Step 1: Vacuum (or sweep!)
The first step is to use a vacuum or broom to clean away any dirt and particles on the floor. A hard floor vacuum works great, combined with a broom to pick up larger debris.
Step 2: Mop
In a mop bucket, mix clean water with a small amount of non-acidic floor cleaner. Wring out as much liquid from the mop as possible, and then clean the floor; excess water can stain the stone. It’s best to work your way back from the top of a room, and mop your way out the door. That way, you won’t be walking on wet stone and introducing new dirt.
Step 3: Clean the grout
Depending on how long it's been since you've last given your travertine stone flooring a good deep clean, the grout may need some attention. Consider giving your heavy duty grout brush a rest and swapping in a used toothbrush to better get into grout lines without scratching or damaging the surrounding stone.
Step 4: Mop again
Consider mopping the floor a second time with clean water to remove any remaining floor cleaner, especially if not using a completely neutral product. (This may not be necessary with products designed to treat travertine floors.)
Step 5: Dry cloth
After the floor is clean of any stains or spills, you can use a dry cloth to clean the floor one last time and dry up the dampness. You can also let it air dry, just be sure to not walk on it until it dries off. Alternatively, let it mostly air dry, and then use a dry cloth on any areas that are still wet.
Step 6: Seal
Make sure your floor is completely clean and dry before applying a low-VOC sealant that’s safe for travertine stone every few years. Sealants come in two types — a penetrating sealer and a surface sealer — that are often used in conjunction to prevent liquids from penetrating the stone.