Travertine is a beautiful and natural stone that is commonly used in shower walls, floors, and countertops. However, its porous nature makes it prone to staining and damage if not properly cared for.
Determining how to clean travertine in shower can be a daunting task, but with the right techniques and tools, you can easily restore its shine and beauty.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of cleaning travertine in your shower and give you tips on how to maintain its appearance for years to come.
Remember that you need to remove the shower head in some cases to thoroughly clean travertine shower walls,
Removing Soap Scum from Travertine
Cleaning soap scum from travertine in a shower can be tricky, as you want to avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the natural stone. Here’s a simple and effective method to remove soap scum from travertine in your shower:
- In a spray bottle, mix equal parts water and mild dishwashing liquid such as dawn or soap specifically designed for cleaning stone.
- Spray the solution onto the areas with soap scum on your travertine shower walls or floors.
- Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the solution to penetrate the buildup.
- Using a soft-bristled brush or sponge, gently scrub the soap scum from the travertine.
- Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water.
- Wipe the area down with a soft cloth to remove any remaining water.
Getting the Mold off Travertine Tiles
Travertine tiles are susceptible to mold due to their porous nature, especially in humid areas like bathrooms. Mold not only affects the appearance of the stone but can also harm you and your family’s health.
Getting mold off travertine tiles requires a thorough cleaning process, but it is essential to preserve the natural beauty and longevity of your travertine. It is as bad as trying to turn the shower knob on all the way when it is stuck. Here is a simple and effective step-by-step method for removing mold from your travertine tiles:
- Protect yourself by wearing gloves, a mask, and eye protection when cleaning mold to avoid any health risks.
- Using a soft bristle brush, remove any mold stains already visible from the travertine tiles.
- In a spray bottle or bucket, mix one-part Oxiclean with three parts water.
- Dip a soft sponge or cloth in the mixture and gently scrub the affected areas. Let the solution sit on the surface of the travertine tiles for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rinse the tiles thoroughly with clean water, making sure to get rid of all the Oxiclean.
- Using a clean and dry cloth, wipe the tiles down, removing all the excess water.
It is not recommended to use bleach or other harsh chemicals to clean the mold off travertine tiles as they can damage the natural stone’s finish. Oxiclean, being peroxide based, is a better alternative as it does not ruin the polish finish on travertine.
Tough stains off Travertine Tiles
Travertine tiles can be very susceptible to tough stains such as oil or wine stains, which can be difficult to remove. Trying to scrape off such stains can cause damage to your stone surfaces, making it necessary to adopt a gentler approach such as using poultices. Here is a simple and effective method for removing tough stains from your Travertine tiles:
- Make a poultice using baking soda and water. Mix baking soda and water to create a paste-like consistency. Make sure the mixture is thick enough to hold its shape but easily spreadable.
- Spread the poultice over the stain, making sure that there is a thick layer on top of it.
- Cover the poultice with plastic wrap and tape the edges. This is to prevent it from drying out too quickly.
- Allow the poultice to sit for about an hour or more depending on the severity of the stain.
- Once the poultice is dry, remove it with a plastic scraper.
- Rinse the tile with clean water and dry.
Another option to remove tough stains from Travertine tiles is to use Murphy Oil Soap. It is a pH neutral cleaner that, when mixed with water, can be an effective solution for removing tough stains. Here is how to use Murphy Oil Soap for tough stains on your Travertine tiles:
- Mix a solution of equal parts of water and Murphy Oil Soap.
- Apply the solution to the stained area and let it sit for 15-20 minutes, depending on the severity of the stain.
- Scrub the area with a soft-bristled brush or sponge.
- Rinse the tile with clean water and dry it.
Remember to test any solutions on a small, inconspicuous area of your Travertine tiles before using them on stains. This is to ensure that they do not cause any further damage to your tiles.
Shower Floor of Travertine Cleaning
The shower floor of Travertine can often be neglected, but it’s crucial to give it the same level of attention as the walls in your shower.
As with the walls, using harsh chemicals can damage the stone, so it’s best to use a gentle yet effective cleaning method. Additionally, as water can easily pool on the shower floor, it’s important to disinfect it to prevent the growth of black mold.
Disinfect your shower floor regularly to prevent the growth of black mold. You can do this by using a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. Spray the solution on the floor and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off with water.
Vinegar is not as good as bleach for eliminating germs, but it will not damage the stone.