Cleaning & Protecting Your Travertine Tile

By: Handy Andy

Travertine in the residential construction is a natural stones that is used commonly for paving patios and garden paths. Depending on your region, sometimes the stone is also called travertine marble or travertine limestone.  Travertine is classified properly in the geotechnical realm as a limestone product. The stone is characterized by uneven holes and cribs in its surface. Although these ribs occur naturally, they suggest signs of considerable natural wear and tear over time. Some tile layers use a grout to fill the holes, whereas others leave them open go give it the natural look. Travertine can be purchased with the holes and ribs filled or unfilled.  One can also purchase the tile polished to a smooth and shiny finish.

Travertine is most commonly used as flooring.  One has to be mindful of this stone since it is relative soft in nature and with the combination with its holes and ribs, it make travertine flooring difficult to finish and maintain.

Travertine tile cleaning is the same as cleaning any natural stone.  As with all natural stones it is always recommend too use a neutral cleaner. The absolute most important thing to remember when cleaning travertine tile is not to use strong chemicals or your typical house hold cleaners. Not even a mixture of vinegar or bleach with water is recommended with this stone.  Vinegar is acidic while bleach is alkaline based.  Acidic and even alkaline chemicals will etch the travertine. You do not want to clean travertine with either one of these cleaners. When cleaning your travertine floors, mop the travertine tiles with your neutral cleaning solution.  If you don't have a neutral cleaner, use warm water to clean you travertine surface.  

We recommend you dust mop the floor using a non-treated dust mop or vacuum with a glider (with no plastic beater bar) on it. Then mop the travertine floor with the neutral cleaner.  After mopping, use a dry cotton or microfiber cloth to dry the surface of the travertine.  The last step will not only pick up the excess water but also any dirt particles still left in the water.

 

Travertine will etch easily since it is a soft stone. Sealing travertine has nothing to do with and won't prevent etching. Sealing travertine and the grout yearly is to guard against staining. Travertine can stain when honed or tumbled.  Polished travertine is nearly stain-proof and usually doesn't need sealing.

If your polished travertine floor tile is looking a little dull, it probably needs more than a cleaning. It may need to be re-surfaced, or honed and polished.

The Big Do Not’s…

DON'T use vinegar or others acid cleaners on stone floors

DON'T use cleaners like bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, or tub & tile cleaners as many are known to contain acid.

DON'T use abrasive cleaners like soft scrub or Ajax

DON’T let acidic spills remain on the travertine. Remember, travertine is a porous stone, and any spills left standing for some time will dull the finish and may stain the surface.  

Here are some tips…

Seal your travertine tile annually. This will help preserve the travertine and help protect it from dust and stains.

Wipe spills immediately. Particularly, if the spill is acidic in nature like wine, juice, or coffee.

Use a neutral cleaner or stone soap to clean your travertine tile.

Use coasters under glasses and bottles

Put down an entry mat in entryways to protect your travertine tile floor from scratches that could potentially be caused by dirt coming from your shoes. Hall runners and rugs also give additional protection.

Dust mop your travertine tile floor regularly to keep it free from dust and debris that may scratch its surface.

You trusted handyman Handy Andy

Visit us at www.HandyPro.com
January  2013

Home Repairs Everyone Should Do!

By: Handy Andy

Every year we encounter the same standard home repair and maintenance items that so many homeowners ignore.  Many home owners ignore the obvious deferred maintenance items that can save them money and improve the appearance.  Here are 10 repair and maintenance items that every home owner should pay attention too:

 

1. Light Bulb - Change your old indoor light bulbs to the newer compact fluorescent lamp.  A 13W lamp has a 10,000 hour life and replaces a 60W lamp.  In 2013 the olds 75W lamps will be taken off the market.  In 2014, we can expect the old 60W lamps to be taken off the market too.

 

2. Furnace Filter - Changing your filters every 30-90 days, can increase the life of your appliances and keeps your air clean. Depending on your system(s), you may not only have air filters in the common return air in the walls or ceiling but you may also have a filter in your furnace in your attic or crawl space.

 

3. Running Toilet - You may hear dripping or running water in your toilet bowl.  This commonly means that the flapper may need cleaning or replacement.  It may also mean that the floater arm may need adjusting. 

 

4. Leaking Faucet - Dripping faucets can run up your water bill.  Over time some of the internal parts of the faucet can corrode.  Most home improvement stores sell faucet repair kids.

 

5. Shower Head - Over time shower heads clog with mineral deposit and sediment over time. Older models are not very energy efficient while newer models have low flow designs that can save you money without sacrificing the spray strength.

 

6. Weather Striping - Doors open and close. They are under constant stress of warm and cold weather, rain, snow, ice, etc.  The weather striping wears out and goes flat.  It's recommended to change these out every 3 to 5 years.

 

7. Shower Caulk/Grout - It's important to remove worn and mildewed caulk and grout.  By removing the damaged or moldy caulk to can prevent potential deep water damage that can get in through the failing caulk or grout.

 

8. Ceramic Tile - Floor tile can break. Cracks in the tile, can allow water to enter and cause damage to the subfloor. Damaged tile is relatively easy to replace.

 

9. Dryer Vent - Clogged dryer vents can cause your dryer from not running efficiently.  The clogged vent line, if not cleaned regular can be a potential fire hazard. 

 

10. Drywall -  Fix small holes and dents and reattach loose drywall tape.

 

You trusted handyman Handy Andy

Visit us at www.HandyPro.com
January  2013