Natural stone is a long-term investment for your home or commercial project. Follow our specialist care guide to protect and preserve your travertine tiles, travertine pavers and marble tiles — whether installed indoors or outdoors across Ireland and the UK.
Apply a quality penetrating sealer to your travertine or marble immediately after installation. Natural stone is porous and will absorb staining liquids quickly if left unsealed. We recommend Stain-proof sealer, which is suitable for indoor and outdoor applications including floors, walls, pool surrounds, patios and kitchens. Always ensure surfaces are dry and clean before sealing. Test on a small patch first.
Avoid acidic or alkaline cleaning products — vinegar, lemon juice, bleach or standard bathroom cleaners will etch and permanently dull the surface of your stone. Always use a dedicated pH-neutral stone cleaner diluted in warm water. For regular maintenance, a light sweep followed by damp mopping with the correct cleaner is all that's needed.
The sealer gradually wears down with foot traffic, weather and cleaning. To test if re-sealing is needed, place a few drops of water on the surface — if the water absorbs into the stone rather than beading up, it's time to re-seal. External pavers exposed to Irish weather may need more frequent attention than internal tiles.
Travertine, marble and all natural stones vary in colour, veining and texture — this is a natural characteristic, not a defect. We recommend viewing a range of samples before ordering, especially for larger projects. Our team can advise on which batches offer the most consistent colour.
Oils, wine, citrus juices and other acidic or coloured liquids can stain or etch unsealed stone quickly. Clean up spills as soon as they occur using a soft cloth and pH-neutral cleaner. For stubborn stains, a Poultice Powder available from stone suppliers can draw the stain out of porous stone without damaging the surface.
Travertine pavers can be cleaned with a light pressure wash to remove heavy moss or algae after an Irish winter. Use a wide-angle nozzle at a safe distance and moderate pressure. After pressure washing, allow the stone to dry fully for at least 48 hours before re-sealing, as the sealer will not penetrate damp stone effectively.
Never use vinegar, lemon juice, bleach, or bathroom spray cleaners on natural stone. These will etch and dull the surface permanently and cannot be reversed.
Unsealed travertine or marble will absorb stains very quickly. Always seal immediately after installation and re-seal regularly to maintain protection.
Steel wool and abrasive scouring pads will scratch polished or honed stone surfaces. Use soft cloths or fibre brushes only for all cleaning tasks.
Our team is happy to advise on the best care products and techniques for your specific stone, finish and application.