sealing/maintaining travertine shower

[mollyDI-Try]

I am about to have my shower re-done, and am planning to use tumbled travertine 4x4 tiles. My contractor assures me that once the tile is sealed, it will be easy to keep clean.

I have been reading (and have heard from friends) that some types of natural stone, particularly marble, are very difficult to keep clean in a shower, because even a small shampoo drip left untouched will leave a stain.

I am looking for some advice on travertine - is it difficult to maintain once it is installed? What is the best way to seal it so that it is easy to clean? Once it is in, how should I clean it? I have heard that soap scum in particular can be difficult to remove from natural stone.

I'd really like to use the travertine (my other shower is ceramic tile which looks nice too, but I want a natural look for the master bath) but I am getting nervous about maintenance. Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Molly

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[Davestone]

I had a tub made from tumbled marble for a year,and saw no appreciable problems with it.I grouted all the holes in, and sealed it with aquamix stone enhancer..two heavy coats.I hardly squeegied, and probably cleaned maybe once every two weeks...honestly. I think tumbled is the perfect stone for a shower,myself,it hides a lot, is tough,and has character.If you want check out the TYW store above for your daily cleaning needs, and sealers.

[mollyDI-Try]

Thanks - that makes me feel better! I saw some other posts on this site that suggested drying off the shower each time you use it to keep the tile clean. I would be OK with towel-drying the shower every day but not sure that my husband is so excited about the prospect.

I am definitely planning to grout over the holes - I like the rustic "aged stone" look. I will look around the site for additional travertine tips.

Molly

[Davestone]

Honestly,it's best to towel off or squeegee it regularly..i did neither.I had well water at the time, which was probably better..no chemicals, and if it was anything it was probably a little alkalinic,and sulphuric,with a touch of iron.