01 — Know the stone before you clean it
Travertine forms from limestone deposits around hot springs; its characteristic cavities come from gases and plants trapped in the rock. Its chemistry explains all care: calcium carbonate reacts with even weak acids, and porosity lets liquids in.
Two manufacturing choices change daily life. Filling closes the pores with a tinted filler or resin, giving a smooth, easy-clean surface. Then the finish: polished (glossy, shows dull etch marks more), honed (satin, the most common for furniture, hides small marks better) or tumbled and brushed (textured, mainly for floors).
| Finish | Look | What shows most |
|---|---|---|
| Polished | Glossy, deep colour | Dull marks left by acids |
| Honed | Matt and smooth | Unwiped greasy stains |
| Tumbled, brushed | Textured, rustic | Dirt in the relief |
| Unfilled | Open pores, very natural | Crumbs and residue in the cavities |
02 — Everyday cleaning
For a table or top, a slightly damp microfibre cloth is usually enough. For a deeper clean, use lukewarm water with a pH-neutral soap, rinse and dry; drying prevents limescale rings from tap water. Avoid vinegar, lemon, descalers, acidic all-purpose cleaners, concentrated bleach, scouring powders and pads. Coasters and trivets protect from wine, citrus and heat.
03 — Dealing with stains
Speed matters more than the product. Blot without rubbing, then:
- acidic liquid (wine, lemon, vinegar, soda): wipe and rinse at once; if a dull mark appears, the surface has been etched and only re-honing will remove it;
- oily stain: an absorbent poultice (fuller’s earth or similar clay, left several hours then brushed off) often draws the grease out;
- coffee or tea: mildly soapy water, then dry; on pale stone a dedicated natural-stone cleaner may be needed;
- scratch: on a honed finish a light professional touch-up usually suffices; on polished, plan a re-polish.
Always test a product on a hidden area, under the top or on an edge, first.
04 — Sealing: what it does and does not do
An impregnating water- and oil-repellent sealer penetrates the stone and slows absorption, giving you time to wipe. It forms no film, so the stone keeps its look. It does not protect against acids. Renewal frequency depends on use. A simple test: if a few drops of water darken the stone quickly, it is time to reseal.
05 — Travertine in hotels and restaurants
In public spaces, travertine works very well for coffee tables, consoles and lounge tables. For restaurant tables, choose honed, filled and sealed stone, and train staff: the acidic cleaner used on other surfaces is the first cause of damage. Include an annual visit from a stone specialist in the maintenance contract.