Answers on Cleaning Travertine and Removing Stains From Granite

More questions from homeowners looking to protect their stone surfaces, with answers from the Stone Care Experts. How can we help you? Just Ask the Experts or visit us on Facebook and Twitter.

Q: I recently purchased a travertine-topped coffee table (expensive). The top is beautiful but has not been sealed. I am having a crowd for Thanksgiving and am worried that it might get stained. I purchased Granite Gold Sealer® and was preparing to seal my table top. Please tell me if the appearance of the finish will change and become shiny if I seal it with your product. I don’t want it to be shiny (like a granite kitchen countertop).

A: Granite Gold Sealer will not change the appearance of the stone. Follow the instructions below:

1. Clean the surface with Granite Gold Daily Cleaner^®
2. Spray sealer on the surface in a 3-foot section
3. Immediately wipe into stone with a lint-free cloth. Do not allow sealer to dry on the surface – it will cause hazing
4. Buff dry with a lint-free cloth
5. For maximum protection, repeat the process 2-3 times.

If it looks darker at the beginning, it’s because the stone will be wet.  It will dry.

Q: I was told by one of your reps that you have a limestone and travertine soap that gradually leaves a patina shine on travertine as it cleans. Which one is it?

A: The product is Granite Gold Stone & Tile Floor Cleaner®. It is a cost-saving concentrate that breaks down dirt and oils, maintains shine, and resists mop marks and streaks.

Q: How soon after using the sealer can the counters be used in a normal fashion?

With properly sealed stone, liquids such as wine should bead on the surface

A: We recommend waiting at least two hours before using the counters again. If you plan to polish your stone after sealing, we recommend waiting 24 hours to allow the sealer to cure to the surface.

Q: I have a new housekeeper and I think she used the Granite Gold Stone and Tile Floor Cleaner® as it were a ready-to-use cleaner, not realizing it is a concentrate. She comes once a month and I think she has done this for the last three months. My tile is very light colored tile and now I can see it has the color has darkened and become somewhat yellowish and streaked. What can I use to get rid of this obvious build up on my floor?

A: Here’s what you can do: Wash the floors with hot water and rubbing alcohol. The ratio should be 2 gallons of hot water and 1 cup of alcohol.

Q: Could you suggest the easiest way to seal granite?  What company or product should I use?

A: We recommend Granite Gold Sealer®, an easy-to-apply non-toxic formula.  Here’s a helpful article on sealing granite countertops and other natural stone surfaces:  https://granitegoldca1.wpengine.com/how-to-seal-granite-and-other-natural-stone/.

Q: We have calcium (hard water) stains around the sink and faucets. Is the shower cleaner product going to address this or is there another cleaner that will get rid of this and then do weekly cleaning with the shower cleaner?

A: You can remove those stains by spraying Granite Gold Shower Cleaner^® on the affected area. Let sit for one minute and scrape off with a straight-edge razor blade. Using Granite Gold Polish^® weekly will prevent the build-up on the stone.

Q: Stained granite with a pink pad of wet paper.

A: Place paper towel on the stain, pour bleach to soak the towel, let sit for two hours and rinse with water. Allow to dry for 24 hours. You may use a hair dryer to accelerate the drying. Repeat if needed.