If your home's front porch has decorative travertine tiles that have become dirty, then it is important that you know how to properly clean them. Since travertine tiles are made from a porous stone, incorrect cleaning techniques can ruin them. To this end, here are directions for safely and effectively cleaning your porch's travertine tiles like a professional:
Step 1: Vacuum the Tiles with a Shop Vacuum
Using a shop vacuum, clean away any loose surface dirt from both the travertine tiles and their grout on your home's porch. Using a shop vacuum for this task is a lot more effective than simply sweeping off the tiles.
Step 2: Wash the Tiles Using Liquid Dish Soap
Place a few drops of phosphate-free liquid dish soap into a large bowl of hot water. Wash the travertine tiles using a cotton cloth dipped into the soapy water. Wash them until you no longer see any dirt or stains.
Step 3: Wash the Tiles Using Hot Water
Once you have removed the surface dirt and grime from the travertine tiles on your porch, then you should wash them once again with clean, hot water. The purpose of this is to remove any soap residue from the tiles that can stain or discolor them. Keep washing the tiles until you do not see any soap bubbles on your cloth or on the tiles themselves.
Step 4: Clean the Tile Grout Using Soap and a Soft Brush
If the grout between the travertine tiles on your porch has become soiled, then you can clean it using some hot soapy water and a soft brush. An old toothbrush works very well for cleaning grout. Scrub the stained grout with the brush and soapy water until the grout appears clean. Let the grout dry thoroughly before you apply a stone sealant to the travertine tiles.
Step 5: Seal the Travertine Tiles to Prevent Staining
Finally, exterior travertine tiles need to be sealed to prevent future staining or damage from the elements. You can purchase a stone sealant from your local hardware store that is appropriate for use on travertine tiles. To apply the sealant, you simply wipe it on with a cloth and let it cure in place. Once the stone sealant has cured, then wipe away any excess using a clean cloth. Rubbing the cloth over the sealant will help to polish the stone and keep it looking wonderful for years to come.
Contact a service like Leo's Holland Floor Maintenance if you need help accomplishing your tile cleaning.
