Cleaning Mold and Mildew From a Travertine Pool Deck

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Travertine is the ideal way to add color and texture to your pool deck. But, being in a damp environment, increases the risk of mold and mildew growth. To prevent this, I decided to research some of the best ways to keep a travertine pool deck clean. 

To remove mildew or mold, you’ll need to wet the deck. Then, apply the cleaning solution. Using a soft-bristled brush, scrub the area. This will allow you to remove the mold. Lastly, use water to wash down the decking, removing the mold.  

Keeping a travertine deck clean is easy. As long as you catch it early, it will only take a few minutes. Let’s take a closer at how you can use these methods. 

How to Clean Mold From Outdoor Travertine Pavers?

Once you have noticed mold on your pavers, it’s important to take action before it starts to spread. If the mold should get firmly established, it can bring a range of health concerns.

The mold spores can cause breathing difficulties. They can also make the deck slipperier, increasing the chances that you will lose your footing. Thankfully, as long as you spot it early, it should be easy to get rid of. 

First, you will need to wet the pavers. This will ensure that the mold spores won’t get airborne. As an added safety measure, you might want to wear gloves while you are cleaning. 

Next, you’ll need to make the cleaning solution. You’ll just need to mix a bucket of warm water with dishwasher fluid. Then, you will be able to scrub the area. Do this until the mold spores have been removed. To avoid damaging the travertine it’s best to use a soft-bristled brush. 

Once you have removed the mold, you’ll need to use the hose to wash it away. Sometimes, though, you might find that there are still some stains on your tiles.

If this is the case, you can try sprinkling some talcum powder around the tiles. Leave it to dry and absorb the stains, then you can sweep it away. To finish, wash away the whole area. 

How do You Remove Mildew From a Travertine Pool Deck?

After you spot mildew in your travertine pool deck, it’s important to take action. This is an easy problem to address. In this case, you’ll need to make the cleaning solution.

This can be done by adding one part baking soda, four parts borax, and eight parts water. Then, spray it onto the tiles.

Next, you’ll need to leave it to sit on the pool deck for at least fifteen minutes. At the end of that time, wash it away. It should have removed most of the mildew.

If not, you’ll need to use a soft-bristled brush to remove it. Avoid a brush that has metal bristles. This has the potential to scratch or damage the tiles. It might also cause shavings to be released, which can contribute to a rusting problem later. 

While you’re cleaning, make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. This will ensure that you’ll be able to remove all the mildew. Lastly, you will be able to finish by rinsing off the area. 

How Can You Prevent Mold and Mildew Growth on Travertine Pavers?

Removing mold and mildew from a travertine paver doesn’t need to be difficult. But, by taking a few simple steps, you can reduce the chances that you will need to deal with this problem at all. 

First, you’ll need to try to keep the travertine clean. When you allow debris and dirt to build up on it, it gives the mold a place to grow. It also provides mold spores with a food source, making it easy for them to get established.

Try to get into the habit of using your hose to wash down the pool deck when you have finished using it. 

It’s also important that the tiles have been sealed properly. This is a layer that will help protect them from future damage. It stops the water from getting through the porous tiles.

When you first put in the tiles, you likely sealed though. Though, it might have worn off with time. If this is the case, you might need to reapply. You’ll need to do this every three to five years. 

Applying a sealant to a travertine pool deck is relatively easy. You can use a sponge, cotton towel, or a paintbrush. Then, you’ll need to give the stone some time to absorb the sealant.

After five minutes, you might want to absorb any excess. It will often take around thirty minutes for the sealant to dry.

You might need to apply a few coats before you seal the travertine pool deck. One of the best ways to check whether or not it’s sealed properly is by putting some water droplets onto the deck.

If they don’t get absorbed by the stone, there is enough sealant. After you’ve finished sealing the deck, you’ll need to give it some time to cure.

Try to stay off the deck for at least 24 hours. You should also try to keep the deck dry for at least 12 hours. 

Though these are good measures, the mold will eventually return to your deck. With an outdoor surface, it will be inevitable. The key is to catch it early, so it’s easy to remove. 

Can You Pressure Wash Travertine? 

Often, our first instinct, when faced with dirt and grime, is to use a high-pressure hose to clean the tiles. It can allow you to clean the deck in a few seconds.

However, you’ll need to be careful about using this tool on travertine decking. The high water pressure might start to disrupt the sealant that you are using. This can make the stone more porous, making it easier for the mold to get established. 

There are a few ways around this. First, you’ll need to use the lowest settings. This should be enough to wash away the dirt, without damaging the deck.

Just to be on the safe side, you might want to have some sealant available, just in case.

Can You Use Chemicals to Clean Travertine? 

Some people might like to use harsh chemical products. This includes things like bleach and ammonia. If you want to do this, you’ll need to be careful. These are acidic. Over time, these products might begin to damage stone surfaces.

If you do want to use these products, you’ll need to be careful. Make sure that you are diluting them in water first. Additionally, try to choose something that has been designed for stone surfaces. 

If you want to avoid strongly acidic chemicals, there are a few effective alternatives that you can explore. For example, you can use some dishwashing liquid or soapy water. This should be strong enough to remove mold and mildew, without risking damaging your travertine deck. 

Final Thoughts

Spotting mold or mildew on your deck is always bad news. If you don’t take any action, the problem will get worse, as they spread.

Thankfully, it’s relatively easy to remove them from a travertine pool deck. As long as you have a cleaning solution and a soft-bristled brush, you can clean the stone in a few minutes.

You will also be able to take actions, like removing debris and sealing the deck, to stop mold from growing. By doing this, your travertine pool deck will continue to look amazing for many years to come.