How to Clean a Travertine Tile Backsplash
Travertine is a type of limestone that is produced by mineral springs. This natural stone forms with small holes on the surface. When installed as tiles, the holes are filled with grout or left unfilled. Tiles with unfilled holes are more difficult to clean because of the openings in the surface. You can easily learn how to clean a travertine tile backsplash with simple ingredients from your home.
Things You'll Need
- Spray Bottle
- Water
- Liquid Dish Detergent
- Cleaning Cloth
- Stiff Brush or Scrub Pad
- Small Dish
- Baking Soda
- Spoon
Instructions
- Remove the lid from an empty spray bottle and pour in 2 cups of water and two squirts of liquid dish detergent.
- Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the mixture in the spray bottle. Replace the lid on the spray bottle and shake the bottle to mix the ingredients.
- Spray the cleaner generously on the travertine tile backsplash.
- Scrub the tile with a stiff brush or a scrub pad to loosen the dirt and grime.
- Wipe the tile clean with a damp cleaning cloth after it has been cleaned and scrubbed.
- Apply a baking soda paste to stubborn stains on the tile backsplash. To make the paste, put some baking soda in a dish, add water and stir until it forms a thick paste. If the paste is too thick, add more water and if it is too thin, add more baking soda.
- Repeat the baking soda treatment until all the stains are gone.
Tips
Immediately wipe off any substances that splatter onto the tile to avoid staining the surface. Acidic foods and liquids such as tomato sauce, wine and fruit juice will dull the shine of a travertine tile backsplash.
Apply a sealant to your travertine tile backsplash at least once a year to help prevent staining.