Cleaning travertine floors is a PITA...

[JulesMaximus]

They sure look nice though.

Is there a machine you can buy that makes this easier?

 

[Vette73]

How is it a PITA? If you seal them correct they should clean up with just warm water.

 

[gimmewhitecastles]

I was expecting a gyro souvlaki in this thread. I am disappoint.

 

[JulesMaximus]

How is it a PITA? If you seal them correct they should clean up with just warm water.

I did seal them but years of using a mop on them has left them kind of dirty looking so I've been on my hands and knees with clean soapy water, a kitchen sponge and a bucket of clean water to rinse the dirty sponge in. Travertine is one of those flooring surfaces that you can't really tell how dirty it is unless you really do a good job cleaning it.

 

[CPA]

I've got major issues with my travertine floors, including scrathes, holes, discoloration (thanks to my sister using chlorine bleach to mop the floors) and stains thanks to 4 kids, 4 dogs and 2 cats. My research has found that even sealing a travertine floor won't help with staining issues. And once stained you have to have the stain sanded out. I want to try this myself, but don't know where to get the equipment. May need to hire someone

Also, NEVER use over the counter floor cleaning products other than Murphy's Oil Soap or specially made travertine floor cleaner. Most products contain high acidic levels that will harm the travertine.

 

[StepUp]

Can't be as bad as cleaning a driveway.

 

[bobdole369]

Can't be as bad as cleaning a driveway.

At least you can etch that.

 

[Vette73]

I've got major issues with my travertine floors, including scrathes, holes, discoloration (thanks to my sister using chlorine bleach to mop the floors) and stains thanks to 4 kids, 4 dogs and 2 cats. My research has found that even sealing a travertine floor won't help with staining issues. And once stained you have to have the stain sanded out. I want to try this myself, but don't know where to get the equipment. May need to hire someone

Also, NEVER use over the counter floor cleaning products other than Murphy's Oil Soap or specially made travertine floor cleaner. Most products contain high acidic levels that will harm the travertine.

Its not really the acids but he cleaning agents, base cleaner will do it as well in some cleaners. Most cleaners are made to remove dirt, scale, etc... the stuff it is removing is a natural dirt, stone is just "dirt" in solid form.

On a tiling site I use to post at one person had a maid come in once a week. They used a regular over the counter cleaner in their natural tile shower once and it ate it up.

My wife love natural stone btu I have told her if a room has natural tile then NO CLEANERS are allowed in it unless it says safe for natural stone.

OP I hope the "soap" you are using is safe for natural stone. I see you said "soapy water".