How to Remove a Stain From Travertine Tile

How to Remove a Stain From Travertine Tile
Written By
Mary Ylisela
Mary Ylisela
Published: Nov 25, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Removing stains from travertine quickly before they have a chance to be absorbed is the best way in which to deal with them. If a stain is absorbed into your tile, you can still remove it completely by drawing the stain out.

Things You Will Need

  • Paper towels
  • Bucket
  • Mild dishwashing soap
  • Sponge
  • Clean cloths
  • Bowl
  • 1 cup diatomaceous earth
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Ammonia
  • Commercial rust remover
  • Spoon
  • Rubber spatula
  • Plastic wrap
  1. Soak up liquid from the stain with paper towels. Remove as much from the surface as possible before working on the stain.

  2. Mix a few drops of mild dish-washing detergent with warm water in a bucket. Wet a sponge with the soapy solution before squeezing it out. Wipe the surface of your travertine tile to remove the stain from the surface.

  3. Pour 1 cup diatomaceous earth in a bowl. Mix in enough of one of the following liquids to make a thick, peanut-butter-like paste: water for greasy stains, hydrogen peroxide for organic stains, ammonia for biological stains and commercial rust remover for rust stains. Stir the two ingredients together with a spoon.

  4. Cover the site of the stain with the paste using a rubber spatula. Apply the paste so it's at least 1/2-inch thick and goes beyond the edges of the stain. Lay a piece of plastic wrap over the paste.

  5. Allow the paste to sit on your travertine tile until it dries. Peel off the plastic wrap and remove the dried paste with your spatula.

  6. Dampen a clean cloth and wipe the travertine tiles. Dry with another clean cloth.

The Drip Cap

  • Travertine tile is made from a type of limestone.
  • Soak up liquid from the stain with paper towels.
  • Wet a sponge with the soapy solution before squeezing it out.
  • Wipe the surface of your travertine tile to remove the stain from the surface.
  • Dampen a clean cloth and wipe the travertine tiles.

Photo Credits

Barry Austin Photography/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Barry Austin Photography/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Mary Ylisela

Mary Ylisela is a former teacher with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and mathematics. She has been a writer since 1996, specializing in business, fitness and education. Prior to teaching, Ylisela worked as a certified fitness…

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