OK did search, cant find how to DEEP clean travertine anyone?

[jinx2898]

before asking all the questions i have asked i have decide to start with cleaning travertine. did a search but cannot find out how to DEEP clean travertine.(only found a daily cleaining) any special chemicals? and how?
like i said in last post. floor is shiny in most places but dull in traffic areas and some etching here and there. needs filler BUT i need to deep clean these holes. eventually want a shine like it does when honed. can anyone help?

again - THANKS TO ALL GREAT SITE!

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[claycarson]

Can't say I've done much of it.

Deep holes, though, won't clean exclusively based on good chemicals.

They will need to soak and soften and then get physical agitation. Brushes won't reach in far enough. I've seen 'clean and capture' technology do a good job on this type of floor. That's the ONLY method I've ever seen fully work.

Not a machine I've used, but this link gives you the picture. Uses high powered jets of water to scrub, and then immediately vacuum away the yucky stuff. http://hydrotechpower.us/_wsn/page5.html

Don't use acid. It will dull the travertine.

[claycarson]

Oh, and the shine part? 2 Options.

1. After cleaning the holes and filling them with Travafill, you then treat it like a marble floor and diamond hone and powder polish the floor.

or

2. After cleaning the holes and filling them with Travafill, you apply wax like a vinyl kitchen floor. Less beautiful or durable, but easier to do and no special equipment purchase involved.

[jinx2898]

thanks for reply, how would i use traverfill? just apply and use a blade to scrape excess?
Do i have to refinish floor once traverfill is used? or is it easy cleanup?

[doitright]

Hi Jinx, Welcome! :)

We're going to need a first name here, as jinx doesn't cut it! :shades: :D

Besides "clean and capture" a steam cleaner will also work (but much slower). Either way, the equipment is quite costly.

As far as the holes, you have two options - 1) Traverfill (we typically use on the larger voids), and grout (usually two applications to compensate for shrinkage, or a stiffer mix mounded over and removed during the honing process).

If the floor is perfectly flat, you can hone and diamond polish. I do not recommend the use of waxes on the surface, as they will later require to be stripped, and start the entire process over.

Best recommedation, try to find a qualified local restoration company. :nod:

[jinx2898]

would i mix the grout with a latex? or just with water?
If mixed with latex would overage damage floor if i decided to just clean and fill holes and leave it ata that? thanks again

[doitright]

Hi Jinx :)

:stick: Your first name goes here ______________. (Or in signature)

Most unsanded grouts are already latex modified. If so just add water.

As far as the overage (as you call it), should be removed during the clean up. Don't let it dry and harden on the surface if you're not going to hone the floor. :eek: