Stone and Tile PROS
Logo
FOR PROS ONLY : BACKSTAGE
Home » Categories » Care and Maintenance

black spots on travertine shower

Q. My master bath was remodeled approx. 8 months ago and we used honed and tumbled travertine. It was professionally installed and moisture barrier was used in shower. Approx a month ago, I noticed a few black "dots" on the floor of the shower (they are 2x2 tumbled durango), just below the shower head. I cleaned the travertine with Tile Guard, which appears to be just an everyday cleaner for stone. It will not remove these spots and I've noticed a few more have appeared. I have scrubbed with a toothbrush and still no change. Do you have any idea what this is or what I can use on it? I'm concerned it's mold and if that's the case, have no idea what to do. I could send pics if that would be helpful. I'm so glad to have found your site and hope you will be able to resolve my problem. I look forward to your response. Thanks!

A. It does sound like the black spots could be mold or mildew. To test this take a drop of bleach and place it on one of the black spots and let it sit for a minute or two. If the black spot disappears then it is mold. Clean the remaining spots with bleach and rinse really well. Let the stone dry and seal it with a good impregating stone sealer such as Stone Sentry from www.Stonecarecentral.com.

Dr. Fred
Attachments Attachments
There are no attachments for this article.
Comments Comments
There are no comments for this article. Be the first to post a comment.
Related Q&A's RSS Feed
natural stone care
Viewed 61 times since Sun, Apr 14, 2013
When I am polishing with a powder the marble gets a dull, wavy appearance and sometimes looks rough and dimpled. What’s going on?
Viewed 1373 times since Wed, Feb 28, 2007
tumbled crema marfil floor etched
Viewed 1515 times since Wed, Sep 16, 2009
Travertine
Viewed 1739 times since Mon, May 7, 2007
Gray Limestone that continuously stains from wine, juice, etc.
Viewed 1325 times since Thu, May 27, 2010
Grout has stained lueders limestone
Viewed 1856 times since Tue, Aug 3, 2010
New tile and mosaic glass tile around bathtub enclosure. Should this new installation be sealed?
Viewed 2363 times since Thu, Feb 5, 2009
What is the average cost for stone restoration?
Viewed 1120 times since Tue, Dec 23, 2008
Marble Top now has rings where glasses were
Viewed 1610 times since Tue, May 15, 2007
Are you aware of whether stripper would damage/weaken the grout between the tiles?
Viewed 2542 times since Fri, Aug 22, 2008