To maintain travertine countertops, quickly wipe up spills (especially acidic ones like citrus and wine) and clean daily using warm water and a mild dish soap or a specialized pH-Neutral Stone Cleaner. Because travertine is a soft, porous stone, you must seal it annually and always use cutting boards and coasters to prevent etching and scratches.
The cons. While travertine is a durable and long-lasting choice that is usually cheaper than other natural stones, it often takes more maintenance than other natural stones on the market. Travertine, by nature, is a very porous stone, which means that liquid can easily get into these pores.
Yes, Dawn dish soap is generally safe for travertine, provided it is heavily diluted, you use a mild formulation, and you rinse the stone thoroughly. However, it is best reserved as a spot-cleaner rather than an everyday maintenance product.
Simply buy a high-quality sealant at your local hardware store, and then follow the instructions on the bottle to ensure your countertops are protected. If you are unsure how to seal your countertops, you can always contact your countertop installer to find out about having them sealed professionally.
On average, you can expect to pay no more than $1.50* per square foot to clean and seal your stone. You should also consider polishing your stone for an additional $1.50* per square foot. For more information, check out our Natural Stone Cleaning Page. (*Prices subject to change.
Vinegar is acidic and can damage travertine, which is a type of natural stone. When vinegar comes into contact with travertine, it can etch the surface, causing dull spots, discoloration, and erosion. It is best to avoid using vinegar or other acidic cleaners on travertine.
Yes, travertine is widely considered a luxury natural stone. Valued for its unique veining, earthy textures, and historical pedigree (famously used to build the Colosseum), it is a staple in high-end design for creating a sophisticated, spa-like, or "quiet luxury" aesthetic.
Sealing travertine is a pivotal measure in safeguarding its allure and structural integrity. Without this protective layer, travertine becomes vulnerable to moisture infiltration, paving the way for unsightly stains, etching, mold mildew, and potential structural deterioration from salt or chloride attack.
Sealing Travertine with a Natural Look Penetrating Sealer:
If your travertine tile still looks cloudy or scratched after a deep cleaning, it may be time to hone it. Honing is like exfoliating—it removes a fine layer of stone to level out imperfections. You'll need diamond honing pads for this, which come in various grits depending on how rough or smooth the finish is.
Murphy's is essentially a mild, vegetable-oil-based soap. When properly diluted, it has a near-neutral pH and contains no harsh solvents or acids. That's why it's gentle on wood—and also why it won't etch calcium-based stones like marble or travertine.
For oil or grease stains, create a poultice by mixing baking soda and water to form a paste. Apply the poultice to the stained area, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it sit overnight. The poultice will absorb the oil or grease, making it easier to remove the next day with a gentle rinse and wipe.
Do not use products like Mr. Clean, dish soap, Windex, porcelain cleaners, or anything like these products. These products leave a residue on top of the travertine tiles, collecting and attracting dust and dirt. Over time, the dirt and dust could start absorbing into the Travertine and could cause staining.
Bathroom tile trends for 2026 are all about warmth, texture and quiet confidence ✨ Travertine continues to lead the way, especially in larger formats with minimal grout lines, creating calm spa-like spaces that feel timeless rather than trend-led.
Quartz surfaces are man-made and provide a more consistent look than natural travertine. While quartz is durable and low maintenance, it lacks the natural character and beauty of travertine.
The healthiest countertops prioritize non-toxic, non-porous, and zero-VOC materials. Top choices include natural stone (like granite and quartzite), stainless steel, and solid wood (butcher block). These do not off-gas harmful chemicals and naturally resist bacterial growth when properly maintained.
How Do You Apply a Sealer to Travertine? A sealer can be applied to Travertine using a sponge, brush, paint pad, cotton towel or sprayer. Any sealer that has not been absorbed by the stone in 5 minutes should be removed using an absorbent paper or micro-fiber towel.
The best stone enhancer sealers deepen the natural color and veining of porous stones (like slate, travertine, or granite) while protecting against water and oil stains. Top choices include Miracle Sealants 511 Seal & Enhance for a premium wet look, Fila Stoneplus ECO for a matte finish, and Aqua Mix Enrich N' Seal.
If it dries back on the surface it won't be clean. Before sealing, it would be best to have the travertine professionally cleaned. You can use a stone safe emulsifier and a steam cleaner but as previously indicated it's tough. You can try a wet shop vac to extract and a wet mop to rinse.
Yes, you absolutely can (and often should) seal travertine after 2 years. In fact, resealing every 2 to 3 years is the industry standard for maintaining travertine to protect it from moisture, staining, and erosion (especially if it is outdoors or around a saltwater pool).
A real travertine backsplash becomes an immediate feature of any kitchen, bathroom, or bar area. This naturally occurring limestone-based stone is formed around mineral springs—especially hot springs. This creates neutral shades of color, which can match any design, and gorgeous natural pockets and striations.
To determine if your travertine is sealed, perform a simple water absorption test. Because travertine is a highly porous natural stone, this test will quickly reveal whether it has a protective barrier.
Travertine is a beautiful, warm, and timeless natural stone, but it is not recommended for high-use kitchen countertops unless you are willing to accept regular maintenance. It is much softer and more porous than granite or quartz, making it highly susceptible to stains, scratches, and etching from acidic foods.
Yes, Dawn dish soap is generally safe for travertine, provided it is heavily diluted, you use a mild formulation, and you rinse the stone thoroughly. However, it is best reserved as a spot-cleaner rather than an everyday maintenance product.
In general, granite is pricier, ranging from $45-$200 per square foot for materials. The added durability offers excellent long-term value despite the higher initial cost. Travertine is less expensive, with prices ranging from $25-$150 per square foot for slab material.