At AmeriClean Cleaning Specialists, we take pride in our ability to transform even the most challenging tile and grout floors. Recently, we had the opportunity to work on a beautiful travertine tile floor that was in need of professional cleaning.
Despite the homeowner’s best efforts, their busy lifestyle and daily wear and tear had left the once-beautiful tiles looking dull and dingy. The grout lines were also deeply stained, and no amount of at-home cleaning seemed to make a difference.
Thankfully, the homeowners decided to call AmeriClean Cleaning Specialists for a professional cleaning before giving up on their floor. Our team of experts arrived at the home and quickly got to work, using our specialized tools and techniques to restore the floor to its former glory.
As you can see in the before and after photo, the results were nothing short of remarkable. The once dull and dingy tiles were now shining and vibrant, and the deeply stained grout lines were now clean and uniform. The homeowners were thrilled with the outcome and were relieved that they did not have to replace their beautiful travertine floor.
What is Travertine?
Travertine tile is a natural stone tile that’s popular in many homes and businesses today. Unlike man-made tiles such as porcelain and ceramic, travertine is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock that’s formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate in hot springs and limestone caves. It’s known for its unique and beautiful patterns, which are the result of the minerals that are present in the rock during formation.
Travertine tile is a popular choice for flooring because of its durability and timeless beauty. However, because it’s a natural stone, it’s more porous than man-made tiles and requires a bit more care to keep it looking its best. For example, it’s important to avoid acidic cleaners and harsh chemicals that can etch or damage the surface of the stone.
Identifying Travertine Tile
At AmeriClean Cleaning Specialists, we take great care to ensure that every job is done right the first time. That’s why our cleaning process always begins with proper tile identification and testing to determine exactly what type of tile we’re working with.
When it comes to natural stone tiles like travertine, it’s essential to know the specific type of stone and its unique properties. Using the wrong cleaning products or techniques can cause irreversible damage to the stone, leading to costly repairs or replacement.
That’s why our team of experts carefully tests the tile to determine its porosity and vulnerability to staining and etching. Once we’ve identified the tile and determined the best cleaning approach, we use our specialized equipment and cleaning products to safely and effectively clean the tile and grout without damaging the natural stone surface.
For example, we avoid using harsh acidic cleaners that are commonly used on synthetic tiles because they can etch and ruin natural stone floors immediately. Instead, we use mild, pH-neutral cleaners that are specifically formulated for natural stone surfaces.
How to tell if your tile floor is natural stone or synthetic:
It can sometimes be challenging to tell whether your tile floor is made of natural stone or synthetic material, especially if you’re not familiar with the different types of tile. However, there are a few signs you can look for that may help you determine the type of tile you have.
One of the most significant differences between natural stone and synthetic tile is the appearance. Natural stone tiles like travertine have unique patterns and variations in color that are not found in synthetic tiles like porcelain or ceramic. These patterns are created by the natural process of the stone’s formation and cannot be replicated in synthetic tiles.
Another way to tell if your tile floor is natural stone or synthetic is to look for scratches or chips. Natural stone tiles are more susceptible to damage from everyday wear and tear, so they may have more visible scratches and chips than synthetic tiles. Synthetic tiles, on the other hand, are more durable and resistant to scratches and chips.
You can also try performing a water absorption test to determine whether your tile floor is natural stone or synthetic. Place a few drops of water on the surface of the tile and wait a few minutes. If the water is absorbed into the tile, then it’s likely a natural stone tile. If the water beads up on the surface, then it’s likely a synthetic tile.
If you’re still unsure about the type of tile you have, it’s best to consult a professional. At AmeriClean, we have more advanced methods of determining the type of tile construction. So, if you have us clean your natural stone floors like travertine, we’ll be sure to clean with the proper chemistry ensuring no damage to your investment.
Impregnating Sealer for Natural Stone is Always Recommended — and It Protects the Grout Too!
Once the cleaning was complete, the floors were then sealed using an impregnating sealer that’s designed to protect natural stone tile and grout. This sealer penetrates deeply into the pores of the stone and grout, creating a barrier that helps to repel dirt, water, and other substances that can cause staining or damage.
By using an impregnating sealer, we’re able to provide our clients with added protection for their natural stone floors, helping to keep them looking beautiful for years to come. Whether you have natural stone tiles like travertine or man-made tiles like porcelain and ceramic, AmeriClean Cleaning Specialists has the expertise and knowledge to help keep your floors looking their best.
What is an impregnating sealer for natural stone tile floors?
An impregnating sealer is a type of sealer that’s designed to penetrate deeply into the pores of natural stone tile floors. This sealer is made up of a blend of special ingredients, including resins and solvents, that work together to create a protective barrier within the stone.
The impregnating sealer works by filling the microscopic pores and capillaries within the stone, helping to repel water, oil, and other substances that can cause staining or damage. This type of sealer doesn’t leave a surface coating on the stone, allowing the natural beauty of the stone to shine through.
Because natural stone tiles like travertine are porous and absorbent, they’re more susceptible to staining and damage from spills, dirt, and other substances. An impregnating sealer helps to protect the stone from these types of damage, making it easier to maintain and clean over time.
At AmeriClean Cleaning Specialists, we use only the highest-quality impregnating sealers for our natural stone tile floors. These sealers are specifically formulated to provide long-lasting protection and can help to extend the life of your natural stone floors.
At AmeriClean Cleaning Specialists, we understand the value of a clean and beautiful tile floor. We take pride in our ability to transform even the most challenging floors and leave our customers satisfied with the results. Whether you have a travertine, ceramic, or any other type of tile floor, we have the knowledge and expertise to get the job done right.
So if you’re tired of looking at dull, dirty tiles, give AmeriClean Cleaning Specialists a call today at 301-739-4640 or visit our website at GoAmeriClean.com. Let us help you restore the beauty of your tile floor and create a clean and inviting living space.
