How to Clean Outdoor Tiles - Outdoor Cabinets

Outdoor tiles require regular maintenance and cleaning to keep them looking their best. While indoor tiles may only need occasional mopping, outdoor tiles are exposed to the elements and can collect dirt, grime, mold, and mildew over time. Learning proper techniques for cleaning outdoor tiles can help maintain their appearance and extend their lifespan. This guide will cover everything you need to know about effectively cleaning different types of outdoor tiles.

Why It’s Important to Clean Outdoor Tiles

Keeping outdoor tiles clean provides both aesthetic and functional benefits. Here are some of the top reasons to make tile cleaning a regular part of your outdoor maintenance routine:

Enhances curb appeal – Clean outdoor tiles simply look more appealing than dirty, grimy tiles. Keeping your outdoor tiles clean improves the look of your home’s exterior.
Prevents buildup – Allowing dirt, debris, mold, and mildew to accumulate on outdoor tiles can lead to deep staining and difficult to remove grime buildup. Regular cleaning prevents this.
Improves traction – Dirt and debris on tile surfaces can create slippery conditions. Cleaning helps keep tiles safe underfoot.
Extends lifespan – Dirt, grime, and mold can wear down tile materials over time. Keeping tiles clean protects the integrity of the tiles and prevents the need for premature replacement.
Improves airflow and drainage – When debris accumulates in outdoor tile joints and grout lines, it can impede drainage and airflow. Proper cleaning keeps everything clear.

How Often to Clean Outdoor Tiles

Cleaning frequency depends on factors like the amount of use the tiles get and environmental conditions. Here are some general guidelines on how often outdoor tiles need cleaning:

High traffic areas – Clean at least once a week. These include entries, patios, pool decks, and walkways.
Moderate traffic areas – Clean every 2-4 weeks. These include less frequently used patios, garden paths, and balconies.
Low traffic areas – Clean monthly. This includes areas like outdoor kitchens and secret garden pathways.
High debris areas – Clean whenever debris accumulates, like after windstorms or heavy rain. Pay attention to areas under trees and bushes.
After events or gatherings – Clean soon after parties, open houses, or any event bringing crowds through.
Seasonally – Do a deep clean at the start and end of each season. In winter, clear snow and use deicers when needed.

Get in the habit of doing a regular walk around inspection of all your outdoor tiles so you can spot problem areas. Address any stuck on debris, stains, or slick areas as soon as possible.

Supplies Needed for Cleaning Outdoor Tiles

Having the right supplies on hand makes the cleaning process much easier. Here are some must-have items for effectively cleaning outdoor tiles:

Broom – Use a stiff, coarse broom to sweep away loose dirt and debris. Soft brooms won’t provide enough scrubbing power.
Garden hose – This is useful for providing a preliminary rinse of the tiles to wash away surface grime. Adjust to a pressurized setting for more cleaning power.
Mop and bucket – Use a mop with a scrub brush head and long handle to make washing outdoor tiles easier. Fill the bucket with your preferred cleaning solution.
Scrub brushes – Keep a selection of scrub brushes in various sizes. These help scrub away stuck on debris and stains.
Spray bottle of cleaner – For spot treating problem areas, fill a spray bottle with a cleaning solution suited to your tile type. Vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, bleach, and commercial cleaners are options.
Outdoor broom and dustpan – After mopping up excess water, use these to sweep away debris and soil.
Squeegee – A window squeegee helps squeegee surfaces dry after mopping. Quick drying minimizes streaks and water marks.
Terry cloth rags – These are great for wiping up excess cleaning solution. Microfiber cloths also work well.
Knee pads – Knee pads will make scrubbing large areas much more comfortable. Look for garden kneeling pads.

General Cleaning Methods for Outdoor Tile

Always check the manufacturer’s care guidelines before cleaning specialty tile like natural stone, Saltillo, or cement. For general ceramic, porcelain, and grout, follow these basic cleaning steps:

Sweep First

The first step is to thoroughly sweep the entire area. This removes any loose debris and prevents it from getting pushed into grout lines during the wet cleaning. Pay attention to corners and along edges.

Pre-Rinse

Use a garden hose on a pressurized setting to pre-rinse the tiles. Spray the entire surface and let the water wash away surface dirt and grime.

Make Cleaning Solution

Mix an all purpose cleaner safe for outdoor tile in a bucket according to label directions. White vinegar or bleach can also be used. Avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia.

Apply Cleaner and Scrub

Use a mop or scrub brush to apply the cleaning solution liberally across the surface. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes. Then scrub to break up stuck on grime. Focus on stains or discolored areas.

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse away all cleaning solution using a garden hose or by mopping with clean water. It’s important no cleaner residue remains, which could lead to streaking.

Squeegee Dry

Use a squeegee tool to remove pooling water. Wipe up any remaining moisture with terry cloth rags. Fast drying prevents water marks.

Sweep Again

Do a final sweep once fully dry to remove any remaining debris the mopping process loosened up. Your tiles should now be clean and free of grime.

Cleaning Methods for Specific Outdoor Tile Types

Certain outdoor tile varieties require specialized cleaning techniques. Always review the manufacturer’s care guidelines. Here are some tips:

Porcelain

Porcelain tile is very durable and water-resistant. For regular cleaning:

Mix 1/4 cup ammonia + 1/4 cup vinegar + 1 gallon warm water.
Dip a scrub brush in solution and scrub entire surface.
Rinse thoroughly.

For stuck on grime, use undiluted white vinegar followed by baking soda as an abrasive scrub.

Ceramic

Ceramic tile is prone to scratching and etching from acids. Avoid harsh, acidic cleaners. For regular cleaning:

Mix 1/2 cup bleach + 1 gallon warm water.
Use a sponge mop soaked in the solution to wash surface.
Rinse thoroughly.

For hard water stains, scrub with baking soda paste.

Natural Stone

Natural stone requires gentle cleaners to avoid etching and erosion. Avoid bleach, vinegar, and acids. Regular cleaning steps:

Sweep debris and hose off surface dirt.
Mix 2 tsp dish soap + 1 gallon warm water. Apply to surface with a soft mop.
Scrub gently with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly.

Saltillo

Saltillo’s terracotta surface needs special care. For regular cleaning:

Sweep then wet surface with water to prevent absorption of liquids.
Use a pH neutral cleaner made for natural stone or clay.
Scrub with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly.

Concrete

Concrete’s porous surface readily absorbs stains but can also etch. For regular cleaning:

Sweep away debris.
Mix 1/3 cup laundry detergent + 1 gallon warm water.
Use a stiff scrub brush and rinse thoroughly.

If stains persist, spot clean with oxygen bleach.

Grout

Dirty grout makes the whole area look grimy. Regular grout cleaning steps:

Sweep and hose off dirt.
Apply grout cleaner or make a baking soda paste.
Use a grout brush or old toothbrush to scrub grout lines.
Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.

Best Practices for Outdoor Tile Cleaning

Follow these tips to get the best results from your tile cleaning sessions:

Always sweep first. Removing loose debris prevents extra scrubbing work.
Pre-rinse surfaces with water before scrubbing. This prevents debris from becoming ground in.
Work in sections to avoid traipsing dirt over clean areas.
Let cleaning solutions dwell 5-10 minutes before scrubbing for maximum effectiveness.
Scrub stains early before they have a chance to set in.
Use the cleaning agent recommended for your specific tile type to avoid damage.
Avoid walking on damp tiles. Wipe up excess water and allow tile to dry completely before using again.
Pay attention to tile joints and grout lines where grime loves to hide. Target with a grout brush.
Rinse thoroughly after cleaning. Leftover cleaning residue leads to hazy buildup over time.
Squeegee and wipe surface after rinsing. This speeds drying to prevent water marks.
Do a final sweep over the dry tiles to pick up any remaining dust and debris.
Stay on top of cleaning. Don’t allow tile to get excessively dirty between cleanings.

With the right tools and techniques, cleaning outdoor tile doesn’t need to be a dreaded chore. A little regular maintenance goes a long way towards keeping your outdoor living space looking it’s best.

How to Remove Common Stains from Outdoor Tiles

Even with regular cleaning, outdoor tiles are prone to some stubborn staining from spills, weather, and other mishaps. Here are tips for tackling some common outdoor tile stains:

Oil Stains

Oil drips from grills, torches, and vehicles often stain patios and driveways. To remove:

Sprinkling baking soda over the stain to absorb excess oil. Let sit 1 hour.
Make a paste with baking soda and water. Scrub onto stain and let sit 30 minutes.
Scrub with a degreasing cleaner boasting orange oil or citrus.
Rinse thoroughly. Repeat as needed.

Leaf Staining

Organic matter like leaves and pine needles can leave brown stains as they decompose. To remove:

Sweep away debris as soon as noticed.
Mix oxygen bleach powder with warm water to form a paste.
Apply paste to stain, wait 5 minutes, and scrub with brush.
Rinse thoroughly. May require several applications.

Hard Water Stains

Mineral deposits in water leave whitish mineral staining. To remove:

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Apply to stain.
Scrub with a stiff nylon brush. Let set 10 minutes.
Flood area with water, scrub again, and rinse away vinegar solution.

Mold and Mildew

Damp, shaded areas can develop black or green mold. To remove:

Mix 1 cup bleach + 1 gallon water. Scrub onto affected areas.
Let soak 5-10 minutes before rinsing clean. Repeat as needed.
Improve drainage and air circulation to deter future mold growth.

Algae

Areas that stay damp can develop greenish black algae. Remove with:

Mix 1/2 cup oxygen bleach powder with 1 qt hydrogen peroxide + 3 quarts water.
Apply to affected area and let sit. Scrub with stiff brush.
Flood with water, scrub again, and rinse thoroughly.

Rust Stains

Iron patio furniture, rails, or fertilizer can cause reddish brown rust stains. To remove:

Make a paste with oxalic acid powder and water. Apply and let sit 15 minutes.
Scrub vigorously with a stiff nylon brush.
Rinse thoroughly. Repeat if needed.

Etching

Acidic liquids like tomato sauce or vinegar can etch some stone and tiles. To minimize damage:

Wipe spills ASAP. Rinse area with water.
Apply baking soda paste. Let sit 15 minutes.
Scrub gently and rinse away.

FAQs About Cleaning Outdoor Tile

Should I seal my outdoor tiles?

Sealing outdoor tiles provides an added layer of protection, especially for porous grout. Use a penetrating sealer made for outdoor application. Reapply every 1-2 years. Sealers make cleaning easier but tiles still need regular washing. Avoid film-forming sealers outdoors due to poor durability.

How can I get rid of yellowish tile discoloration?

Yellowish staining on outdoor tiles is likely efflorescence, which is mineral salt deposits left behind as moisture evaporates. Mix 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts water and scrub onto affected areas with a stiff brush. Let sit briefly before rinsing away. Repeat as needed.

What’s the best way to clean patio grout?

Mix baking soda and water into a spreadable paste. Use an old toothbrush or grout brush to work the paste deeply into the grout lines. Let sit briefly before scrubbing and rinsing clean. For excessive grout grime, use an oxygen bleach cleaner formulated for outdoor grout.

Can I pressure wash outdoor tiles?

Use caution when pressure washing tile. The harsh spray can damage grout and even etch the tile surface. Use a wide angled tip and keep the pressure on low settings. Rinse tiles before and after to prevent driving in loose debris. Test in an inconspicuous spot first.

How do I remove rust stains from tile?

For light rust staining, mix cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide into a paste. Apply to stain and let sit 20 minutes before scrubbing clean. For tough stains, buy a phosphoric acid rust remover. Apply as directed and thoroughly rinse. Wear gloves and work in a ventilated area.

How can I get rid of mossy growth between patio tiles?

Mix 1 part bleach to 2 parts water in a spray bottle. Liberally spray moss and let sit 5 minutes. Use a stiff brush to scrub. Then rinse thoroughly. Improve drainage and direct rainwater away from the patio to help prevent regrowth.

What’s the best outdoor tile cleaner?

Look for cleaners specifically formulated for outdoor tile and grout. Options include Miracle Sealants Tile & Grout Cleaner, Aqua Mix Concentrated Outdoor Cleaner, and Professionals Choice Outdoor Cleaner. Always spot test cleaner in an inconspicuous area first.

Conclusion

Regularly cleaning outdoor tiles prevents staining, slip hazards, and premature wear. Sweep, hose, or mop tiles using cleaners suited to the tile type. Pay special attention to grimy grout lines. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning. Stay on top of stains before they have a chance to set. With the proper techniques and products, maintaining beautiful outdoor tiles is straightforward. Keeping them clean enhances the look of your outdoor living space.