How can I remove what looks like water stains from my new polished travertine floors?
Q. Hello-we recently moved into a brand new construction home with polished travertine tile floors. In general the tiles look good but there are areas that have what look like water spots that I cannot clean! I purchased a spray stone cleaner, but it does not remove the stains either. Do you recommend that I buy a Heavy Duty Stone and Tile Grout Cleaner? I would really like to try cleaning these areas myself before calling the pros. Any info would be appreciated as the stains are driving me crazy!!!-thanks so much in advance. Emily
A. If they look like water spots and you can't clean them, it sounds like you're dealing with etching, damage to the surface, rather than stains. If the area is small and not too severe (you can't feel roughness with your fingertips) then you can probably resolve the problem yourself with a good quality marble polish. Ask your professional stone and tile restoration contractor for recommendations or if you don't have a PRO, contact us
I would also recommend that you download our free Stone and Tile Care Guide. I think it will help with this and any other issues you may face.
Sounds like etch marks to me. You may try a little marble polishing compound. Put some on a small area of a damp rag, wet the spot that is etched with water, rub the treated rag in a small affected area for 5 to 10 seconds, quickly rinse the area, dry it and see if the spot started to disappear. If not the etching may be deeper in the stone and it would be wise to seek out help from a stone restoration contractor. Randy Frye Restoration Stoneworks www.restorationstoneworks.com