While travertine is quite a pliant and resilient natural stone, it is not entirely immune to damages by natural and non-natural causes such as weather conditions, frequent wear and tears as well as constant footfall. Therefore, you need regular taking care of it to maintain an impeccable appearance.

How Does Travertine Get Damaged?
Some of the travertine impregnators include bacteria, UV exposure, chemicals as well as mould and mildew. Therefore, you must repel water, oil, grout, mortar and bacteria at all times. Similarly, protect travertine surfaces from etching, staining, scratching, mineral deposits and grime build-up overtime.

Tips for Stain Removal
Oil-based stains on travertine can be formed by cooking oil, grease, tar and cosmetics. Clean oil-based stains with a soft liquid cleaner including household detergents, ammonia, mineral spirits or acetone. For organic stains left by coffee, tea, fruit juice, tobacco or urine, mix 12% hydrogen peroxide with just a few drops of ammonia to make your homemade cleaning formula.

Travertine Honing and Polishing
Besides daily care and maintenance, travertine surfaces will need deep cleaning, honing and polishing in between intervals to address any significant damage and spoilage to the stone. These processes will require the assistance of professional technicians and specialized equipment such as vapour steamers and high-speed scrubbing machines.

Marble is a metamorphic rock that is formed of re-crystallized carbonate mineral which makes it susceptible to etching by acids. Likewise, marble tends to be much softer and therefore porous than other natural stones, so do not be surprised if you start seeing scratches, cracks, stains and even a gradual loss of its original sheen if not taken care of properly. On the flip side, you will be much relieved to know that natural marble needs minimal care and maintenance to look forever magnificent.

Daily Care
The biggest threat to marble is etching and staining by sodas, coffee, citrus fruits, fruit juice, wine and vinegar – anything which is acidic in nature. So you have to be careful of spillage, splashes, leakage and overflow of food and drink. After preparation of food, always wipe the surface clean and do not let vestiges of food sit on the stone for long.

Regular Maintenance
Since marble is extremely porous, it must be sealed to repel stains. Applying a marble sealer will make marble care so much easier and more convenient for homeowners. You can also use a protective sheet (silicone or plastic sheets work best) for regular maintenance of marble.

Cleaning Marble Floors
Marble surfaces need regular dusting, sweeping and mopping. You can use a mild detergent or a stone soap for this purpose. It is best to rinse and dry the floor with clean water.