Travertine is derived from a kind of limestone that’s deposited by springs, thereby making it renewable and sustainable. The Ancient Romans were the first to use it as a flooring material. Today, it’s used mainly as an alternative to marble for use in high-traffic areas. It’s ideal not only because of its beauty, but also for its easy maintenance and the many colors and patterns available, including ivory, beige, walnut, and gold, for use in several designs.

It’s susceptible to wetness because it’s a natural stone. As a result, a sealer should be used to protect the tile, making it easier to maintain. It’s also an alkaline-based stone and acidic products will cause surface damage.

Travertine doesn’t require a lot of maintenance, but improper care can lead to unsightly, and perhaps irreversible, damage. Only stone-safe cleaners should be used. One such cleaner and restorer is Rejuvenate. It keeps its appearance sparkling and smelling fresh. Natural Travertine flooring is definitely a quality investment worth protecting.

Keeping your floors looking great is vital since flooring is one of the most expensive and time consuming aspects of home improvement. Simple steps can prolong the life of your floor, regardless of the type you may have. Here are some tricks that will keep your travertine flooring looking new:

• Close curtains and blinds — UV rays from sunlight can fade colors on floor and cause discoloration
• Place floor protectors under furniture
• Clean, wipe or blot spills immediately to help prevent stains.
• Place doormats at every door — this helps to trap dirt at the doorway instead of tracking inside the home. The coco mat, featured on QVC, traps all types of particles such as dust, mud, snow and it can be used for the front door, patio or even the garage.
• Take care when moving heavy objects like furniture and equipment — utilize furniture coaters to transport heavy objects across floors.
• Dust and vacuum floors regularly to maximize beauty and decrease build-up of debris.
• Exercise caution when using bleaches, tile cleaners, mildew removers, oven cleaners, drain openers and plant food as these contain strong chemicals that can discolor floors.
• Always follow your manufacturer’s guidelines on products that are safe for your flooring.
• Treat grout with a sealer to simplify cleaning.
• Vacuum porcelain tiles without a beater bar and use a microfiber mop, which is gentle on the floor to prevent scratching.