Travertine brings a warm, natural stone look to floors, countertops, tables and furniture. Real travertine is a porous limestone, so it needs gentle, acid-free care and occasional sealing. Many pieces of furniture today have a travertine look instead, made with melamine or laminate, which is cleaned very differently. This guide explains how to clean travertine stone, how to care for travertine-look furniture, and how to tell which you have.
Real Travertine or Travertine-Look?
| Sign | Real travertine | Travertine-look finish |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Very heavy | Similar to wood furniture |
| Feel | Cool to the touch; natural pits or filled holes | Room temperature; even surface |
| Pattern | Every slab different | Printed pattern may repeat |
| Specification | Lists travertine or natural stone | Lists melamine, laminate, PET or "travertine-look" |
The Travero 7-Drawer Dresser and Travero Modern Buffet Sideboard, for example, list MDF with a warm travertine-look melamine finish, so they follow the furniture care below, not stone care.
How to Clean Real Travertine
What you'll need
- Soft microfiber cloths or a dust mop
- A pH-neutral stone cleaner, or warm water with a few drops of mild, pH-neutral dish soap
- A soft brush
Steps
- Dust or dry-mop first; grit scratches stone.
- Wipe with a cloth dampened in pH-neutral cleaner.
- Rinse with clean water.
- Dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
What never to use on travertine
| Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Vinegar, lemon and acidic cleaners | Acids etch calcium-based stone, leaving dull marks |
| Bleach and ammonia | Can discolor and break down sealer |
| Abrasive powders and pads | Scratch the surface |
| General bathroom and kitchen sprays | Many are acidic or harsh |
Removing stains from travertine
- Oil and grease: A poultice of baking soda and water, covered and left for 24 hours, then removed and rinsed.
- Organic stains (coffee, tea, wine): A poultice made with hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia-free soap, tested first; lighter stones only.
- Etching: Dull spots from acid are damage to the surface, not stains. Light etching can be polished with a stone polishing powder; deeper etching needs a professional.
Sealing travertine
Sealing slows down stains. Test by dropping water on the surface: if it darkens within a few minutes, it's time to reseal with a penetrating stone sealer. Countertops and tables often need sealing every year or so; follow the sealer's instructions.
How to Clean Travertine-Look Furniture
- Dust with a soft, dry cloth; use a soft brush on textured surfaces.
- Wipe marks with a barely damp cloth, with a drop of mild soap if needed.
- Dry immediately, especially along edges.
The Travero dresser's care instructions say to wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth, avoid abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals and excessive moisture to preserve the textured melamine finish, clean spills promptly, and use protective mats to prevent scratches and heat damage. Travertine-look melamine doesn't need sealing, and stone cleaners and poultices aren't necessary. See how to clean laminate furniture.
Everyday Care for Both
- Use coasters, especially under wine glasses, citrus drinks and perfume.
- Use placemats and trivets; heat can damage both stone sealers and laminate.
- Wipe spills right away.
- Use felt pads under decor.
- Dust weekly.
Travertine Floors
For floors, dry-mop or vacuum (with the beater bar off) often, damp-mop with a pH-neutral stone cleaner, and use doormats to catch grit. Put felt pads under furniture legs. See protecting floors from furniture for pad tips that apply to stone too.
For other stone and finishes, see how to clean marble and our furniture care guide.
FAQ
What is the best cleaner for travertine?
A pH-neutral stone cleaner, or warm water with a few drops of mild, pH-neutral dish soap.
Can you use vinegar on travertine?
No. Vinegar is acidic and etches travertine.
How often should travertine be sealed?
When water starts darkening the stone within a few minutes; often about once a year for tables and countertops.
How do you clean travertine-look furniture?
Treat it as melamine or laminate: dust, wipe with a barely damp cloth and dry. It doesn't need sealing.