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Many people see travertine pavers as the ideal flooring option, especially for pool and patio pavers. It’s one of the most common choices by architects, interior designers, pool builders, and paver installers, mainly due to their heat resisting ability, slip-resistance, and apparent beauty.

But just like any surface, it requires periodic maintenance, especially cleaning. Now, if you’re not sure how to clean travertine pavers properly, you must understand that you might be putting your investment at risk.

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The task of cleaning travertine pavers is not that difficult, but for each method, there is always a minimum risk of damaging the pavers. In today’s article, we’d like to cover some of the most frequently asked questions and issues related to cleaning travertine pavers.

Can You Pressure Wash Travertine Paver?

In some cases, especially if you install travertine pavers under a tree, it may be necessary to clean the area periodically. The trees generally cause a lot of dirt, releasing leaves and other residues; in these cases, pressure washing the surface is not only the most effective answer but also the fastest.

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The thing about pressure washing is that you will be removing more than just dirt. As we have previously discussed, sealing is a crucial step in the process of installing and maintaining pavers. Proper sealing helps protect your investment and increases the durability and beautiful appearance of travertine pavers for much longer. Besides, it makes cleaning and removing residues on the surface of travertine pavers easier, including heavier stains, such as sap from trees.

When you pressure wash travertine pavers, you will be accelerating the sealant wear process. Thus, we recommend that you always reseal your pavers after pressure washing.

How To Remove Mold From Travertine Pavers

Another common type of dirt found in travertine pavers is mold. As people often install travertine pavers around swimming pools, which means they will always be susceptible to moisture. Even if they’re not by the pool, there may be some spots in your travertine pavers that do not receive enough sunlight. Mold is always susceptible to form when there is some degree of humidity on pavers for an extended period.

The best way to clean up mold is by following these steps:

1. Use a garden hose to wet the area;
2. Prepare a solution in a bucket filled with hot water mixed with mild soap or detergent;
3. Dip a nonmetallic scrubbing brush into the solution and use it to scrub the pavers;
4. Repeat step 3 until you have removed most of the mold;
5. Wash the area with water from the hose to remove the mold and water solution with mild soap or detergent;
6. To remove any remaining mold, wet the area again with the water and mild soap or detergent solution. After that, sprinkle talcum powder over the stains. Allow the talc to absorb the solution and to sit on the pavers until it is dry;
7. Sweep the area with the scrubbing brush, rinse the pavers with the garden hose again and leave the whole patio to air dry.

This process must be repeated regularly in areas where mold formation is more frequent. Although the process is more complicated and time-consuming, it’s one of the most effective ways to clean mold stains from travertine pavers.

Does Sealing Pavers Help Prevent Mold?

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One way to avoid, or at least facilitate, the process above is to ensure that the sealant is applied correctly. This application will not only hinder the formation of the mold, but it also inhibits the growth of weeds and moss, among other added benefits.

Can You Use Bleach On Outdoor Travertine Pavers?

Although there are cases where it’s common to see companies advising people to use products such as bleach and ammonia to clean travertine pavers, we don’t recommend it. Like other chemicals, bleach and ammonia have acidic properties that, over time, can damage surfaces. In the specific case of travertine pavers, it is common for this wear to become apparent as its appearance will start to become dull and aged. Although these products are effective in cleaning, the chances of damaging travertine pavers are high.

As a rule of thumb, avoid any chemical substance not explicitly developed for travertine pavers cleaning, except for neutral soap and dishwasher detergent. This rule also includes elements such as vinegar and contents based on citrus fruits, such as lemons. If you decide to use any of these substances, especially ammonia or bleach, always use it in a very diluted form with water.

What Is The Best Cleaner For Travertine?

In general, the best way to clean travertine pavers is to use water with a mild cleaning agent with not many chemical components. Cleaning with a pressure washer is also ok, as long as you reseal the travertine pavers after the process. Washing and sweeping the surface frequently also helps remove much of the dirt, including spores that can form the mold in contact with moisture. You also have to remove weeds growing between pavers regularly, but always taking care not to damage the surface.

Do you need assistance cleaning and reapplying the sealer? S&S Pavers has over 10 years of experience serving the counties of Manatee and Sarasota. From travertine pavers installation to cleaning and sealing services. If you live in the Sarasota and Manatee counties, leave us a message or call us. We will be happy to offer a free estimate.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor