How to Clean Travertine Pavers and pool decks
Patios with travertine pavers are gorgeous. But with time dirt and grime can build up and your beautiful patio can start to look, well…not so beautiful. That’s why it’s important to know how to clean travertine pavers.
Whether you need to clean your travertine outdoor pavers, travertine pool coping or a travertine pool area, we’ve got you covered!
Updated: July 1, 2024
Effective Methods for Cleaning Travertine Pavers
Got dirty travertine pavers? Before you get out the scrub brush and elbow grease, here are a few tips of what you should NOT do.
What Not to Do When Cleaning Travertine Pavers
When cleaning travertine pavers, it’s crucial to avoid certain products and methods to prevent damage:
- Don’t use general cleaners: These can contain harsh chemicals that may harm the stone’s surface.
- Don’t use products with lemon, vinegar, or other acids: Acidic substances can etch and discolor travertine, causing irreversible damage.
- Don’t use scouring powders and creams: Abrasive cleaners can scratch and dull the finish of your pavers.
- Don’t use ammonia, bleach or other harsh chemicals: These chemicals can alter the stone’s color and weaken its structure.
- Don’t use alkaline cleaners that aren’t specially made for natural stone or travertine tiles cleaning: They can degrade the stone’s surface and cause long-term damage.
Push Broom and a Hose
The simplest way to clean your travertine is with a good old push broom and hose. And in fact, if you regularly spray off your pavers with a hose and give them a light scrubbing with a broom, you can probably go a year or more without ever having to worry about getting out the pressure washer or removing mold.
Pressure Wash
If your travertine pavers haven’t been cleaned in a while, you’ll probably need to get out the pressure washer. This is especially true if you have a lot of trees on your property or your patio and pool deck get a lot of use.
Just be careful with the type of nozzle and how much pressure you use for travertine cleaning. Use a nozzle with a wide spray pattern to clean travertine tile. And avoid getting the nozzle too close to the surface of the pavers. High pressure can actually carve grooves into the surface of the travertine.
Mold Removal
Mold can cause stubborn stains, especially if your travertine pavers haven’t been sealed. Natural stone is somewhat porous and can absorb moisture and dirt. When moisture, dirt, and other conditions are present, mold can grow on your beautiful outdoor travertine tile patio.
So how can you clean mold on outdoor travertine pavers?
The best way is to get store-bought mold cleaners like DuPont Mold and Mildew Stain Remover for Natural Stone.
- Lightly scrub it into the mold stain.
- Let it sit for a few minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
IMPORTANT! Anytime you use a new cleaning solution on your travertine pavers, always make sure to properly test it on surfaces in an inconspicuous area first.
- Lightly scrub it into the mold stain.
- Let it sit for a few minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
IMPORTANT! Anytime you use a new cleaning solution on your travertine pavers, always make sure to properly test it on surfaces in an inconspicuous area first.
Cleaning Stains
It’s nice to enjoy a glass of red wine or a cup of black coffee while relaxing out on your patio or near your pool. But let a few drops fall onto an unsealed travertine paver and now you’ve got a stubborn stain.
Stains like that can be hard to remove especially if you don’t clean them up right away. But here are a few things that can help:
- Wipe the stain up as soon as possible
- Use a store-bought stone cleaning chemical according to the instructions
- For stubborn stains, apply a stain-absorbing poultice compound
NOTE! Some recommend making your own poultice with baking soda. However, you should be careful as the baking soda can alter the pH of the stone and damage its surface with time. That’s why it’s also best to avoid harsh soaps and acidic cleaners like vinegar on any travertine pavers or tiles.
As you’ve seen, cleaning travertine pavers isn’t too difficult. But it’s even easier if you perform regular maintenance.
Maintenance Care & Repair Tips
Here are a few quick tips for maintaining your natural stone pavers. Follow these and cleaning your travertine pavers will be a snap!
- Seal your travertine pavers. Sealing any natural stone pavers helps prevent moisture, stains, and dirt from getting into its pores. Follow the instructions on the sealant you use for periodic reapplications.
- Sweep the stones regularly and rinse them with a hose. This will help prevent dirt buildup and mold growth as well as protect the surface from scratches.
- Replace cracked pavers and be careful with any that are becoming uneven.
- Keep grass and weeds in check by removing them from in between the pavers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to clean travertine pavers?
The best way to clean heavily soiled travertine is with a pressure washer. For stains, the best way is with store-bought cleaners for natural stone since they’re less likely to damage the surface.
Can You Use Vinegar to Clean Travertine Pavers?
No, you should not use vinegar to clean travertine pavers. Vinegar is acidic and can etch the surface, causing permanent damage and dulling the natural beauty of the stone.
What is the best cleaner for travertine?
Pre-made store-bought cleaners usually work better than DIY versions and are less likely to damage the surface of your pavers. A popular and budget-friendly option is the Miracle Sealants Tile & Stone Cleaner.
Can You Pressure Wash Travertine?
How can I repair outdoor travertine pavers?
Travertine pavers are often easier to repair than travertine tile since the pavers are usually just laid on a bed of sand and gravel. If you have a cracked paver, simply remove it and replace it with a new one.
However, cracked pavers can be a sign of a more serious problem and possibly an improper installation job. If you’re in the Garland, Texas area, give us a call at A&X Masonry and we’ll come out and take a look. Call for your free quote today!