How to Keep Travertine Floor Grout Lines Clean

Professional contractors understand that the cleanliness of travertine grout lines can make or break the overall appearance of a travertine floor. Unfortunately, in many cases, dirty travertine grout lines are the result of improper cleaning methods by cleaning or janitorial services or homeowners. As dirt and grime builds up, the grout lines look darker.

In this article, we will not discuss the best practices for keeping grout lines clean, but we will address steps you can take as a contractor to ensure that you have done your part to help keep grout lines looking their best.

Cleaning and Sealing Travertine Grout Lines

Fred Hueston, Chief Technical Director of Surface Care Pros and Owner of Stone Forensics explains, “I would recommend thoroughly cleaning the travertine and the grout then apply a good quality impregnator to the travertine and the grout.” A properly sealed floor will buy time for your client to wipe up spills before they turn into stains.

Give Your Client Cleaning and Care Instructions

Proper cleaning and care are essential to keep floors looking fresh, clean, and inviting. When you provide cleaning and care instructions to your clients, you are equipping them with the information they need to help themselves and to understand where your responsibility ends and theirs begins. One of the benefits of being a Surface Care Pros PRO Partner is a free, downloadable Stone and Tile Care Guide with customized with your company logo that you can give to your clients.

Hueston says, “Even the best impregnators and sealers will not prevent the grout and the fillers in the travertine from becoming soiled. Instruct clients to mop the floor often using a good quality neutral cleaner.”

Grout Replacement May Be Necessary

In certain high-traffic environments, grout lines can be nearly impossible to keep clean, even when they are properly sealed. Hueston suggests, “If the problem persists, you may want to remove the grout and replace it with epoxy grout.”

Learn More

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