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Travertine is a lovely material for use in showers but quite a delicate one to deal with. We cannot opt for using chemical-based cleaning liquids from the market, as it might hamper the quality of the tiles. Thus here we present you some home-based techniques about how to clean a travertine shower.
How to Clean a Travertine Shower
Travertine is a combination of materials like slate, marble, onyx, and limestone. It can easily form mineral deposits, hence demand a constant cleaning routine to be followed.
Moreover, keeping their look as good as new requires a cleaning consistency with natural materials. In case of strong stains, you might have to take a different approach.
Materials Required
- Spray Bottle
- Warm water
- Borax Powder
- Baking Soda
- Stiff Brush
- E-cloth mop
- Microfiber Towel
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Bicarbonate of soda
- Broom
- Liquid Soap
- Detergent
What Not to Use
Travertine is a highly delicate material. Thus before cleaning, it is important to identify what not to use on the material.
- Avoid the usage of ammonia or bleach, as it will make the surface more porous and prone to staining. Instead, it is advised to opt for cleaning materials with a neutral PH or below 7.
- Do not use acidic cleaning agents, for example, vinegar. It not only makes it susceptible to stains but also results in the premature aging of the material.
- Cleaning agents with citric acid are also not a very good option, as it will also deteriorate the quality of the material.
1. Cleaning Mold Off of Travertine
The mechanism of cleaning travertine changes according to the type of dirt we are dealing with. Here are some steps you need to take for cleaning mold.
- Take a spray bottle and add one part of baking soda, four parts of borax powder, and eight water parts. Mix the ingredients well.
- Spray the mixture on the tile and let it sit for at least fifteen minutes.
- Take a stiff brush and rub in a circular motion. If the stain does not fade, respray the area and let it sit for at least thirty minutes, and then scrub again.
- Rinse the tiles to avoid any residue and dry it with a towel.
2. Removing Stubborn Stains from Travertine
Treating stains on travertine can be a challenge. Thus, here are some pocket-friendly steps for removing stubborn stains from travertine tiles:
- Hydrogen Peroxide is a great ingredient to remove stubborn stains, but you have to be careful in darker colors, as it might decolor the stained area. It is advised to do a patch test first.
- The safest method of cleaning stubborn stains is using bicarbonate of soda and leave it for fifteen minutes, then rinsing it off, followed by a thorough drying process with a microfiber towel.
Microfiber towels are the best fabric especially for drying delicate materials.
3. Cleaning Travertine Floors Naturally
Working with harsh chemicals for cleaning travertine can be risky, so it is recommended to start cleaning travertine floors naturally every day.
Here are some of the steps you need to follow daily to keep travertine at its best quality.
- Sweep and mop daily to avoid any dust grouting in the stone.
- Mop daily by using a combination of water, travertine cleaning liquid, and an eCloth mop. Make sure to change the cloth mop every 30 square feet.
- After mopping, never forget to dry the travertine, as it takes a really long time to dry naturally.
- Occasionally make good use of soapy water and mild detergent for the stain treatment. Regular use of these ingredients is not recommended.
You can also watch this short video tutorial about how to clean travertine showers.
Long Term Maintenance
Travertine being delicate requires continuous maintenance; otherwise, its quality starts to deteriorate, resulting in premature aging.
Here are some of the steps you can follow to make sure your travertine shower is at its best quality.
- Always scrub the travertine with a soft scrub brush along with some warm water. Pay special attention to mold development and grout lines.
- Make sure there is ample ventilation in the room after taking a shower. For example, open the window and allow the natural air to enter the room.
- Do not forget to clean the shower stall with a dry towel to avoid any extra water collecting in the grooves.
- Clean any kind of spill immediately, even if it is shampoo or a soap spill; otherwise, they will be collected in the grooves and will be really difficult to clean afterward.
- Hire a professional to seal the tiles every year, and it will prolong the life of the tiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Clean Travertine Floors Without Streaks?
E-cloth is one of the best equipment to clean and dry small areas. It is important to clean every possible residue or water. Otherwise, it will be collected in the pores of the tile. Streaks are also caused due to the cleaner that has been leftover in the pores after the cleaning process.
Can You Steam Clean Travertine Tile?
Steam cleaning is preferred by many people, as it speeds up the cleaning process and uses water in much less quantity. However, since travertine is a highly delicate material to deal with, it is still risky to work with a steam cleaner.
Which are the Best Products To Clean Travertine Showers?
A scrub brush of your choice combined with some elbow grease makes an excellent cleaning combination. It is not only pocket-friendly but also quite effective on delicate materials like travertine itself. It is a much better option than all the fancy chemical-based cleaners available in the market.
Conclusion
For cleaning travertine showers, it is essential to clean them regularly, rather than once in a lifetime at the time of need. It is a challenging material to work with. Thus precautions and maintenance are the best resort to keep travertine showers at their best quality.
Otherwise, you will surely observe some soap and shampoo scum being built in the tiles; cleaning them is a challenge in itself. Make a wise decision and opt for a regular cleaning routine.
