How to Clean Travertine Tile Showers

As stunning as it looks, travertine tiles need extra care when it comes to preserving their natural shine and durability. You might not know, but the gorgeous look it has comes from its natural pores in the stone. And it can by time fade away because of soap scum and mineral deposits building up gradually. 

To preserve their natural beauty, regular cleaning and care are needed to protect them from damage and keep their pristine shine. In this blog, we will help you with a step-by-step process to clean your travertine shower and upkeep its shine.

Things You’ll Need

• Dish soap or Non-acidic shower cleaner

• Spray Bottle

• Bucket

• Warm water

• Shower brush or soft scrub brush

• Toothbrush (soft-bristled)

• Clean towel

• Soft mop or microfiber cloth

Making the Cleaning Solution

There are many natural stone cleaners specifically designed for surfaces like travertine. You can also use dish soap if you don’t have any at home. To make the cleaning solution, do the following steps-

• In a medium bucket, pour warm tap water

• Spill a small amount of dish soap or non-acidic shower cleaner

• Mix the solution until the soap or cleaner fully dissolves

Caution: Never use vinegar or citrus-based cleaners on travertines as they are sensitive to acids and can damage the tiles.

Regular Cleaning for Your Travertine Shower Tiles

Step 1: Clear the area and rinse first

Start by removing shampoo bottles, soap dishes, and anything else from your shower. Then:

• Use warm water to rinse the entire shower area.

• Soft mop the area before going to the next step.

• This helps loosen surface dirt and makes your cleaning more effective.

Rinsing also prevents your cleaner from reacting too strongly to dry stone.

Step 2: Spray the cleaning solution

• After rinsing, spray the non-acidic stone cleaner on the travertine tiles. 

• Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. It will break down soap scum and mineral buildup. 

• This will protect the stone from unnecessary force.

Step 3: Scrub the tiles

Once the cleaner has settled in, start scrubbing.

• Dip a soft scrub brush into warm water and scrub tiles thoroughly

• For the grout area, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean

• Focus on the corners, grout lines, the pores, and edges where buildup usually hides.

Our Expert Tip: When scrubbing the travertine walls, make sure to scrub from top to down so that dirty water doesn’t run over freshly cleaned sections. 

Caution: Don’t apply too much pressure. Scrubbing too hard can wear down the stone or scratch the sealant.

Step 4: Rinse thoroughly with clean water

After scrubbing-

• Rinse the area with clean, warm water

• Keep rinsing until the cleaner vanishes from the travertine surface

  
  

Caution: Don’t let water air dry on travertine. It can cause water spots or dull the shine.

Step 5: Dry the tiles with a towel

After rinsing is complete-

• Use a soft towel to dry the travertine surface. 

• Open the bathroom window or turn on the exhaust fan so that hot air can exit.

• Let the surface dry completely for better results.

This step will prevent water spots from forming and stop moisture from lingering in the stone's natural pores. For more tips on safely cleaning bathroom surfaces, including travertine, explore How to Clean Your Bathroom Floors and Walls Without Damaging Them.

Protect Your Travertine Shower from Future Damage

Without proper protection, even regular showers can wear it down over time. On the other hand, as travertine tile is naturally porous, it needs extra care to stay beautiful. Follow these easy steps to keep your limestone tiles in excellent shape between deep cleanings. Download the full Glazenseal Sealing Guide for detailed steps.

Step 1: Squeegee and Towel-Dry After Each Shower

Keeping your tiles dry is one of the most effective ways to protect them.

• After you shower, use a squeegee to remove water from the walls.

• Follow up with a clean, dry towel to wipe off any remaining moisture.

Leaving water to dry on travertine can lead to dullness or white mineral stains over time. So always dry the surface with a clean towel.

Step 2: Clean Weekly with a Gentle Cleaner

Don’t wait until the grime builds up. A regular cleaning routine helps preserve the finish.

• Use a non-acidic stone-safe cleaner once a week.

• Gently scrub using a soft cloth or mop.

• Rinse and dry thoroughly after cleaning.

Our Expert Tip: You can also set a reminder each week, as it’s easy to forget until discoloration shows.

For a complete guide to maintaining your bathroom, including travertine surfaces, check out our Bathroom Cleaning Checklist.

Step 3: Wipe Up Spills Right Away

Bath products may look harmless, but they can leave stains if left sitting.

• If shampoo, conditioner, or body wash drips onto the tile, wipe it up immediately.

• Use a damp cloth and dry the area afterwards.

Our Expert Tip: You can keep a small microfiber cloth always in the shower for quick cleanups.

Step 4: Inspect Every Few Weeks

Tiny cracks or loose grout may not seem urgent, but they let in water that damages your tile from underneath.

• Look closely at the corners, joints, and grout lines.

• Check for chips, cracks, or spots that look discolored or worn.

• Make repairs as soon as you notice any issues.

Caution: Delaying repairs can lead to mold growth or long-term structural damage.

Step 5: Reseal Your Travertine Once a Year

Sealing your stone keeps out moisture, soap, and grime.

• Use a penetrating sealer made specifically for natural stone.

• Apply once a year or every 6-8 months for high-use showers.

Our Expert Tip: You can do a simple water test to judge if your travertine needs resealing or not. Drip a few drops of water on the tile. If the water soaks in quickly or darkens the stone, it’s time to reseal.

When to Call the Professionals

Scrubbing tiles and sealing grout doesn’t exactly top most to-do lists for many. On the other hand, grim and stains can form deep in the surface and grout of travertine. So deep that they cannot be removed. If your schedule is packed or you’re just fed up trying to get off that hard stain from your favorite travertine tiled shower, Distinguished Manor House Cleaning is here to help you.

With 17 years of experience in house cleaning, our team is trained to clean every type of bathroom surface safely and thoroughly. From delicate natural stone to durable travertines, we match each surface to clean it with the appropriate method. Whether you're looking for a routine clean or tackling months of buildup, we’ll handle it all. So instead of spending your weekend with a scrub brush, call us now for the best service

Final Thoughts

Travertine showers bring natural beauty to your bathroom, but they need the right care to stay that way. Regular cleaning with non-acidic products, gentle tools, and a little attention to sealing can go a long way. The key is consistency, avoiding harsh chemicals, and treating the stone with care. With a simple routine, your travertine tiles can stay clean, damage-free, and looking like new for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the safest cleaner to use on bathroom tiles?

It depends on the type of tile. For ceramic or porcelain, a mix of warm water and white vinegar is usually safe and effective. But for natural stone like marble or travertine, skip anything acidic. Instead, use mild dish soap with water and a soft cloth.

2. How do you clean travertine tiles?

Use a soft cloth or mop with a mix of warm water and a few drops of mild, non-acidic soap. Avoid vinegar or citrus cleaners, as they can damage the stone.

3. What is the best homemade cleaner for travertine tile?

A safe option is warm water mixed with a few drops of mild dish soap. Use a soft cloth or sponge to clean, and rinse with plain water.