: An Insider's Guide

If you would like to know how to clean travertine, here is some information for you.  First off, know that travertine is a lot more sensitive than a stone such as granite, particularly to anything acidic.  To avoid etching your floor, make sure that you blot up spills immediately.  Even tap water may have trace amounts of chlorine in it, which is very bad.  Make sure that you blot, don't wipe.  A lot of people instinctively wipe a spill instead of blotting it.  Wiping the spill simply spreads it around.  

When you're blotting, make sure that you use either a soft cloth or a sponge.  Use hot water and a stone cleaner and stone sealer that is specifically designed for travertine.  You may also want to keep your travertine products separate from other cleaning products to avoid any mishaps, and make sure you clearly label them with something as simple as TRAVERTINE CLEANING ONLY.  While it is possible to use a pH neutral soap such as dishwashing detergent periodically, be aware that while it won't damage your stone, it will dull its finish.  

Another thing that you can do with your travertine is to use a dust mop on it at least once a week.  Make sure that your dustmop gets replaced when it starts to get worn, or you could end up scratching your stone.  Door mats, like with hardwood floors, are a good idea as they help to trap grit, dirt, and sand.  

What to Avoid When You Want to Clean Your Stone

Knowing what to avoid can also save you a lot of trouble where travertine cleaning is concerned.  First off, don't ever  use any store bought or generic products as these produces often contain acids, ammonia, or alkali, with can not only etch your stone, it can strip away any protective coatings and make your stone susceptible  to staining and damage.  You also don't want to use anything citrus based or anything like vinegar.  You also don't want use anything abrasive either as these will dull the finish of your travertine.  

So remember, taking care of your travertine is all about not only knowing what to do, but what not to do as well.  And when in doubt, call a travertine cleaning service.

Travertine is only type of stone that needs specialized care, another one is marble...

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Lone Star Tile and Grout Cleaning
4019 Stahl Rd, Suite 202
San Antonio TX 78217
(210) 637-5050
http://www.lonestartileandgroutcleaning.com