How to Seal & Clean a Travertine Table
Keep your travertine looking beautiful for years — a simple, no-nonsense guide to sealing, daily cleaning, and the mistakes to avoid.
Travertine is a porous natural stone, which means it can absorb spills and etch from acids if it isn't protected. The good news: caring for it is simple. Seal it, clean it gently, and deal with spills quickly, and your table will stay stunning for decades.
Why travertine needs sealing
Travertine is full of tiny natural pores. Without a sealer, liquids like wine, coffee, oil, and citrus can soak in and stain, and acids can etch the surface. A penetrating (impregnating) sealer soaks into the stone and creates an invisible barrier that gives you time to wipe spills before they cause damage.
How to seal your travertine table
- Clean the surface with a pH-neutral stone cleaner and let it dry completely.
- Apply a penetrating / impregnating stone sealer with a clean, soft cloth, working in sections.
- Let it soak in per the product's instructions — usually 5 to 15 minutes.
- Wipe away all excess before it dries, then buff with a dry cloth.
- Allow it to cure fully (often 24 to 48 hours) before using the table.
Not sure if it's due for resealing? Try the water-drop test: if drops soak in and darken the stone rather than beading up, it's time to reseal — typically every 6 to 12 months.
Everyday cleaning
For daily care, wipe the table with a soft cloth and warm water, or a pH-neutral stone cleaner. Dry it with a clean cloth to avoid water marks. Always use coasters, placemats, and trivets, and wipe up spills — especially wine, citrus, and oil — as soon as they happen.
What to avoid
- Acidic cleaners — vinegar, lemon, and citrus-based products etch travertine.
- Bleach and ammonia — these can dull and damage the surface.
- Abrasive pads or scouring powders — they scratch the finish.
- Leaving spills to sit — the faster you wipe, the safer the stone.
Stick to pH-neutral products and soft cloths and you can't go far wrong.
Seal it, clean it gently, act fast on spills
That's really all there is to it. A good penetrating sealer once or twice a year, pH-neutral cleaning, coasters under drinks, and quick spill clean-up will keep a travertine table looking beautiful for a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I seal a travertine table?
Typically every 6 to 12 months, depending on use and the sealer. Use the water-drop test: if water soaks in and darkens the stone instead of beading, it's time to reseal.
What is the best cleaner for travertine?
A pH-neutral stone cleaner, or simply warm water with a soft cloth. Avoid anything acidic (vinegar, lemon), as well as bleach, ammonia, and abrasive pads.
Can I use vinegar to clean travertine?
No. Vinegar is acidic and will etch and dull travertine. Always use a pH-neutral cleaner instead.
How do I remove a stain from travertine?
For oil-based stains, a stone poultice can draw the stain out. For light marks, gentle pH-neutral cleaning helps. Prevention — sealing and quick spill clean-up — is far easier than removal.
Let's build yours in the stone you love
Every Marcelina piece is custom-made to your size, stone, and finish — crafted in Panama and delivered DDP to the United States.