Clean Mold/mildew From Honed Travertine Tile In Shower
I put travertine tile into my shower over a year ago, grouted it, sealed it all really nicely, etc. To this day, the shower stays quite clean except for 1 or 2 tiles that must’ve been a little too porous. I didn’t smear the sandless grout over the face of the tiles like I should have to fill in tiny holes but I did seal it twice before using it. Now I’m noticing some of the small pores in the niche bottom and one random tile on the back wall are getting mold/mildew into them and I can’t clean it out with a toothbrush or nylon brush. I want to get it cleaned before it gets worse so I can put grout into those tiles and re-seal again. The problem is I have no idea how to clean it. Regular nylon brushes don’t seem to do anything at all. Is there a special fine-tooth brush or chemical I can use that will work?
Fallback On Commercial Cleaning Products
If vinegar or bleach do not work, or you would prefer to move directly to a commercial solution, you should have no trouble finding effective products at your local garden center or home improvement store.
You can opt for a simple patio or deck wash-type of product that is used for general cleaning if your mold or algae problem is mild. If your hardscape has been stained from the mold or algae, you may need to opt for a mold stain remover. For example, if you just purchased a home where mold or algae has been allowed to flourish for an extended period of time on concrete, brick or paving stones, there may be stains that require a product specifically designed for mold and algae stain removal.
With most of these products, you will spray the area, allow it to work its magic for a few minutes, scrub with a deck brush or push broom, and then rinse the area with water.
How To Clean Travertine Tile: Interior And Exterior Maintenance Tips
Tavertine tiles smartly put flavor into your space. Featuring Kesir Tavertine Tile Antique Pattern Sets, Scabos Standard. SKU: 10080111
Travertine tile will add a lifetime of beauty to your home, but only if its properly cared for. Before deciding that travertine stone is the best option for your home, its important to understand whats involved in the cleaning and maintenance of trvertine tile. You wouldnt purchase a car without learning about its safety features or gas mileage. If you want your travertine tile to last a lifetime, its important to learn the ins and outs to clean travertine tile.
Maintenance of Travertine Tile Installed Indoors
There are generally two types of stone that are most often used in interiors: hone-finished stone and polished-finish stone. Hone-finish stone has a satin-smooth surface with little light reflection, while Polish-finished stone has a high gloss surface that reflects light and also accentuates the color and stone markings. Honed-finish travertine stone is commonly found in high traffic areas such as floors, thresholds, and treads, whereas polished-finish stone is found on counter tops, walls, tables, and furniture.
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How Much Mold Must Be Removed
Following a properly executed mold cleanup, if there is a future mold problem in a building it is unlikely to be due to having left behind an inoculation of problem mold, and more likely to be due to a new building leak that was left unattended.
Good practice for the extent of and means of physical removal of moldy debris varies by material.
For drywall we remove all visibly moldy material and continue removing drywall to no less than the next adjacent stud, rafter, or joist.
For fiberglass or other porous building insulation which has been wet, we remove all suspect insulation and all insulation within 24 of the suspect material. However if moldy and wet conditions were long-standing in a building, removal of all of the insulation may be necessary.
For building insulation that has been exposed to dusty conditions or high levels of airborne mold it is often more cost effective to simply remove the material, clean the surfaces, and re insulate than to spend that same money on testing the insulation for mold.
Generally it is less costly to remove and discard more material than to finish the job and then discover that it needs to be done over again because the initial work was insufficient.
Framing lumber, or roof or wall sheathing that is not rotted does not need to be replaced. Unless framing lumber has been actually damaged, such as by rot, replacing it due to mold contamination is not justified and wouldbe improper.
Tips To Keep Your Travertine Tiles Clean Longer
Maintaining travertine comes down to using mild cleaners and taking care of the grout. Never use abrasive chemical cleaners or anything acidic when caring for travertine floors. Travertine stone is by nature an alkaline substance, and it can stain and discolor if it comes in contact with acidic substances.
The grout lines between tiles are the most vulnerable points in your travertine flooring installation, as these spaces are susceptible to water penetration, stains, discoloration, and the growth of dark, unsightly, and unhealthy mold. Do not use commercial grout cleansers used for ceramic tile because they often contain bleaches which may etch travertine stone.
If necessary, grout lines can also be completely removed and replaced, which can give your flooring installation a brand new and revitalized look. While regrouting can be moderately difficult, it is a much easier and less expensive option than replacing an entire travertine floor.
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How To Clean A Black Mold Shower Curtain
I am going to state the obvious and tell you that a simple way to get rid of black mold on a shower curtain is to just get rid of the shower curtain and buy a new one! They are not very expensive usually and ensure there is no more mold in your shower.But, if you dont like to replace items , cant afford to do so, or like a cleaning challenge, then there are some tutorials for removing black mold from shower curtains. Weve been able to remove some pink and black mold from our shower curtains through the years and it isnt all that difficult.
If you have a plastic or vinyl shower curtain liner, simply use a baking soda and water mixture and gently scrub it off then rinse with water. Then you can spray some vinegar on it to help inhibit more growth and remove any watermarks.
If you have a cloth or fabric shower curtain or shower liner, you will do something similar. I suggest heading to this post or this post for a good tutorial on how to do it indoors and outdoors
Lastly, you can throw your shower curtain into the washing machine with some laundry detergent and 1/2 cup baking soda , run on the gentle cycle . Or Ive done it with just a straight vinegar wash before too.
How Often To Clean Travertine Flooring
Regular sweeping or vacuuming, plus mopping, should be done weekly with travertine floors, or whenever the surface is visibly soiled. Sweeping or vacuuming the floor removes small particles that can cause minor abrasive scarring to the surface of the tile. Over time, these tiny particles can wear down the luster and finish of the material while also removing the protective sealant coat, leaving the stone beneath vulnerable to discoloration and staining. In addition to regular cleaning, there are three other parts to cleaning and maintaining travertine floors:
- Disinfect floors during monthly maintenance.
- Clean grout lines every few months depending on how dirty your floor gets.
- Surface-seal travertine every three to five years according to most stone flooring manufacturers, though harsh chemicals and heavy use may wear out the sealer more quickly than that, requiring additional applications.
- Small, narrow scrub brush for grout
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Travertine Care Dos And Donts:
Dos:
- If possible, hire experts for cleaning and sealing travertine, especially when it is new. They can perform deep cleaning and sealing with high-quality products so that you can enhance the life of your stone.
- Travertine etching can be removed by polishing the stone. It is better to hire experts to hone or polish the surface to restore it just like new.
- If you find chips and cracks on the stone, it should be first sealed with pigmented flexible adhesives that give seamless repair results.
Donts:
- Do not use abrasives for removing travertine stains or mold as you may end up forming scratches on the surface.
- Also, do not use home remedies like vinegar, lemon and other acidic products for cleaning.
- Do not use any kinds of generic home cleaning products for travertine cleaning as you do not know about their composition. These may cause etching on the stone.
- Never sit or stand on travertine counters as they are not as strong as granite. Too much weight can cause the stone to crack at some points.
- Sealing travertine should not be done with water-based sealers as these quickly wear off in some time, leaving the stone vulnerable to staining and mold formation again.
- Do not place hot vessels directly on travertine stone, always use a coaster. Placing hot vessels directly on the surface may weaken the bonds of the stone and make it vulnerable to chips, cracks or etching.
Use Vinegar Or Bleach
If the mold insists on staying put after you pressure washed it, you can use a vinegar solution or bleach to remove the rest of it.
If you chose vinegar, make a mixture of 50/50 of vinegar and hot water and put it in a spray bottle, then spray it over all the area and wait for 5 to 10 minutes. After that time, srub a little more with a stiff brush and rinse the area. Remember to be careful with vinegar spills, they can burn your skin.
If vinegar doesnt work, you can also try using bleach, by mixing about a cup of it for each gallon of water. Put the mix in a spray bottle and spray all over the area, then wait for 5 minutes to rinse the area.
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How To Clean Travertine Shower Mold
Travertine is a natural stone, frequently used for countertops, floors, and shower tiles. Because it is a limestone type, travertine is very porous and susceptible to staining in daily use. Travertine should always be sealed when used in the home, but even so, it can still attract mold into its crevices when installed in humid climates or humid areas like bathrooms. If you find mold on a travertine surface, it must be cleaned carefully, and the conditions that allow mold to develop must be addressed.
Instructions
The Nature Of Stone Is The Problem
The real problem in cleaning natural stone is in its nature. Stone is porous. Granite is really hard but still porous. It and other natural stones suck up liquid like a sponge. So, the solution is that you seal stone. Good job!? Research over!? Seal it and clean it with whatever is handy!?
Nay, nay Fifi.
Sealants wear off and depending on how often your stone is used, and to what degree, you may need to reseal from every six months to every two years! And, the big kicker, is that even a properly sealed stone may still stain . So, perhaps a five dollar spray bottle is the lesser of many evils like paying a whole ton of money at once to have the plethora of travertine running amok in my house professionally resurfaced and sealed.
So, stone is porous. It should also be noted that natural stone is basic as in alkaline, acids & bases, not that it is a simple little rock. Most people paid enough attention in high school chemistry to remember that mixing acids and bases produces a reaction as they try to neutralize. Which, naturally leads us to the inevitable problem that most cleansers are acidic and will eat through your sealant and etch your beautiful stone. So, the occasional reach for good old Windex, 409, or one of their cronies is probably okay, but on a regular basis, it will produce etching.
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Black Spots On Travertine Shower
Q. My master bath was remodeled approx. 8 months ago and we used honed and tumbled travertine. It was professionally installed and moisture barrier was used in shower. Approx a month ago, I noticed a few black “dots” on the floor of the shower , just below the shower head. I cleaned the travertine with Tile Guard, which appears to be just an everyday cleaner for stone. It will not remove these spots and I’ve noticed a few more have appeared. I have scrubbed with a toothbrush and still no change. Do you have any idea what this is or what I can use on it? I’m concerned it’s mold and if that’s the case, have no idea what to do. I could send pics if that would be helpful. I’m so glad to have found your site and hope you will be able to resolve my problem. I look forward to your response. Thanks!A. It does sound like the black spots could be mold or mildew. To test this take a drop of bleach and place it on one of the black spots and let it sit for a minute or two. If the black spot disappears then it is mold. Clean the remaining spots with bleach and rinse really well. Let the stone dry and seal it with a good impregnating stone sealer.
How To Remove Mold From Travertine Pavers
Travertine pavers add color, texture, and classic appeal to your outdoor living room. Natural stone pavers last for years when properly cared for and are easy to maintain. Shape spores develop on natural surfaces presented to sodden or muggy conditions. Except if you clean the shape stains, they will spread to close by bodies. You can get rid of mold on your travertine pavers, but you must do so with cleaning products and safe techniques for natural stone. Things you will need:
Process:
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Also Question Is What Should I Use To Clean Travertine Tile
It’s ideal to use a soapless cleaner, as soap can often leave streaks and film behind, which may be noticeable on polish-finished travertine stone. Ideally you should use mild, phosphate-free, biodegradable liquid dishwashing soaps or powders or stone soaps to clean your travertine tile.
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How To Remove Black Mold Behind Shower Tiles Or Black Mold Behind Shower Wall
If you are removing tiles and discover black mold behind shower tiles, it can be extremely scary and unnerving! This is likely because you may be facing some hefty costs to replace the sheetrock, insulation, tile, and maybe even the studs behind your shower. I would definitely get a professional opinion on what is best to do if you are not expert at this type of thing! You want to fix it properly.
Thats why it is important to use a moisture meter to see if there really is water and mold building up behind shower tiler.
If you see mold, it is recommended to do a 50/50 water and bleach wash first. Spray it really well and let it completely dry.
Then spray the area with Lysol or a vinegar, baking soda, or borax mix and let dry.
It is best then to apply something like Kilz, an oil-based primer to prevent mold from growing there again.
How To Clean Mold From Grout
Cleaning mold from grout requires a thorough scrub with warm water or baking soda. Below are the steps to clean a moldy grout.
- Step 1: Protect yourself
- Fill your bucket with warm water and sprinkle gradually on small sections of grout.
- Step 3: Scrub the groutUsing a narrow scrub brush, tile brush, a closed-loop microfiber cloth, or a stiff toothbrush, vigorously scrub the grout in a back and forth motion.
If warm water doesnt help out, try using baking soda with the steps below:
- Step 1: Make a thick pasteMix three portions of baking soda with one part of water and form a thick paste.
- Step 2: Apply and waitCarefully apply the paste on the grout and give it two hours to penetrate the surface.
- Step 3: Sprinkle waterSprinkle the grout with plain warm water and try scrubbing it again.
- Step 4: Clean and rinseUse clean water, or a clean sponge to rinse the grout.
- Step 5: Dry the groutUse a piece of clean cloth to dry out the moisture from the grout. You can turn on your fan or open your windows and ensure the grout is completely dry.
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Clean The Grout Lines
Cleaning the grout around travertine tiles can be tricky because you don’t want to mar the stone, but you need something abrasive to clean the grout. If the grout lines are due to be cleaned, mix equal parts baking soda and water to create a gritty paste. Carefully scrub this slightly abrasive paste onto the grout with a tiny brush as you avoid scratching or etching the edges of the tile with the tool. Also, try a specially formulated stone cleaner to try to clean the grout.
