Travertine pavers are regarded by architects, interior designers, and pool builders as the ideal flooring option for pools and patios. Being one of the most popular choices of paver stones today, we decided to make a guide teaching homeowners how to clean travertine pavers.
Just like any surface, travertine pavers require periodic maintenance and cleaning. And if you’re not sure how to clean travertine pavers properly, you might be putting your investment at risk.
The task of cleaning travertine pavers is not that difficult – but for each method, there is always a minimum risk of damaging the pavers. In today’s article, we’d like to cover some of the most frequently asked questions and issues related to cleaning travertine pavers.
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How To Clean Travertine Pavers
The most important thing in how to clean travertine pavers is to remember that requires a gentle approach to avoid damaging the stone’s surface.
So start by sweeping the surface of the pavers to remove any loose dirt, leaves, or debris. You can use a soft bristle broom for this step, but a leaf blower is more indicated. With a leaf blower, you will have even less chance of damaging the pavers.
Next, use a garden hose to rinse the pavers thoroughly with water. This helps to loosen any embedded dirt and prepares the surface for cleaning.
Avoid harsh chemicals, acidic cleaners, or any DIY homemade solution, as they can damage the surface of the pavers. Select a cleaner specifically formulated for travertine stone and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to dilute the cleaner with water if necessary.
With the mixture done, use a sprayer or a watering can to apply it evenly over the surface of the pavers. Work in small sections to ensure thorough coverage, and let them sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
Use a soft-bristled brush or a scrubbing pad to gently scrub the pavers, paying particular attention to any stained or heavily soiled areas. Avoid using abrasive brushes or scouring pads, as they can scratch the surface of the stone.
Once you’ve scrubbed the pavers, rinse them thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue from the cleaner. Again, use a garden hose for this step, and make sure to rinse the entire surface evenly.
Allow the pavers to air dry completely before walking or placing furniture on them. This helps to prevent streaking and ensures that the pavers retain their natural beauty.
Read also: How To Care For Pavers In The Summer: 6 Methods
Can You Pressure Wash Travertine Pavers?
When wondering how to clean travertine pavers, many people wonder about the use of pressure washers.
In some cases, especially if you install travertine pavers under a tree, it may be necessary to clean the area periodically. The trees generally cause a lot of dirt, releasing leaves and other residues; in these cases, pressure washing the surface is not only the most effective answer but also the fastest.
The thing about pressure washing is that you will be removing more than just dirt, you will also be damaging the sealing of the pavers.
Sealing is a crucial step in the process of installing and maintaining pavers. Proper sealing helps protect your investment and increases the durability and beautiful appearance of travertine pavers for much longer.
Besides, it makes cleaning and removing residues on the surface of travertine pavers easier, including heavier stains, such as sap from trees.
When you pressure wash travertine pavers, you will be accelerating the sealant wear process. Thus, we recommend that you always reseal your pavers after pressure washing.
Read also: What Is The Cost To Pressure Wash Pavers?
How To Remove Mold From Travertine Pavers
Another common type of dirt found in travertine pavers is mold. As people often install travertine pavers around swimming pools, which means they will always be susceptible to moisture. So learning how to deal with mold is another important aspect of how to clean travertine pavers effectively.
Even if they’re not by the pool, there may be some spots in your travertine pavers that do not receive enough sunlight. Mold is always susceptible to form when there is some degree of humidity on pavers for an extended period.
That said, the best way to clean up mold is by following these steps:
- Use a garden hose to wet the area;
- Prepare a solution in a bucket filled with hot water mixed with mild soap or detergent;
- Dip a nonmetallic scrubbing brush into the solution and use it to scrub the pavers;
- Repeat step 3 until you have removed most of the mold;
- Wash the area with water from the hose to remove the mold and water solution with mild soap or detergent;
- To remove any remaining mold, wet the area again with water and mild soap or detergent solution. After that, sprinkle talcum powder over the stains. Allow the talc to absorb the solution and to sit on the pavers until it is dry;
- Sweep the area with the scrubbing brush, rinse the pavers with the garden hose again, and leave the whole patio to air dry.
This process must be repeated regularly in areas where mold formation is more frequent. Although the process is more complicated and time-consuming, it’s one of the most effective ways to clean mold stains from travertine pavers.
One way to avoid, or at least facilitate, the process above is to ensure that the sealant is applied correctly. This application will not only hinder the formation of mold but also inhibit the growth of weeds and moss, among other added benefits.
Can You Use Bleach On Outdoor Travertine Pavers?
Although there are cases where it’s common to see companies advising people to use products such as bleach and ammonia to clean travertine pavers, we don’t recommend it.
Like other chemicals, bleach and ammonia have acidic properties that, over time, can damage surfaces. In the specific case of travertine pavers, it is common for this wear to become apparent as its appearance will start to become dull and aged.
Although these products are effective in cleaning, the chances of damaging travertine pavers are too high.
As a rule of thumb, avoid any chemical substance not explicitly developed for cleaning travertine surfaces, except for neutral soap and dishwasher detergent. This rule also includes elements such as vinegar and contents based on citrus fruits, such as lemons!
What Is The Best Cleaner For Travertine?
In general, the best way to clean travertine pavers is to use cleaning products specifically designed for travertine, or simply water with a mild soap or detergent. Cleaning with a pressure washer is also ok, as long as you reseal the travertine pavers after the process.
Washing and sweeping the surface frequently also helps remove much of the dirt, including spores that can form the mold in contact with moisture. You also have to remove weeds growing between pavers regularly – but always take care not to damage the surface.
And if you need assistance with cleaning or installing travertine pavers, we here at S&S Pavers have over 14 years of experience serving the counties of Manatee and Sarasota. If you live around the region, leave us a message or call us. We will be happy to offer a free estimate!
