Cleaning and polishing your patio tiles sound like a job that will take you an afternoon, but it’s not as complicated as you think. Even after a few practices, it will become a chore with great benefits.
How to polish patio tiles can vary depending on what your patio is made of. This article will cover the three most popular options for households, including porcelain, stone, and composite tiles. So if it’s your case, let’s read on!
Table of Contents
How to Polish Patio Tiles?
Collect the Necessary Things
- Mop
- Buckets
- White vinegar
- Garden hose
- Mild dish soap
- Microfiber cloths or Soft towels
Porcelain Tiles
Step 1: Sweep Your Tiles Frequently
We recommend sweeping the porcelain tiles daily using a soft and natural bristle broom. Also, if you can afford a quality vacuum, you can invest in one to suck up the dirt, making the process much simpler.
Step 2: Wash Your Tiles With Clean Water at Least Once per Week
It is wise to clean your porcelain tiles periodically with warm water. All you need is a bucket filled with clean, warm water.
Doing it every few days is reasonable. That way, you can ensure that any dirt won’t last long on your patio tiles, helping them always look their best.
Step 3: Do Deep Clean Your Tiles Once Monthly
You should do this at least once a month. Start by filling your bucket with 7.6 L (or 2 gallons) of clean water. Then add white vinegar (1/4 cup or about 59 ml) and stir your mixture well.
Next, embed your mop into this mix and wring to remove the liquid. Cleaning your floor with this mix will help to loosen and remove any dirt.
You can consider investing in a commercial cleaner if you don’t want to use the vinegar mixture.
Step 4: Rinse Your Tiles and Let It Dry
After using your vinegar mixture to clean your porcelain tiles, dip your mop into a bucket of clean water and wring it out. Then, rinse your floor with clean water to remove the rest of the cleanser.
Finally, use a large clean microfiber cloth or towel to dry your tiles. Repeat this tutorial from step one if you are not satisfied with the results.
From now until your next deep clean, you can remove any dirt you spot with a commercial floor cleaner.
Note: Never use abrasive cleaners, such as:
- Steel wool or hard bristle brushes.
- Cleaning products contain bleach and ammonia.
- Wax cleaners or oil-based detergents.
Solid Stone Tiles
Step 1: Dry Mop Your Solid Stone Tiles Every One to Two Days.
It is okay to dry mop your solid stone tiles daily or as soon as debris appears.
Thanks to a dry dust mop, you can rest assured that your tiles will not be damaged by rubbing with grit and sand. You should apply this option with:
- Slate
- Marble
- Granite
- Limestone
- Sandstone
Step 2: Clean Your Tiles Using Water and Soap
Fill a bucket with water. Then add a little stone soap or mild dish soap.
Dip your mop in a bucket of soapy water and wring it out. Wipe your tiles in small overlapping circles to remove dirt without leaving streaks.
We recommend aiming for soaps with a pH of 7. Using dish soap is fine, but use one that is biodegradable and phosphate-free.
Step 3: Consider Using Bleach Solution
Cleaning your tiles with a bleach solution makes sense if you need to get rid of moss. On the other hand, use only clean water if the area you need to clean is near a pool or hot tub.
Pour 2 gallons of clean water into a bucket before adding 4 tablespoons (about 59 ml) of bleach, stirring to form a solution. Next, use a mop or a sponge to clean the area you need to treat.
Step 4: Rinse the Tile and Let It Dry
If your working area is large, you can clean it with a pressure washer. If you are cleaning a smaller area, you can rinse it with a mop and clean water.
Finally, use a soft cloth to dry your patio tiles and let them air dry completely.
Note: Never clean your patio tiles with abrasive materials, such as:
- Hard bristle brushes.
- Lemon juice or vinegar.
- Products containing acid cleansers.
Wood and Composite Tiles
Step 1: Sweep Your Wood/Composite Tiles Every Two to Three Days
Sweeping your tiles daily or whenever stains appear is best. After that, remove any debris using a soft, natural bristle broom.
Frequently sweeping your tiles prevents them from becoming caked due to dirt.
Step 2: Use Water and Soap to Clean Your Tiles at Least Once a Month
Fill your bucket with clean water before adding a little mild dish soap.
Then, dip your mop in soapy water and wring it out, and wipe your tiles until any dirt is removed.
Note: Avoid doing this project with abrasive cleansers (like pressure washers or sandpaper).
Step 3: Rinse Your Tiles
Removing soap scum with a garden hose is okay if you need to clean an ample space. You can get the job done with your mop and clean water if you need to rinse a small area.
Step 4: Remove All Grease Stains
Once you have noticed any oily stain, remove it as soon as possible. The longer the stain stays on your tiles, the harder it is to remove them.
Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the soapy water and remove the stain. In addition, you can also use a specialized floor stain remover for composite tiles or wood. Don’t forget to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
Step 5: Deep Clean Your Patio At Least Tiles Twice a Year
In addition to cleaning your composite and wood tiles regularly to keep them clean, you should deep clean them twice a year. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer for the best results.
The best time to do the job is spring or fall. You will need cleaners made specifically for composite or wood, and make sure it contains sodium hypochlorite, which will prevent mold from growing on your tiles.
FAQs
Does White Vinegar Clean Paving Slabs?
Using white vinegar is an excellent solution for cleaning tiles and removing some discoloration and stains. You should use a mixture of white vinegar and water.
Add 1 cup of vinegar with 2 gallons of warm water to the bucket and mix well.
Should I Get Professional Help to Clean My Patio Tiles?
It is easy to perform regular cleaning that will keep your patio tiles looking new. But you should also consider getting professional help from time to time.
Professional cleaners have the specialized equipment and methods and the proper knowledge to remove deposits deep in your tiles.
In addition, they can clean different types of patio tiles in the best way to minimize any possible damage to your patio tiles.
Can I Clean My Tiles Without a Power-Washer?
Using a power washer is not necessary to clean the outdoor patio tiles, but it will give you great and quick results.
Not even a power washer for everyday use (although you have the option to rent it). But do not let it be an excuse to skip regular patio cleaning! You should be fine without this machine.
Instead of investing in a pressure washer, you can use one garden hose in a high-power setting, helping you clean efficiently. If not, treat the area with clean water, a brush or broom, and your own muscle strength.
How Often Should I Clean My Outdoor Tiles?
You should deep clean your outdoor tiles at least once every season, meaning four times yearly.
In addition, you should also sweep and wash it regularly to avoid the accumulation of mold and dirt.
Is It Okay to Use Bleach to Clean My Outdoor Tiles?
Many online articles and videos recommend using bleach for cleaning outdoor patios, but we recommend avoiding it.
Bleach often includes harsh chemicals that can damage your tiles. So you should consider eco-friendly cleaning products, which are effective and will produce great results.
How Can I Clean Exterior Tiles Quickly?
You can get the job done with these 5 easy steps:
Step 1: Sweep your tiles
Step 2: Wet your tiles
Step 3: Use the proper tile cleaner
Step 4: Allow your tiles to sit until dry
Step 5: Rinse and dry the tiles
The Bottom Line
You now have a step-by-step guide to polishing your patio tiles. You can expect your patio to maintain its best looks with proper care and maintenance.
With a little effort and time, you can ensure your outdoor patio is a new-looking space that’s ready for afternoons of leisure or family fun.
Thanks for reading!