Can You Pressure Wash Travertine Pavers? [Best Cleaning Methods]

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Travertine pavers are decorative tiles that you can put around your property. These pavers make walking effortless. You'll also notice that they make it easier to clean your yard. We took notes as designers and contractors shared their ideas on how to maintain travertine pavers.

To remove stains or dirt, you can use a pressure washer to clean travertine pavers. You can also use water and a soft-bristled brush to clean. Don't forget to seal the pavers after cleaning.  

If you want to keep your travertine pavers clean for a long time, keep on reading this post. We will also share ideas on which cleaning method works best for your pavers.

washing services - block paving cleaning with high pressure washer - Can You Pressure Wash Travertine Pavers [Best Cleaning Methods]

Cleaning Travertine Pavers Using Pressure Washer

A pool and a travertine patio under construction in a backyard

Your property can look luxurious if you use travertine pavers. But it can get murky if you don't clean it often. After all, the dust and dirt can settle in the pavers due to constant use. This can also happen when you go away for a long time and leave the patio unattended.

There's no need to worry because you can easily clean your travertine pavers. Just get your pressure washer and you are good to go!

A pressure washer with 2000 PSI is enough to remove the dirt stuck in the paver. You don't even have to use soap because plain water can do the job. You can also attach an expendable hose to your washer so you can reach even the farthest corners of your yard.

However, you might want to hire a professional if you want to remove year-old dirt in your paver. The cleaners use a combination of bleach and surfactant to get rid of the grime. You don't want to overuse bleach because it will wear out travertine quickly.

Find pressure washers on Amazon.

Tried-and-Tested Methods to Clean Travertine Pavers

Person worker cleaning the outdoors floor.

Save the pressure washer for heavy stains and dirt. For your everyday cleaning task, here are our suggestions:

  • Use a regular dust mop to clean the pavers. Make sure that the mop is wet enough to remove the dirt. Using a brush with soft bristles can also remove the dirt.
  • It is also ideal to use a vacuum cleaner on your travertine pavers. Near doorway areas, there may be fewer loose pebbles that could harm your vacuum making a clean sweep an easy method of tidying up.
  • You can also use a stone cleaner for your pavers. Remember to check whether the cleaning agent is compatible with the paver. It is also important to rinse the area with water. Be careful not to pour too much water on the pavers.

Click here to see this dust mop on Amazon.

What are Travertine Pavers?

Caucasian Worker in His 30s with Pressure Washer Cleaning Residential Driveway.

Travertine pavers come from natural stone. For most homes, travertine is a good choice for their patio. It comes in different colors and has impressive durability. Contractors say that travertine can last for decades. It can also withstand extreme weight. 

The best thing about travertine pavers is that they can also withstand high temperatures. Whenever the season shifts from cold to hot, you don't have to check your patio to see if there are any cracked pavers.

When it comes to the price of travertine, it can be a bit pricey compared to concrete or precast pavers. On the other hand, travertine is more affordable compared to marble and granite. But you will be getting your money's worth because you won't have to replace travertine pavers over a long time.

What are the Uses of Travertine Pavers?

For homeowners who want to give their yards a facelift, putting travertine pavers is a good idea. Most homewoners note that travertine creates a rustic look in their property. It also creates warmth and beauty.

This paver material is ideal to put in the pool area because it is not slippery even when it gets wet. It also does not retain too much heat. You won't have to worry too much about stepping on hot tiles when you take a dip in the pool. Be sure to get second-grade travertine because it is more porous when it comes to liquid.

Check out this article to know if pavers get hot.

Travertine pavers also give your backyard some attitude. You can arrange the design to have a focal point in the yard. And you will essentially add more floor space to the exterior of your home.

You can also put travertine pavers in the driveway. Since it is a durable material, it will not crack even if you drive a heavy vehicle over it. Use thick pavers since it can absorb weight better.

Is it Easy to Install Travertine Pavers?

Close up of the gloved hands of a builder laying outdoor paving slabs on a prepared base.

Installing travertine pavers requires a different method than other pavers. It works better when the setting bed is over a concrete slab. The base should also be made up of sand and Portland mix. Don't add any water when mixing the base. Use a non-woven geotextile filter fabric on top of the concrete to prevent cracks in the future.

Is it Necessary to Add Grout Between Pavers?

Some homeowners prefer the natural look of travertine, so they choose not to use grout. But experts warn against it because grout prevents dirt from forming in between the pavers. Also, the grout gives a more finished look to your pavers.

How to Remove Stains on Travertine Pavers?

No matter how careful you are, stains still manage to find their way into your pavers. Some of these stains are difficult to remove. Fortunately, you can do something about the stains. See our tips below:

  • Blot up the stain as soon as it lands on the travertine. Do not rub the stain because you might push it deeper.
  • Try to remove the stain using a towel and water. Do not use chemicals if possible.
  • Try to remove stubborn stains with a paste made of baby powder and hydrogen peroxide. Leave the paste mixture overnight and cover it tightly using masking tape. You can scrape the dried paste the next day.
  • To remove urine stains, pour a solution of washing soda or detergent and water. Scrub the stain with a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush. Rinse with plain water and allow to dry.
  • If there are marks that you cannot remove, call a professional to grind and re-polish the paver.

Is it Important to Seal Travertine Pavers?

After cleaning the pavers, the next step is to put a sealer on top of them. The sealer protects the tiles from getting dirty often. It also reduces the ability of travertine pavers to absorb water. When you put sealer over the pavers, you will notice that it is easier to clean.

Some people believe that sealing can prevent stains from forming in the travertine, but this is not always true. Some acidic elements can somehow pass through the sealer and leave a stain on the tiles. If you apply a sealer, the travertine will not absorb the liquid quickly. This means you will have time to wipe it dry and stains will not be as pronounced.

The best kind of sealers should have the longest reaction time in protecting your pavers.

How Long Do Travertine Pavers Last?

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Travertine is durable, this is the primary reason why homeowners use it for their property. Contractors estimate that travertine can last for centuries. What makes it so durable? The answer is that it's naturally resistant to water and moisture.

Travertine can outlast your house if it is properly maintained. This type of paver can add more value to your home, and is sure to be a great investment should you ever decide to sell.

If you need more proof about the durability of travertine pavers, check out this article: Are travertine pavers durable [How long do they last?]

Final Wash

Travertine pavers are the preferred material for yard improvement. It can last for many years. You should clean travertine pavers often, to ensure that the pavers last longer. For dirt that is easy to manage, you can use a soft brush or cloth to clean it. But for stubborn dirt, it is better to use a pressure washer.

Water is most effective in cleaning the pavers. Don't use chemical often so you don't damage the tiles. If you have to, check whether the cleaning agent is compatible with travertine.