Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Cleaning porcelain tiles
• Method 2 of 3: Clean wood or composite tiles
• Method 3 of 3: Cleaning natural stone tiles
• Necessities

Outdoor tiles are a great way to decorate a space, but they do need regular cleaning. Check what the tiles are made of (porcelain, wood, composite or solid stone). Dust off the dirt or wipe it with a dry mop before washing the tiles with a mild soap or vinegar solution. The tiles should be thoroughly cleaned once or twice a year to prevent mold and mildew from developing. Never use abrasive cleaning products and products to keep the tiles looking good.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Cleaning porcelain tiles

1. Sweep the tiles daily. It is best to wipe the porcelain tiles about every day. Use a broom with soft and natural bristles or use a vacuum cleaner to vacuum up the dirt. Regular sweeping will prevent dirt from sticking to the tiles and causing stains.
   • If the porcelain tiles lead to an entrance to the house, you will need to sweep them more often. This prevents someone from dragging dirt into the home.
2. Wash the tiles once a week with clean water. Every few days (or whenever you notice a build-up of dirt) you should clean the outdoor porcelain tiles with warm water. Fill a bucket with clean, warm water and mop the tiles. This will remove most of the dirt and keep the tiles looking their best.
   • Try to squeeze most of the water out of the mop. It is not the intention that the excess water remains on the tiles.
3. Thoroughly clean the tiles once a month. At least once a month, fill a large bucket with about 8 liters of clean water. Add 50 ml white vinegar and stir the mixture well. Dip a mop in the cleaning solution and wring it out. Mop the floor with the cleaner to loosen the dirt.
   • If you prefer, you can buy a cleaning agent suitable for porcelain tiles instead of the vinegar mixture.
4. Rinse and dry the thoroughly cleaned tiles. After you've scrubbed the floors with the vinegar mixture, dip the mop in clean water and wring it out. Mop the floor with the water to rinse off the rest of the detergent. Take a large clean towel or microfiber cloth and dry the tiles.
   • If the porcelain tiles are very dirty, you may need to thoroughly clean and rinse them a second time.
   • If the porcelain tiles occupy a large space, it is recommended to mop, rinse and then dry the floor in small areas at a time.
5. Remove any stains as soon as you see them. Try to remove stains as soon as you notice them. Fill a large bucket with water. Buy a porcelain-safe floor cleaner and put three to four capfuls of it in the water. Use a small brush or mop to scrub the mixture over the stain until it is removed.
   • Do not use an oil-based cleaner to remove stains from the porcelain tiles. These can leave an oily film on the tiles, which can make them slippery.
6. Do not clean with abrasive agents. While you may think you should scrub any stuck-on dirt with a rough brush, avoid anything that scrapes the china. Do not use abrasive cleaning agents such as:
   • Hard brushes or steel wool
   • Cleaning products with ammonia or bleach
   • Oil based cleaners or wax

Method 2 of 3: Clean wood or composite tiles

1. Sweep the wood or composite tiles every few days. Wipe the tiles every day or as soon as you notice dirt, leaves or grime. With a soft broom with natural bristles, you can remove the dirt that is on the tiles. Regular wiping prevents dirt from sticking to the tiles or from staining them.
2. Wash the tiles with soap and water at least once a month. Fill a large bucket with water and a few squirts of mild dish soap. The water should be foamy and full of soap bubbles. Dip a mop in the soapy water and wring it out. Mop the tiles until you remove the dirt.
   • You can use a strand or sponge mop. Just do not use a scratching or abrasive mop on the tiles.
3. Rinse the tiles. If you're cleaning a large area, take a garden hose and rinse the tiles with clean water to remove soap residue. In a small space, you can put the mop in clean water and wring it out. Then mop the tiles to rinse with clean water.
4. Remove all grease stains. As soon as you see an oil stain, wipe up whatever caused the stain. Dip a sponge or soft cloth in soapy water and wash the stain. Maybe this will make the stain go out on its own. If not, use a stain remover made especially for wood or composite tile. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
   • The longer the stain is on the tile, the more difficult it is to remove. That's why it's important to brush the stain quickly.
5. Thoroughly clean the tiles twice a year. In addition to sweeping and keeping the wood and composite tiles clean, you should thoroughly clean the tiles in the spring and fall. Buy a tile cleaner specifically for wood or composite. It must contain sodium hypochlorite. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
   • Sodium hypochlorite prevents mold and mildew from growing on the tiles.
6. Do not clean with abrasive agents. Over time, light scratches may appear on the wood or composite tiles. These scratches can disappear on their own, so don't try to remove them with abrasive cleaners (such as sandpaper or pressure washers).
   • If you sprinkle salt or ice on the tiles in winter, clean it up as soon as the dangerous weather is over. Ice and salt can damage the tiles if left on them for a long time.

Method 3 of 3: Cleaning natural stone tiles

1. Every day or every other day, go over the natural stone tiles with a dry mop. Wipe the tiles every day or as soon as you notice any dirt or debris. The dry mop prevents sand and grit from rubbing against the tiles, which can cause scratches. The tiles should be mopped dry if they are made of:
   • Granite
   • Lei
   • Chalk
   • Marble
   • Sandstone
2. Wash the tiles with soap and water. Fill a large bucket with water and a few squirts of mild dish soap or natural stone soap. Dip a mop in the soapy water and wring it out. Mop the tiles in small and overlapping circles to remove the dirt and avoid streaks.
   • Choose a soap with a pH level of 7 or try to find a soap-free cleanser as it won't leave streaks. If you're using dish soap, choose one that's phosphate-free and biodegradable.
3. Decide if you should use bleach. Clean the tiles with bleach to remove algae or moss. If the natural stone tiles are near a pool, patio, or hot tub, wash them off with clean water. Pour about 8 liters of water into a bucket and stir in 50 ml of bleach. Use a sponge or mop to wash the surface with the mild bleach solution.
4. Rinse and dry the tiles. If you're cleaning a large area, take a garden hose and rinse the tiles with clean water to remove soap residue. If you're cleaning a small area, dip the mop in clean water and wring it out. Mop the tiles so they are rinsed with clean water. Wipe the tiles dry with a soft cloth and let them air dry completely.
   • You need to change the water several times and keep rinsing until the soap residue is completely removed.
   • Stone tiles can fade in color over time from sun exposure, so use a stone conditioner and sealant to protect them. Make sure the product is safe for outdoor use.
5. Never use abrasive cleaning agents to clean the tiles. Never clean natural stone tiles with anything that abrades. This can cause scratches and damage to the tiles. Do not buy or make cleaning products with the following:
   • Hard brushes
   • Vinegar or lemon juice
   • Products with acidic cleaning agents

Necessities

• Buckets
• Mop
• Soft towels or microfiber cloths
• White vinegar
• Gentle dish soap
• Garden hose