How to Clean Outdoor Travertine? [Explained]

Travertine can be used in outdoor areas such as patios, swimming pools, and stairs. It can also be used as pavements and driveways. Basically, its style and soft texture make it in high demand. But, you must not forget that it also needs regular maintenance to retain its curb appeal. If you’re wondering how to clean outdoor travertine, there are several ways to do so. 

So, learn how to remove mold, pressure wash outdoor travertine, and which cleaner is best for travertine. Several products are out there that will work perfectly for your outdoor travertine.

Do you want to know the best way to clean your outdoor travertine? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve outlined below a few tips for maintaining the beauty and cleanliness of your outdoor travertine, from the basics to more advanced care.

What is outdoor travertine?

Travertine is a popular hardscape material for patios, walkways, and other exterior spaces. It is extremely durable, weather resistant, and fits with a wide range of architectural styles. If you’re considering using travertine for your patio, it’s important to know what to expect from the installation process.

Where can you use it?

Travertine tiles are an elegant and timeless addition to any home. They’re perfect for pool surrounds, patios, outdoor yards, and gardens. The stone’s natural hues and finishes allow it to blend seamlessly into any design style. Basically, it’s the perfect choice for a pool surrounding or stair treads, and it can even be used to enhance a concrete deck.

What to expect?

Travertine is a highly durable natural stone that can withstand up to 8,000 pounds per square inch. It also withstands cold weather without cracking and is also resistant to extreme temperature changes, so you won’t have to worry about freezing your patio. Additionally, travertine pavers are available in a variety of colors. They can range from ivory to a pinkish hue. But, you do need to clean them to maintain their shine.

How to care for an Outdoor Travertine?

If you have travertine outdoor flooring, the first thing you should do is regularly clean it. It’s easy to clean and can give your patio or walkway a luxurious look. 

However, you should be careful when moving outdoor furniture as it could potentially crack or chip the tiles. Also, you should avoid allowing gaps between the tiles to become a pathway for weeds and grasses.

You should also keep the surface of your outdoor travertine pavers clean by sweeping them regularly. This will help prevent dirt, grime, and other debris from getting absorbed into the stone. 

Moreover, you can also pressure wash your travertine pavers to extend their lifespan. However, pressure washing the stone may damage the seal, so be sure to apply the sealer afterward.

10 Tips for Cleaning your Outdoor Travertine

If you have an outdoor travertine, you know how it can transform your home to look beautiful and elegant. But, at the same time, keeping it clean can be a challenge. 

Here are 10 tips for cleaning your outdoor travertine so that it looks its best:

1. Sweep regularly

The first step in keeping your travertine clean is to sweep it regularly. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that could potentially stain the stone.

2. Use a hose

If you have a hose, you can use it to rinse off your travertine on a regular basis. If you want to keep it clean and free of any build-up, then this process is quite helpful.

3. Use a mild soap

You can use a cleaner on your travertine, but be sure to choose a mild soap. Harsh cleaners might cause damage, whereas mild soap will help to protect the stone from any damage.

4. Avoid acid-based cleaners

Acid-based cleaners can damage travertine, so be sure to avoid them. Also, if you use a cleaner with citric acid, you may damage your travertine. Moreover, you should also avoid using bleach or ammonia on travertine as they can produce toxic fumes.

5. Use a soft brush

When you are cleaning your travertine, be sure to use a soft brush. This process will assist you to avoid damaging the stone.

6. Rinse well

Be sure to rinse your travertine thoroughly after cleaning it, as any residue left behind could damage the stone.

7. Dry it off

Once you have cleaned and rinsed your travertine, be sure to dry it off completely. To protect it from any water damage, this step is quite necessary.

8. Seal it regularly

Sealing your travertine on a regular basis will help to protect it from stains and other damage. Adding sealer to outdoor travertine is a good way to prolong its life and prevent damage.

Before applying a sealer, it’s best to ensure that the travertine surface is clean and dry because even a few drops of water might cause stains. Thus, you need to be cleaned up prior to sealing. It’s also important to test the sealer on a small area before applying it on the entire surface.

9. Avoid harsh chemicals

When cleaning your outdoor travertine, it’s best to avoid using harsh chemicals, including bleach, which can damage the surface. However, you should use diluted cleaners instead, only if you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn stain.

10. Clean it regularly

The best way to keep your travertine clean is to clean it regularly. Thus, you can ensure to remove any dirt or debris that could potentially damage the stone.

By following these tips, you can keep your outdoor travertine looking its best for years to come.

How to Remove Mold from an Outdoor Travertine?

If you have a travertine patio or outdoor kitchen, you should know how to remove mold from it. Certain types of natural stone are more porous than others, and that means they’re more susceptible to the growth of mold or mildew. So, you need to take care of them more, when compared with the regular ones.

Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to get rid of mold on your travertine patio or outdoor kitchen quickly and easily.

• Firstly, you need to clean your travertine pavers thoroughly. 
• You can do this by using a cleaning solution made of 50 percent water and 10 percent bleach.
• You should scrub the solution into the stained area, then allow it to sit for a few minutes. 
• Always make sure to test a cleaning solution on an inconspicuous section of your patio before using it on a large area.
• You can clean travertine yourself with a diluted solution of a pH-neutral cleaner. To use this solution, you should always use a lint-free cloth to wipe off the liquid.

What is the Best Cleaner For Travertine?

There are a few different types of travertine cleaners. But, generally, you should use a neutral soap to clean travertine. You can also use vinegar and citrus fruits. Bleach and ammonia are also acceptable to use on travertine, but they should be used sparingly.

Before buying an outdoor travertine cleaner, it is important to do your research. Read reviews of the product you are considering and ensure that it is of high quality. Often, a better quality cleaner lasts longer than a cheaper one. You can also check out user reviews to see if others have had problems using a specific product.

You can choose a deep-penetrating travertine cleaner. This is essential to remove any mold or stains that might have crept into the surface. Further, you should also choose a cleaning agent that has an alkaline base. 

Travertine is not acid-friendly, so you must be careful not to use harsh chemicals on it. If spills happen on the surface, blot them immediately with blotting paper. This way, any spills will not spread.

Travertine Care Dos and Don’ts

While it may seem like travertine is an easy surface to care for, if you are not careful, you may end up damaging the material. 

Don’t use any cleaning products that contain ammonia or other harsh chemicals. The abrasive nature of these products can degrade the sealant and cause the stone to look dull. A safe and gentle sponge is a good choice for cleaning travertine.

Further, before cleaning travertine, it’s important to test any cleaning products you may be considering for your home. A few of these products may contain acids that can be detrimental to your travertine tiles. So, do not be impatient and always test them on a small section of the flooring and wait for at least 24 hours before applying them to the entire surface.

Moreover, Travertine should be cleaned regularly to prevent marks and scratches. It can be easily damaged by shampoo, toothpaste, nail polish, and perfume. So, be careful and ensure to use a stone cleaner and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Takeaways…

After cleaning the travertine pavers, you should apply a special sealer that was designed for these natural stones. This sealer will fill in the pores of the pavers, which makes it harder for mold to grow and keep the surface clean. Another advantage is that it will enhance the color of the stone by keeping it free of dirt. 

Basically, taking care of travertine flooring can add considerable value to your home. Alongside, regular maintenance preserves its beauty and extends its lifespan. So, follow the cleaning tips in detail.

FAQ

How to protect the outdoor travertine?

If you’re installing travertine outdoors, you should seal it every one to two years. This prevents damage from the elements and helps maintain its beauty. Depending on the type of travertine, you can use topical or impregnating sealers. The type of sealer you choose will depend on the look you want.

Can You Pressure Wash an Outdoor Travertine?

If you want to keep your outdoor travertine patio looking beautiful and in perfect condition, you should use the proper cleaning solutions and tools for it. First, you should clean the travertine patio with a low-pressure setting (about 2000 psi). Then, use a garden hose to rinse it thoroughly. You can also use a power washer with a flushing nozzle to wash away the dirt and grime.

Does Sealing Pavers Help Prevent Mold?

Yes, sealing pavers helps prevent mold. By sealing the pores of the paver, you are preventing moisture and dirt from entering and causing mold to grow.

How Often Should You Seal Pavers?

You should seal pavers every one to three years, depending on the amount of traffic and exposure to the elements.

How Do You Remove Mold From Pavers?

To remove mold from pavers, you will need to clean them with a mild soap and brush, then rinse them well. You may also need to use a cleaner specifically designed to remove mold.

How Do You Clean Outdoor Travertine naturally?

You can clean the outdoor travertine by sweeping it regularly, using a hose to rinse it off, and using a mild soap if necessary. You should avoid harsh chemicals and cleaners, and be sure to rinse and dry the travertine thoroughly after cleaning.

How Do You Remove Stains From Travertine?

To remove stains from travertine, you will need to use a poultice. Basically, a poultice is a paste that is applied to the stain and left to dry. Once it has dried, it is then removed, taking the stain with it.

How Often Should Travertine Be Sealed?

Travertine should be sealed every one to three years, depending on the amount of traffic and exposure to the elements.

Can heavy furniture damage Travertine?

Yes, heavy furniture can damage the travertine. The weight of the furniture can cause cracks and chips in the stone. Thus, it is important to use caution when moving heavy furniture on the travertine. You must place felt pads under the legs of the furniture to protect the surface.