Are your beautiful porcelain patio tiles looking a little bit worse for wear? Don’t worry, you don’t have to replace them! With the right maintenance, you can keep your outdoor porcelain tiles looking as good as new for years to come.
Outdoor porcelain tiles are a popular choice for patios and other outdoor areas due to their durability, resistance to water and stains, and low maintenance requirements. However, like any surface in your home, they do require regular cleaning to keep them looking their best.
Whether you’re getting ready to host a summer get-together in your garden or just like to keep your outdoor living space in tip-top condition, here are some tips and tricks to help you keep your outdoor porcelain tiles clean.
A quickfire guide to cleaning outdoor porcelain tiles:
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Our Guide to Cleaning Outdoor Porcelain Tiles
To help you maintain the pristine condition of your beautiful porcelain tiles, we’ve created a simple guide that includes step-by-step instructions on how to clean and properly care for them.
With our expert tips and techniques, you can ensure that your tiles retain their original lustre and stay looking stunning for years to come.
Tile Cleaning Products You’ll Need
In order to properly clean and maintain your porcelain patio tiles, you need to make sure you’re using the right products and tools to avoid causing damage to their finish. We recommend using…
- A stiff, bristled broom
- A jet washer/high-powered hose
- Water
- A cleaning agent (liquid soap or a specific porcelain tile cleaning solution)
Step #1 Clear Away Any Debris
Before you begin washing the tiles, you need to make sure they’re free from any debris that’s accumulated since their last cleaning.
Remove any large pieces of garden furniture and plant pots from your patio so you can access all the tiles you want to clean.
Then, take your stiff, bristled broom and brush any dirt, debris, or plant matter from the surface of the tiles. Remove as much of the dirt as possible in this step.
You should be left with a clear patio that’s ready to be jet-washed.
Step #2 Prepare Your Outdoor Porcelain Tile Cleaner
Once your tiles are prepared, you need to mix your cleaner. There are a few porcelain patio cleaner options to choose from. The one that’s right for you will depend on the type of grime or dirt you’re dealing with.
If your tiles just have general dirt and you clean them regularly, standard washing-up liquid can get the job done. However, if there’s a build-up of algae on the surface of your tiles, you’ll need a more intensive cleaner.
We find the Lithofin KF Intensive Cleaner to be incredibly effective at removing tough grime, dirt, and grease from outdoor porcelain tiles. It’s powerful enough to cut through the dirt, but gentle enough as to not mark or damage the tiles, leaving them looking like new. Follow the dilution instructions on the packaging to prepare this cleaner.
Lithofin KF Intensive Cleaner (Ceramic & Porcelain)
#3 Apply Tile Cleaning Mixture With Jet Wash
Now it’s time to get down to business. To effectively use a jet wash for cleaning your porcelain patio tiles, begin by setting the hose to a moderate pressure. You don’t want the stream to be too powerful, as it could damage the tile surface.
Gradually cover the entire area, sweeping back and forth evenly to prevent streaking. The force of the water will dislodge dirt and grime, but be sure to angle the hose at a slight tilt to allow the dirty water to run off the tiles, avoiding pooling.
Once you’ve rinsed them thoroughly, leave the tiles to air dry, or for a streak-free finish, use a clean, dry mop to remove excess water.
#4 Spot Clean Dirt Between Regular Cleans
At times, your outdoor porcelain tiles may require attention between scheduled cleanings to tackle stubborn spots or spills.
Begin by blotting any liquid spills with a clean cloth to prevent staining. You shoudl prepare a small amount of diluted solution of your tile cleaner and water. Apply this solution directly to the affected area. Then, using a soft-bristle brush, gently scrub the spot in a circular motion until the dirt lifts. Rinse the area with clean water and dry it with a towel to prevent any residue.
How Often Should You Clean Exterior Porcelain Tiles?
Maintaining the pristine condition of your exterior porcelain tiles requires regular cleaning, which varies based on foot traffic, weather conditions, and any outdoor activities you may have.
Typically, a thorough cleaning once every quarter is recommended for areas with moderate traffic. However, if your outdoor tiles are under heavy use or exposed to frequent spillages, monthly cleaning will ensure they stay in top condition – especially if you host BBQs or garden parties!
In autumn or if you’re located in an area with a lot of trees, you might need to clean them more frequently to clear leaves and natural debris.
The quicker you can clean up small messes, the less likely it is to become a bigger, tougher stain.
What’s the Best Cleaner for Outdoor Porcelain Tiles?
There are so many options available for porcelain tile cleaners that it can become overwhelming if you’ve never bought them before. To save you hours of online research, we’ve got two main recommendations for outdoor porcelain tile cleaners.
- For regular maintenance: a solution of warm water and regular dishwashing soap is often sufficient. It’s gentle, cost-effective, and easy to prepare. Simply mix the soap with warm water in a bucket and use a mop or soft cloth to clean the tiles.
- For more stubborn dirt or tough stains: Lithofin KF Intensive Cleaner is highly recommended. It’s specially formulated for porcelain tiles, ensuring a deeper clean without causing damage. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution and application to achieve the best results.
What Should You Not Use On Porcelain Tiles?
Certain products should be avoided when cleaning outdoor porcelain tiles as they can cause damage or leave residues. These include…
- Cleaners containing ammonia or bleach can fade the colours and degrade the sealant over time.
- Oil-based cleaners and wax can leave a slippery film.
- Harsh abrasives, such as steel wool or scouring powders, can scratch and dull the surface of the tile.
For routine cleaning, it is best to stick with pH-neutral solutions to maintain the integrity and appearance of your porcelain tiles.
Create a Beautiful Porcelain Patio With Bridport Glass & Tile Centre
Maintaining your outdoor porcelain tiles is simpler than you might think, and with the appropriate care, they will continue to keep your patios and pathways looking beautiful for years to come.
You can browse our collection of tile care and maintenance essentials – including Lithofin KF Instensive Cleaner – and order it straight from our online shop to your door!
If you need any further advice or care for your tiles, don’t hesitate in get in touch with our team – we’re more than happy to help answer any questions you may have.
FAQs
No, outdoor porcelain tiles aren’t difficult to keep clean. Regular maintenance with the right cleaning solutions and methods will keep them in excellent condition.
Leaf stains on outdoor porcelain tiles can be removed by applying a solution of half water and half white vinegar. Allow it to sit for several minutes, then scrub gently with a soft-bristled brush before rinsing with clean water. This natural method is often effective in breaking down the leaf tannins that cause the stains.
Yes, you can pressure wash outdoor porcelain tiles. Be careful to use a mild setting to prevent any damage to the tiles or grouting. Regular pressure washing can effectively remove dirt and algae, keeping your tiles looking pristine. Always test a small area first and use a flat-spray nozzle to ensure even cleaning.
Yes, you can use a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water to clean porcelain tiles. Vinegar’s acidity can help break down grime without harming the tiles, but it’s important to rinse thoroughly with water afterwards.
