So, you have chosen the perfect tiles for your home. You know there is nothing better than a natural limestone made of calcium just like your teeth. But what’s that? Has it become a pain to take care of your travertine tile now that it’s been a few years?
Taking care of your travertine floors might seem daunting at first but it is probably one of the easiest jobs in the world. If that wasn’t the case, the Romans wouldn’t have used it for as long as they did. All you need to know is the right way of maintaining your tiles to increase their durability.
If you are looking to replace your travertine tiles, you can toss that thought out of the window. Here is our quick guide on how to care for your travertine tile without going too much.
What to know before buying a travertine tile?
Besides being decorative pieces, travertine tiles are quite resilient. This makes them more durable than most of their counterparts. They do not get damaged and even though they are permeable, travertine does not stain easily.
What’s more, travertine is actually quite easy on the planet. It is recyclable, which makes it incredibly popular among environment enthusiasts.
Now, isn’t that the perfect way to design your home?
Pre-installation and installation tips for beginners
One of the best qualities of a travertine tile is that they offer you variety. If you are someone who loves diversity, you will have a delightful time picking out the perfect tiles for your home. However, with choices come great complications.
Blending your travertine tiles is the first thing to remember when installing your floors. You don’t want to be stuck with floors that look eccentric. And while you want your guests to remember each element of your home, you don’t want your travertine to be the only item that’s out of place.
Additionally, ensure that you seal your travertine tiles before and after grouting. This allows you to retain the color and overall appearance of your floors for long.
Post-installation maintenance and care
Once you install your travertine tiles the right way, maintaining them is quite effortless. All you need is your regular mop and water to take care of them. Besides, you ought to remember that travertine can’t combat everything.
For instance, acidic solutions like vinegar and coffee can damage the surface. They can cause white spots on the tiles called etching, which can ruin them permanently. So, you must avoid spilling acids on your travertine tiles.
Travertine isn’t entirely scratch-resistant either. For example, if you are rearranging your furniture and they have sharp edges, you can certainly damage the surface.
Dos and don’ts of maintaining your travertine floors:
1. Use warm water to mop regularly
A travertine tile is easier to maintain than granite and marble. You neither have to use expensive products nor call a swat team to clean up the filth on your tiles. All you need is warm water and soap solution that is potent enough to wipe off the dirt but mild enough to keep the tiles unharmed.
Ideally, travertine owners should mop the surfaces once a day because the lazier you get, the more difficult it will be for you to maintain travertine. If you allow the grime to settle, you will be looking at a costly professional clean up. Not the wisest decision!
2. Clean using products that are safe for travertine
Not all products are good for all stones. So, you must ensure that you clean your travertine tile using products that specifically mention they are okay for travertine. Once you are sure about the formula, make sure that it isn’t too strong. Strong cleaners might damage the texture of your travertine tile, especially if yours are the polished kind.
3. Don’t wait too long to wipe the spills
A travertine tile may not be an ideal choice for you if you aren’t too keen about cleaning. When you drop something, you need to be incredibly responsive in cleaning it up immediately. Waiting too long can turn a simple spill into a stain, which can be difficult and sometimes even impossible to get rid of.
4. Seal tiles every few years
Sealing is the best way of maintaining your travertine floors in mint condition for years. It instantly enhances the appearance and you can quickly spot the noticeable difference. Sealing works just as well on sleek surfaces as it does on rugged or textured surfaces. So, it is perfect when you need a quick fix. In fact, it should be done once every few years.
While sealing is important, you must always remember to wear gloves and use a microfiber cloth to really get into the nukes and corners of the surface.
Additionally, it takes time for the seal to solidify. So, you should allow the surface to remain untouched for anywhere between 12 to 48 hours.
5. Don’t ignore the dirt in the grout lines
Don’t you just hate it when something gets stuck between your teeth? Everyone does. The same applies to travertine tiles, too. Even if you mop your travertine surfaces every day, dirt finds a way to set up camp in the grout lines. When that happens, mopping becomes the last resort because it only pushes the particles further inside.
The best way to eliminate the dirt is either by gently brushing the grout lines or spraying high pressure between the tiles. This few-minute routine can make any travertine tile as good as brand new.