How To Clean Travertine Tile Showers

Travertine showers often have a classy but subtle finish, but cleaning them isn’t always as easy as you would hope.Travertine is more delicate than granite and other stone surfaces, and it can be sensitive to staining, but it’s also very easy to leave a dull finish too. This is why extra care needs to be taken when cleaning it.

Below you will find a few helpful tips that can help you keep your travertine surfaces clean.

Tip 1: Hot Water and Sponge for Regular Cleaning Of Shower Tile

Use a soft cloth or a sponge along with some hot water to clean the surface, as neither the cloth nor the water will leave any marks behind.

Once you have cleaned the surface, use a dry rag or cloth to buff it up to a shine. The cloth needs to be dry so that it doesn’t stain the surface.

Tip 2: Mild Soap for Occasional Cleaning Of Travertine Tile

Clean the area every three to four months using a rag or a cloth, and a mild soap. Strong soaps have the potential to damage your travertine, so avoid this by sticking to mild ones. Once you’ve cleaned the area, buff it up to a shine.

While it may be tempting to clean the area using soap more often, doing so could leave the surface looking dull and worn. The best thing to do is stick to cleaning with hot water for the most part.

Tip 3: Use a Granite or Marble Cleaner On Travertine

Granite and marble cleaners can be used on the surfaces every three to four months, as they can leave them shiny, clean, and bursting with color.

However, it’s important that you check the ingredients used in the cleaners, as limescale, alkaline, acids, bleach and some soaps can damage the travertine. Ideally, you should look for a cleaning product that has been labeled as being ‘Safe to use on stone’.

Read more about How to tile a bathroom floor.

If you’re in any doubt about the cleaner that you’re using, test it on a small unseen bit of travertine, and wait 24 hours, and wash it off. If there is no staining, the cleaner should be ok to use.

Tip 4: Gently Scrub To Get Rid of Soap Scum

Soap scum is often very hard to clean, although it’s fairly easy to see as it tends to leave the tiles looking quite dull. Use the cleaner that has worked best for you, and scrub it (But not too hard) with a soft cloth or sponge. Go carefully at first, so you don’t scratch the surface.

Tip 5: Clean Spills Quickly To Avoid Staining The Tile

If you spill anything on your surfaces, clean them up as quickly as you can. Blot the spillage, do not rub it, as you may affect the travertine, and leave streaks behind.

Tip 6: Vacuum Occasionally

Consider vacuuming travertine surfaces as dust and other particles often get wedged in the very small parts of the tiles.

Although this is not something you should do every day, it will help to keep the tiles clean. Please note that if the tiles are wet, you should refrain from using the vacuum on them until they are completely dry.

With a spot of careful cleaning, you could give your travertine shower a new lease of life. Clean gently, and with care so that your tiles look as good as new for many years to come.

You may also read more about tile flooring in your kitchen.

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