Travertine Stone Properties, How to Clean, Protect and Seal

Travertine | What is It, What Are its Properties, How to Clean, Seal and Protect Against Stains

Travertine Floor Maintenance

Travertine is a sedimentary, porous, acid-sensitive rock with many visible holes, often filled with epoxy.

Table of Contents:

What is Travertine?

Travertine is a sedimentary rock, a form of limestone (calcium carbonate) with many visible holes, formed around mineral spring deposits.

What are the Physical Properties of Travertine?

  • Travertine is one of the most porous stones available, making it a poor choice for countertops.
  • Travertine is extremely porous, making it very susceptible to severe stains.
  • Travertine has visible holes, often filled with epoxy.
  • It comes in a variety of colors from gray to coral-red.
  • Travertine is easy to scratch and etch.
  • Travertine can have four major finishes: polished (shiny), honed (matte), brushed and tumbled (textured surfaces). The type of finish given to the travertine will determine how shiny the surface will be. The most common finish for travertine is honed.

What are the Chemical Properties of Travertine?

  • Travertine is etched by acids, including vinegar, lemons, juice and soft drinks.
  • Travertine is also etched by acid-based cleaning products and toilet bowl cleaners.

How to Clean Travertine?

  • Because it is soft and often has epoxy-filled holes, Travertine should never be cleaned at pressures above 800 PSI and then only if the grout and the epoxy filling are in good condition.
  • Travertine should only be cleaned with a neutral or mild alkaline-based cleaner such as StoneTech™ Revitalizer™ Stone Cleaner and Protective Seal Refresher Tile and Countertop Cleaner and Protector or All Purpose Stone & Tile Cleaner.
  • Revitalizer cleans with a gentle, pH-neutral formula that removes soils while reinforcing the original protective seal to help prevent future staining.
  • Removal of oily stains is easily accomplished with Oil Stain Remover.

How to Hone and Polish Travertine?

  • Travertine, a type of limestone, can be left in its natural state, with no polishing.
  • Polishing powders tend to accumulate in the holes and can make clean-up difficult.
  • Not all travertines are capable of the polished high gloss finish - only the harder types. This stone will never achieve the same glossy finish as marble and granite.

How to Seal and Protect Travertine?

  • Travertine should be sealed with a penetrating sealer such as BulletProof™ Water-Based Advanced-Generation Penetrating Sealer to prevent staining and reduce soiling.
  • Travertine countertops require a lot of regular sealing applications to keep them from staining.
  • The best way to prevent stains is to treat the surface with a protective penetrating sealer. The sealer fills in the pores and repels spills on the surface, allowing you time to completely wipe it away.

What are the Applications for Travertine?

  • Travertine is one of several natural stones that are used for paving patios and garden paths.
  • Travertine tile can be used for countertops, but it’s not recommended because it is easy to scratch, etch and stain.
  • It works well for flooring, accessories and smaller spaces. This stone seems to open up small areas and makes them feel more spacious and airy.
  • Putting Travertine in a bathroom is a bad idea because many soaps & skin creams are going to stain and etch it.
  • Travertine absorbs oils and other liquids and is more easily stained than marble. Therefore, putting Travertine in a kitchen or a heavily used bathroom is not a good idea.

What are the DO’s and DON’Ts in Maintaining Travertine?

  • DO clean up spills immediately to minimize damage to your stone.
  • DO use trivets or mats under hot dishes and cookware.
  • DO use place mats under china, ceramics, silver and other objects that can scratch the stone's surface.
  • DO use coasters under glasses, especially if they contain alcohol or citrus juices.
  • DO clean surfaces regularly with StoneTech™ Professional Revitalizer™ Stone Cleaner and Protective Seal Refresher.
  • DO use Bullet Proof Sealer or Impregnator Sealer to protect the stone.
  • DO use a tray for toiletry products in the bathroom to protect the surface from the damaging chemicals contained in many toiletry products.
  • DO dust mop marble floor tile regularly.
  • DO use door mats inside and out along with runners and area rugs on marble floors.
  • DON’T wait to clean up spills on stone.
  • DON’T use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub cleaners.
  • DON’T use vinegar, bleach, ammonia or other general-purpose cleaners.
  • DON’T use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
  • DON’T use alkaline cleaners not specifically formulated for stone.
  • DON’T use scouring powders and abrasives because they will scratch the surface.
  • DON’T place toiletry products directly on the countertop surface.

Additional Stone, Ceramic and Porcelain Tile & Grout Information:

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