Just like marble and granite countertops, travertine stone is now a popular option for kitchen countertops. Here are several tips on how to clean and protect this desert stone:

1. Check with your Palm Springs construction workers if the stone is sealed.

It should me sealed, especially if it has honed or tumbled finish. This will help in case of a spill of an aggressive substance, like cranberry juice or red wine.

2. Sweep up spills quickly.

Unlike granite countertops, travertine is sensitive to carbonated drinks, ketchup, and tomato sauce. In case of spill, clean it up quickly using hot water and a stone cleaning product. Moreover, travertine is a very porous material, and any spills left standing for some time will dull the finish and may stain the surface.

3. Refrain from using lemon, vinegar, bleach, or ammonia as cleaning agents.

Travertine is sensitive to acidic substances and using such cleaners will only serve to damage your tile. Other generic tile cleaners must also be avoided as they are abrasive and may contain acid. Also, do not place bathroom products directly on top of travertine kitchen countertops. Some of these products may accidentally spill and stain or damage your tiles.

4. Use a neutral cleaner or stone soap, instead.

This is best applied using a clean mop, sponge, or soft cloth, quickly followed by a dry mop. Take care not to use too much as this produces streaks on the kitchen countertops when used in excess.

5. Sealing your travertine will guard against staining.

But it won’t prevent etching. Etching is when the finish becomes dull due to an acid having eaten the porous stone. Etching looks similar to a watermark. It is most common with granite countertops and honed or tumbled travertine.

6. Consult a Palm Springs construction company.

When you decide to install travertine stone into your design, ask your Palm Springs construction company about its limitations and performance. These professionals will also give pieces of advise on how to how to avoid damage, etching, and staining.




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