Travertine
Banded, porous, perfect for warm interiors.
Travertine forms in mineral hot springs and shows characteristic bands and pits. It is sold filled (smooth) or unfilled (rustic) and works equally well indoors and out.
Telltale traits
- porous surface with natural pits
- warm beige/tan tones
- banded texture
Best for
- • Pool decks
- • Patios
- • Bathroom floors and walls
- • Showers
Avoid for
- • Areas with heavy acidic spills
Cleaning routine
Daily
Dust mop or soft cloth, pH-neutral cleaner if needed.
Weekly
Stone-safe cleaner; rinse and dry.
Deep clean
Refill open pits with color-matched grout/filler if needed.
Sealing
Yes — Every 1–2 years
Use a penetrating sealer; consider a color-enhancing sealer for outdoor use.
What to avoid
VinegarLemonBleachAcidic tile cleaners
When to call a pro
Pro for re-honing, filling large pits, or restoring a polished finish.
Safe products & ingredients
Stone family: Calcium-based (acid-sensitive)
Use these products
- • pH-neutral stone cleaner (e.g. MB Stone Care MB-5, Granite Gold Daily Cleaner, Method Daily Granite)
- • Microfiber cloth + warm distilled water for daily wipe-downs
- • Impregnating penetrating sealer (e.g. Miracle 511, Aqua Mix Sealer's Choice Gold) every 6–12 months
- • Marble polishing powder for light etches
Look for these ingredients
- • Neutral pH 7–8 surfactants
- • Distilled or filtered water
- • Food-grade mineral oil (only on honed soap residue test patches)
- • Calcium carbonate / cerium oxide polishing compounds
Never use on this stone
Avoid these products
- • Vinegar, lemon juice, or any citrus cleaner
- • Bleach, ammonia, or all-purpose sprays (Windex, Lysol, 409, Mr. Clean)
- • Tub & tile or grout cleaners (CLR, Lime-A-Way, Soft Scrub)
- • Bar Keepers Friend, Magic Eraser, or any abrasive pad
- • DIY baking-soda + vinegar pastes
Scan labels for these ingredients
- Acetic acid (vinegar)
- Citric acid
- Hydrochloric / muriatic acid
- Phosphoric acid
- Sodium hypochlorite (bleach)
- Ammonium hydroxide (ammonia)
- Oxalic acid
Do's and don'ts at a glance
Do
- Blot — never wipe — spills immediately, especially wine, coffee, oil, and citrus
- Use coasters, trivets, and cutting boards on counters
- Dust mop floors before damp mopping with a neutral cleaner
- Reseal on a 6–12 month cadence; test with a water bead
Don't
- Don't let acidic foods sit — even a lemon slice etches in minutes
- Don't scrub with green pads, steel wool, or scouring powder
- Don't use 'natural' or 'green' cleaners without checking the pH
- Don't apply waxes or topical sealers that build a film
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy filled or unfilled travertine?
Filled is easier to clean and works for floors. Unfilled has more character and is fine for walls and outdoor use.
How do I clean dirt from travertine pits?
Use a soft brush and pH-neutral cleaner. Reseal afterward.
Popular Travertine varieties
Step-by-step guides
How to clean Travertine
The safe way to clean travertine surfaces. What to use, what to skip, and a step-by-step routine that won't damage the finish.
How to seal Travertine
Step-by-step guide to sealing travertine. The water test, the right sealer, dwell time, and how often to reseal.
How to polish Travertine
Bring back the gloss on travertine. The DIY polishing powder method, when to call a pro, and what not to use.
How to remove oil stains from Travertine
Step-by-step poultice method to lift oil stains out of travertine without damaging the finish.
How to remove wine stains from Travertine
Step-by-step poultice method to lift wine stains out of travertine without damaging the finish.
How to remove rust stains from Travertine
Step-by-step poultice method to lift rust stains out of travertine without damaging the finish.
How to remove water rings stains from Travertine
Step-by-step poultice method to lift water rings stains out of travertine without damaging the finish.
How to repair etch marks on Travertine
Fix etch marks on travertine with the marble polishing powder method. When to DIY and when to call a pro.
How to repair scratches on Travertine
Fix scratches on travertine with the fine polishing compound method. When to DIY and when to call a pro.
How to repair chips on Travertine
Fix chips on travertine with the color-matched stone epoxy method. When to DIY and when to call a pro.