How to Care for Travertine and Other Natural Stone Surfaces

Natural stone products -- like travertine, limestone and marble -- are incredibly popular but often get a bit of a bad rap when it comes to caring for them. It is true that they require some special love to ensure long-lasting beauty, but it really is not all that bad once you know what not to do. The most important thing to remember is that you are dealing with natural stone, which means most conventional cleaning products may etch the surface, oils will be absorbed and leave stains, and acidic substances can cause damage quickly.  

First, for the sake of all that is good and holy -- or at least for the sake of your sanity -- seal your travertine. Some folks might tell you this is optional, but if you have ever lived long term with travertine counters or floors, you know this is a must. While polished travertine is pretty stain resistant on its own, most of us are using honed or tumbled travertine in our homes, which can benefit greatly from regular sealing. I had my installer seal my travertine floors twice with an impregnating sealer (to retain the natural appearance of the stone), and after living on them the first year with a Marine, a dog, four cats and regular house guests, I was very happy that I did. Now, 10 years later, I still have it sealed regularly and don’t regret this choice. 

The next step is taking that whole ounce-of-prevention thing to heart and investing in rugs to put near doorways, trays to hold all those oily beauty products on your vanity, and trivets, coasters, and placemats to protect your travertine from food and drink spills.  

Sealing and protecting your travertine makes spills and such less concerning, but cleaning still must happen, so the next step is stocking your cleaning basket with the right supplies for the job. We already know we are not going to use conventional cleaning products on natural stone, but even popular, natural products can be a problem. Abrasive and acidic products of any kind can etch travertine, so that means forgoing all those lovely, natural cleaning products we use in other areas of our homes, such as vinegar, lemon, orange and even mild abrasives. 

Your best bet for daily cleaning is to simply wipe down your travertine surfaces with a soft cloth or a dry mop. You can use a little water, if needed, and when deeper cleaning is necessary, use an eco-friendly, non-toxic, pH balanced cleaner designed specifically for natural stone. 

Blot spills immediately, and try not to use a wiping motion, which can push the substance deeper into the porous surface. If you have an acidic spill, such as coffee, wine, tomato sauce, fruit juice or soda, it is even more important to clean it up quickly. Once you have successfully blotted most of the liquid, bring out your natural stone cleaner to finish the job. 

If it is an oil stain you are dealing with, you will need to apply a poultice-like product to pull the oil out of your travertine. Local hardware and home improvement stores carry this product, or you can order it online. 

Seal your travertine annually and use these everyday cleaning tips to protect your investment and keep your travertine surfaces looking their best for many years to come. 

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AimeeJo Davis-Varela is a member of The Davis Group and a freelance writer specializing in real estate, sustainable home improvement, eco-friendly landscaping, and green living. She is also the owner of Mind Your Manors, which provides second home management services.