Ask Mrs. Clean: House Cleaning, Stain Removal and Organizing Tips

[CHARLES]

Hello Mrs Clean,

I did an Internet search today on a question and a response from a previous questions to you guys came up. So, I would like to ask: I noticed a couple of spill like outlines on my travertine tile floors. Today when the housekeepers came back I noticed her pouring a liquid onto the floor. She said it is pine sol. Is there a way to get this off my floors? The floors were sealed about 6-12 months ago. What would you recommend for cleaning travertine tile floors?

[mrscleannw]

Hello Charles.
Travertine is very similar to marble in composition. It is very easily damaged if any solution that is not pH neutral is used on it. The pine sol msds sheet states that it has a pH of 3-4, which makes it acidic.

Acids will permanently etch the surface. Once the surface is etched, I have found that resealing it or using any of the various supermarket type stone polishes will have no real effect on removing the damage, though there is a temporary improvement in the appearance. The only way to repair damaged/etched stone is to call a specialist who can regrind the stone to remove the etching.

Travertine, marble and other stones are very beautiful, but you have to be really careful with what you use to clean it. The stone experts I have talked to recommend that ¼ cup of Murphy Oil Soap, diluted with 1 gallon of water is highly effective for cleaning and shining the stone without damaging it. This is what we use at Mrs. Clean and I can attest to its effectiveness..

My cleaning tips for marble might be helpful. I also found some interesting info on travertine: here

[mathew]

Never Use vinegar, ammonia, lemon or orange for cleaning travertine floors, because anything that contain acids, alkalies and other chemicals can etch or damage the counter-top surface or degrade the sealant. Clean it with hot water, that would be sufficient. :)