The Truth About Travertine: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

If you’ve ever walked into a luxury home and admired the warm, earthy tones of the flooring or countertops, chances are you were looking at travertine. It’s beautiful — but it’s also a bit high-maintenance. At Blank Space Cleaning, we’ve seen it all, and we’re here to give you the honest truth about caring for this gorgeous natural stone.

1. What Is Travertine?

Travertine is a type of natural limestone, formed by mineral deposits in hot springs. You can spot it by its signature pits and holes — that’s not damage, it’s just part of its charm! Travertine typically comes in neutral shades like ivory, beige, and tan. The color depends on the minerals present when it formed, giving each piece a unique, organic look.

But here’s the catch: travertine is very porous. That means it soaks up liquids like a sponge, which is why sealing it properly is absolutely essential to prevent stains.

2. Where Will You Find It?

Everywhere.
Travertine is a popular choice in high-end homes because of its timeless beauty. You’ll commonly find it in:

• Flooring (especially in entryways and kitchens)

• Bathroom showers and walls

• Countertops

• Fireplaces

• Outdoor patios and pool decks

If you’ve got travertine in your home, you’re living the luxury life — but that also means a little extra care is needed to keep it looking flawless.

3. How to Clean Travertine (Without Ruining It)

Warning: Not all cleaners are safe for travertine.

Because it’s a natural stone, acidic or abrasive cleaners can cause permanent damage. Bleach, vinegar, and most common bathroom cleaners are a big no-no. They can etch or dull the surface, or worse, eat away at the sealant.

Instead, here’s how we keep travertine sparkling and safe:

✅ Use a pH-neutral cleaner
Two trusted options we personally use at Blank Space Cleaning:

• Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds (diluted properly)

• Zep Neutral pH Floor Cleaner

✅ Use a soft microfiber mop or cloth
Avoid anything scratchy — gentle is best.

✅ Keep it dry
Moisture can seep into those tiny holes and cause discoloration or mildew, especially in bathrooms.

✅ Seal regularly
Sealing your travertine every 1–2 years will help protect it from spills and stains.

Let the Experts Handle It

Travertine is beautiful, but it’s not low-maintenance. If you want to protect your investment (and your sanity), let a professional team like Blank Space Cleaning care for it properly. We’re trained in how to clean delicate surfaces, and we only use products that are safe and effective for natural stone.

✨ Schedule your deep clean today — and let us make your space sparkle!

Why Your Oklahoma City Home Needs a Deep Clean This Summer

Blank Space Cleaning: How It All Began

Hey there, friends! My name is Candace Kelly Wolstenholm, but I go by Kelly. I thought I’d take a moment to tell you a little bit about Blank Space Cleaning and myself, too.

I live on the south side of Oklahoma City with my husband and our three kids. We love our little home and all our pets! We have two dogs, Ciara June and Maggie Moo, and three cats, Pawdrey Hepburn, Ru Paw, and Pawmala Furris. Thankfully, we have a Shark Navigator vacuum to keep up with all that fur!

While caring for all the pets, we’re also raising three amazing humans! Our 19-year-old son, Triston, is graduating high school in May. He wants to learn a trade and work with his hands (and we love this!). Then there's Molly May, our 17-year-old daughter. As the only girl, she has appointed herself in charge since she was about three. And finally, our baby, Logan, is 10. We can’t believe he’s grown so much already—and yes, I’m a little sad to see him becoming such a big kid!

I’m lucky enough to still be with my high school sweetheart. Max and I have been married for 21 years. He is my rock, and I definitely couldn’t do this without him! His support and encouragement have truly kept me going. Plus, his business advice is on point!

As for how Blank Space Cleaning came to be—I was at a job that just wasn’t making me happy. I was burned out, exhausted, and mentally not where I wanted to be. So I stepped away and took a month to figure out what else I could do to support myself and my family. I started cleaning with another girl who showed me the basics and how to really clean, and the rest I’ve taught myself through research and experience.

After a while, I went out on my own and launched Blank Space Cleaning, and it’s been success after success! I have learned so much in a year, and I can’t wait to see what the second year of business has in store for me and mine. All I know is that I truly love being a helping hand to those who need it, a luxury for those who want it, and providing fantastic service to both.

Cleaning for Allergies & Sensitivities: A Thoughtful Approach

Do you or a loved one suffer from allergies or sensitivities? If so, you're not alone! Over 100 million people in the U.S. experience some form of allergy, from eczema and asthma to seasonal triggers. But have you ever considered how cleaning products might play a role?

Many common household cleaners contain chemicals that can cause allergic contact dermatitis—an inflammatory skin reaction triggered by otherwise harmless substances. For individuals with asthma or severe allergies, certain ingredients can also worsen symptoms, making it essential to choose cleaning products carefully.

So why am I writing about this? Because a sweet mama recently reached out to me, concerned about the chemicals I’d be bringing into her home. She wanted to ensure their environment remained safe. That conversation got me thinking even more about how I can accommodate families with sensitivities.

At Blank Space Cleaning, I already prioritize safe, effective products. I primarily use Sal Suds as my all-purpose cleaner—an all-natural, pet-safe solution that cuts through grime without harsh chemicals. But I know that every family is unique, and I’m always happy to adjust my cleaning approach to fit your needs.

If you or someone in your home has allergies, sensitivities, or specific product preferences, just let me know! Your family’s health and comfort matter, and I’m here to help create a sparkling clean space that feels safe for everyone.

Would love to hear from you—what are your go-to products for allergy-friendly cleaning?