Q. The travertine in my shower was cleaned with a bleach-based cleaning product, causing a stain. Will my travertine need to be replaced?
A. Bleach should not cause a stain on travertine. You are probably seeing alkaline etch damage. A stain happens when a colored substance is absorbed into the stone. Poultices can be applied to draw out stains. Etch damage is a chemical reaction on the surface of the stone that damages the stone. Poultices will have no effect on etch damage. This is not a DIY project. Please contact your stone restoration contractor to hone and polishing the travertine to blend with the surrounding finish. If you need help to find a certified contractor, contact us
Article ID: 1373
Created: February 5, 2026
Last Updated: February 5, 2026
Author: Dev
Online URL: https://surfacecarepros.com/kb/article/how-to-remove-bleach-based-discolorations-on-travertine-1373.html