How to Clean Porcelain Paving

Porcelain paving offers a stunning and durable addition to any garden or patio and is a great choice for a low-maintenance space. However, like all outdoor garden paving, it requires occasional cleaning to maintain its pristine appearance. Wondering which is the best way to clean porcelain slabs? Learn about upkeep, protection, and aftercare for cleaning porcelain patio tiles in our 'how to clean porcelain paving' guide. Equipping you with the knowledge and steps needed to effectively clean your porcelain paving, ensuring it continues to be the focal point of your outdoor space.

Why Clean Porcelain Paving and How Often?

While porcelain paving boasts low-maintenance qualities, regular cleaning is still crucial for several reasons:

• Maintaining Aesthetics: Dirt, grime, and algae buildup can dull the natural beauty of your porcelain tiles. Regular cleaning keeps your paving looking fresh and vibrant.
• Preventing Stains: Leaving spills and debris unattended can lead to permanent staining. Prompt cleaning prevents these unsightly marks.
• Safety: Moss and algae growth can make your porcelain paving slippery, especially when wet. Regular cleaning minimises the risk of slips and falls.

Frequency of Cleaning: The cleaning frequency depends on factors like foot traffic, weather conditions, and the presence of nearby trees. Generally, a thorough cleaning every 2-3 months is recommended.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Porcelain Paving

1. Preparation: Remove any loose furniture, planters, or debris from the paving area. Sweep away leaves, dirt, and dust with a soft broom or brush.
2. Initial Cleaning: Use a garden hose to spray down the entire surface area. This removes loose dirt and debris.
3. Deep Cleaning: Fill a bucket with warm water and add a mild, pH-neutral detergent (washing up liquid can be a good option). Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners as they can damage the porcelain surface.
4. Scrubbing: Dip a stiff-bristled brush (not a wire brush) into the cleaning solution and scrub the entire paving area. Pay close attention to areas with visible dirt, grime, or stains.
5. Rinsing: Thoroughly rinse the entire surface with clean water from your hosepipe, ensuring no cleaning solution residue remains. Use a power washer to blow off the solution ensuring a minimum distance of 600mm on a wide fan setting - being careful to avoid grout!
6. Drying: Allow the porcelain paving to air dry completely before placing furniture back on or walking on it.

Save Time with a Porcelain Tile Cleaner

Save time on the steps above by using a dedicated cleaner such as LTP Porcelain Tile Cleaner. A highly effective aftercare cleaner designed to remove daily dirt and grime with ease. It leaves behind a fresh, clean fragrance, and requires no rinsing. This gentle formula is specially crafted to clean porcelain and ceramic surfaces without harming the grout or tile. Suitable for both sealed and unsealed, polished and unpolished surfaces.

Remove Black Spots & Algae from Porcelain Tiles

To remove algae and black spot from your porcelain paving, you'll need a specialist cleaner designed for this purpose like LTP Black Spot & Algae Remover. Always test the product on an inconspicuous area first to check for any discolouration. This is a Ready to use deep clean solution that works on a wide range of outdoor surfaces, keeping your patio, garden path and driveway looking their best all year round. Formulated to cling to surfaces and remove mould spores, black spot, lichen, fungus, algae and moss from other damp places.

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Cleaning Porcelain Paving:

• Using Harsh Chemicals: Abrasive cleaners and acidic or alkaline solutions can damage the porcelain surface.
• High-Pressure Cleaning: While seemingly efficient, pressure washers can damage the grout and cause the porcelain tiles to lift. If using, keep a wide fan and at least 600mm away from the paving.
• Neglecting Stains: Promptly address spills to prevent permanent staining.

Preventing Damage to Porcelain Tiles

• Heavy Items: Avoid placing very heavy items directly on the porcelain tiles for extended periods. Use furniture coasters to prevent scratches.
• Winter Care: Sweep away snow and ice regularly to prevent them from freezing and cracking the tiles.
• Salt Alternatives: Opt for pet-friendly de-icing solutions instead of salt, which can damage the porcelain surface.

By following these simple steps and tips to clean our garden paving, you can ensure your porcelain tiles remain beautiful and functional for years to come. Regular cleaning and maintenance are key to preserving the pristine appearance of your outdoor space.

Explore Porcelain Slabs

Ready to transform your outdoor area with stunning porcelain paving? Explore Westminster Stone's wide range of high-quality porcelain paving options. Consistent in colour, style and texture, outdoor porcelain tiles lend themselves well to contemporary and chic garden designs that will last for years to come.

Shop All Porcelain Paving

More Outdoor Porcelain Paving Cleaning Tips

What is the best way to clean porcelain slabs?

The best way to clean porcelain slabs is to use a mild, pH-neutral detergent and a soft-bristled brush. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.

Can you pressure wash porcelain paving?

Pressure washing can damage the porcelain surface and the grout lines. If you do use a power washer keep it at a wide fan, at least 600mm away from the paving. Alternatively, use a soft brush and a garden hose for cleaning.

What is the best thing to clean outdoor porcelain tiles with?

A mild detergent and warm water are the best cleaning agents for porcelain paving. You can also use a diluted white vinegar solution for stubborn stains or for an effective and quicker alternative try a premade solution made specifically for porcelain tiles.

How do you get stains out of porcelain pavers?

For stubborn stains, you can try using a diluted white vinegar solution. Apply the solution to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly with water. Use a dedicated black spot and algae remover for these issues to ensure

What is the best natural cleaner for porcelain tiles?

A mixture of warm water and white vinegar is a great natural cleaner for porcelain tiles. It's effective at removing dirt and grime without damaging the surface.

Is Porcelain Paving Low-Maintenace?

Porcelain Tiles are inorganic and naturally resist the growth of algae, mould and bacteria due to their non-porous qualities that resist moisture build-up. As a result, any dirt on the tiles can be easily swept or wiped away. Porcelain tiles also do not need resealing - contributing to an easy-to-maintain paving choice!

Are Porcelain Tiles Stain & Fade Resistant?

The vitrified surface of the porcelain ensures the colour does not fade in sunlight or over time. It also makes it much more stain resistant as spills cannot permeate the tile so any liquids or materials that get onto the tile can be easily wiped away, adding to the longevity of this particular paving. However it is important to clean up spills in a timely manner, especially if it is a coloured liquid.

Are Outdoor Porcelain Tiles Slip-resistant & Frost-proof

Porcelain tiles are made from refined clay that is fired in a kiln, this is called vitrification and ensures a durable product that absorbs very little water. As a result, the tiles are rated at R11 - meaning they are ideal for British gardens and especially wet areas such as swimming pool surrounds. The higher the slip resistance, the less likely it will be for people to slip on wet surfaces. Frost-proof means that it will not crack or break when it freezes during winter time, making porcelain paving a good allrounder for outside areas - whatever the weather!

Should you seal porcelain paving?

Porcelain paving does not need to be sealed, but a micro top coat sealer can be used to alter colour or add a sheen.

How to remove black spot and algae from porcelain tiles

Apply the cleaner according to the manufacturer's instructions, often using a brush to scrub the affected areas. Leave the cleaner to work for the recommended time before rinsing thoroughly with clean water. For stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the process.

About the Author

Sian McHugh

'Sian has been working with us at Westminster Stone for over 5 years and has developed expertise in garden design and landscaping. Her passion for nature extends to tending her own garden, teaching yoga and hiking during her free time.'