How to clean porcelain paving slabs
Porcelain tiles are one of the oldest man-made gardening materials. In fact, some say they have been used as far back as ancient China, when porcelain was made from kaolin clay fired at extremely high temperatures.
As time went on, production techniques improved rapidly, and manufacturers began decorating porcelain tiles with intricate designs. They were shipped all across the world, from Europe to the Middle East (and that was just between 600 and 1200 AD!)
We can only imagine how far technology has come since. Porcelain paving slabs are still one of the most commonly used gardening materials. They’re great for re-tiling driveways, garden paths and even areas around swimming pools.
But what happens when they get dirty? No one wants to work with a high-maintenance material that needs weekly cleaning! So, to learn exactly how to clean porcelain paving slabs, stay with Ovation Landscaping.
What do you need to clean porcelain tiles?
Before getting started, have a root around your cupboards and take stock: do you have all the necessary supplies for cleaning porcelain tiles, or will you need to take a quick trip to the local supermarket?
Consult our checklist, and take stock:
- Pressure washer (optional for a deeper clean)
- Brush/broom for dry sweeping debris
- Warm water
- Mild cleanser suitable for porcelain
- Sealant (optional if you need extra protection)
- A soft mop/cloth for hand cleaning
If you’re wondering which cleaners work best for porcelain, it’s those that are designed specifically for this material (as such, you’ll usually see ‘porcelain’ in the product name).
A good cleanser will be easy to apply, effective against general dirt and tougher stains (such as algae or iron-rich soil), and suitable for just-laid tiles.
The same principle applies if you’re looking to clean natural stone paving or concrete paving slabs: source a cleanser designed specifically for this material.
How to clean outdoor porcelain tiles
It’s time to grab your materials and get to work! Although it has a low level of water absorption and stain resistance, leaving your porcelain tiles too long can cause them to lose some of their shine.
Allow leaves, dirt and algae to settle on the surface, and you may find cleaning becomes much harder later.
1. Dry sweep/brush away debris
Grab your brush, it’s time to wipe away some of the surface-level grime.
At first glance, your tiles might look like they’re in prime condition. But you’d be surprised just how much soil can hide in joints (it can also gather on top of tiles with textured finishes).
So, brush away any dust, dirt, leaves or moss and dispose of it in an area where the wind isn’t likely to bring it all back! Doing this sooner rather than later will also stop this grime from turning into slippery buildup.
2. Seasonally pressure wash
In the UK, it’s possible to experience a year’s worth of weather conditions in one week. Despite this variability, seasonal pressure washing can help you establish a more consistent cleaning routine.
It’s important to use a low to medium pressure setting and keep the nozzle moving. Hold it at a slight angle, keep it a safe distance from the surface (about half a metre is ideal), and work across the area evenly.
Doing this will help you lift any dirt without disturbing the joints or the tiles themselves.
3. Clean as and when!
There’s no need to keep your supplies locked away until the next big mess. It might be something as small as muddy paw prints or dropped food, but the best approach is usually to deal with things there and then.
Just grab a bucket of warm water with a small amount of washing-up liquid and scrub the area with a firm brush. Then rinse it well with clean water. Conducting regular small cleans like this goes a long way in keeping the slabs looking brand-new.
What are useful outdoor porcelain tile maintenance tips?
Now that you know how to clean porcelain paving slabs, here are some of our top tips condensed into one handy list:
- Address any spills immediately to prevent staining. A mild detergent mixed with warm water usually works.
- If you’re using a pressure washer, select a low to medium setting and keep it a safe distance away to avoid disturbing the joints or tiles.
- Use a stiff-bristled broom to remove leaves, dirt, and debris.
- Different finishes may require specific care. For example, textured tiles might trap more dirt and need more regular cleaning.
Shop for porcelain paving slabs with Ovation Landscaping!
If you’re ready to start work on your dream garden, work with your favourite local paving provider, Ovation Landscaping! We’ve got unbeatable deals on everything from decorative aggregates to jointing compounds: you can find it all here.