Posted on April 29 2014
Do's and Don'ts of using and caring for your new natural stone table
Do: Test and seal your natural stone surfaces as needed. Our Natural stone tables are Hone Polished
and then sealed in the factory. As the tables are made of genuine natural Travertine stone
which is a very porous stone, we do not guarantee the factory seal is completely water
proof. Following our care instruction will prevent stains and marks. We also recommend (if
you use the table without following our care instructions) prior to being exposed to water,
oil or drinks being placed on the table top that another layer of sealer to be applied. We
recommend DuPontTM StoneTech® Heavy Duty sealer available to purchase $69.95 for a 946ml
bottle from https://www.unitedoutdoorfurniture.com.au
Do: Use coasters and placemats under all glasses, bottles, cans and plates.
Bottles, cans and glasses with acidic drinks may etch the polish or damage the surface
leaving a "glass ring." So make cleaning travertine easy and avoid expensive polishing
and restoration by treating your travertine surfaces like fine
wood furniture. Always use coasters ...no matter what.
Do: Blot up spills immediately.
Travertine is much more sensitive than granite to acidic substances like wine, coffee, fruit
juices, tomato sauce, sodas, toiletry products and cleaning products that can etch (dull) the
polish (shine) or stain the surface.
Do: Clean surfaces using a sponge or soft cloth
The only cleaning agents you should use on a regular basis are hot water and a
specially formulated stone cleaner/sealer we recommend DuPontTM Granite & Marble
Benchtop Cleaner + Protector available to purchase for $14.99 for a 473ml spray bottle from
https://www.unitedoutdoorfurniture.com.au
Do: Dust mop your travertine table top regularly.
Use a clean, dry, non-treated dust-mop. Be careful using a vacuum cleaner. Worn parts or grit
jammed by the wheels may scratch the surface. Also, mop regularly using a specialized stone
cleaner.
Do: Use a weather cover when not in use
Grit, dirt and sand carried blown onto the table are abrasive and will wear and scratch
travertine table tops. Weather covers are available to purchase for $149 from our website
https://www.unitedoutdoorfurniture.com.au and www.unitedhouse.com.au
Don't: Use generic, store-bought cleaning products of ANY kind.
Cleaning travertine with products bought at your local store that contain acids, alkalis and
other chemicals can etch or damage the countertop surface or degrade the sealant leaving the
stone more vulnerable to staining.
It may not happen right away and trying to save money by using cheap, generic surface
cleaners only ensures that you'll spend a lot more time and money on your travertine care in
the long-run performing expensive repairs or travertine restoration.
Don't: Use vinegar, ammonia, lemon or orange for cleaning travertine. As noted above, a
sponge with hot water is all you need on a daily basis and a stone cleaner/sealer weekly.
Don't: Use generic bathroom, tub & tile or grout cleaners.
The powders and even the "soft" creams contain abrasives that will scratch and dull the
surface.
Use only products specially formulated for cleaning travertine, Marble or Granite depending
on the stone your table top is.
Don't: Sit or stand on your Stone table top
Unlike laminate countertops, travertine countertops are not flexible so too much weight in
one spot could cause a crack.
Don't: Place toiletry products directly on your Stone table top. Hair products, toothpaste,
perfumes, colognes, nail products, creams, lotions and potions may stain or damage the
surface or etch the polish leaving a ring.