Caring for Travertine Floors, Patios and Pool Decks

What makes travertine different

Travertine is made mainly of calcite (calcium carbonate), the same mineral as marble. Two traits shape its care:

• It's acid-sensitive, like marble. Citrus, vinegar and acidic cleaners can etch it.
• It has natural holes and pits. They're part of its look, and they collect dirt. Filled travertine has those voids filled at the factory or on site.

Filled, unfilled and tumbled surfaces

• Filled: the natural holes are filled for a smoother face. Check the filler from time to time, and have loose or missing filler repaired.
• Unfilled, tumbled or brushed: open pores and a textured surface hold more dirt. Sweep or dust-mop often.

Indoor floors

• Dust-mop or vacuum often. Grit scratches.
• Wash with a pH-neutral stone cleaner in warm water, using a damp mop.
• Don't use vinegar, lemon or bathroom and "all-purpose" cleaners unless they're labeled safe for natural stone.
• Blot spills. Don't wipe them around.

Patios, pool decks and outdoor kitchens

1. Sweep off leaves, soil and debris regularly. Left in place, organic matter can stain.
2. Rinse with clean water.
3. For algae or moss, the Natural Stone Institute recommends flushing with clear water and using a mild bleach solution. Choose a product and dilution suited to the stone, nearby materials and the pool area, and follow its label. Never mix bleach with ammonia.
4. Don't use a pressure washer without professional guidance. High pressure can damage softer stone, the joints and the installation beneath.
5. Check that every pool chemical, cleaner and sealer you use is approved for natural stone and a pool environment.
6. Keep drainage working properly.

Good news for outdoor stains: once the source of an organic stain (leaves, bark, bird droppings) is removed, the Natural Stone Institute says sun and rain generally bleach it out.

Sealing travertine

An impregnating (penetrating) sealer helps travertine resist stains and lets water vapor escape. Film-forming topical coatings trap vapor, which can risk cracking, and need recoating more often. A color-enhancing sealer deepens the color of honed, tumbled and textured travertine. It can significantly change the appearance and may be difficult to reverse, so test it on a spare piece first.

Test before you seal, and follow the product's schedule. See How to Seal Marble and Natural Stone Tile for the water-drop test and the steps.

White powder on the surface (efflorescence)

A white, powdery film is usually efflorescence: mineral salts carried up by water from below the stone and left behind when it evaporates. It often shows up on new installations while they dry out.

• Dust-mop or vacuum the dry powder. You may need to repeat this as the installation dries out.
• Don't wash it off with water. It will only disappear for a while.
• If it keeps coming back, contact your installer to find and fix the moisture source.