There’s nothing quite like Al Fresco dining in the comfort of your garden with friends. Yes, it’s great as a last-minute option, but not if your yard is a mess – who wants to look at algae when they’re eating a meal? If you’ve decided it’s time to spruce up your garden, we’ve written this post so you can enjoy your outdoor space once more. Read on to learn how to clean patio tiles, including tips to keep them looking lovely for longer.
Why do I need to clean my patio tiles?
Just like the inside of your house, your outdoor stone also needs maintenance too. This will preserve its condition and ensure that it lasts; no one wants to replace their paving due to bad care. Bacteria and moisture cause a build-up of algae and moss, which can make patio tiles dangerously slippy. It also doesn’t look great, and so the solution for this? Regular maintenance with the right FILA products, of course.
When should I clean my paving?
Your garden should be an extension of your home, and if you use it a lot, you’ll notice it can look tired pretty fast. Wheelbarrow marks, old soil and rust can all contribute to a buildup of patio grime. The longer you leave it, the harder it will be to remove and so natural stone paving should be ideally cleaned every three months. A stone protector will also seal your stone and help to protect it from dirt, meaning cleaning and maintenance will be easy long-term.
How to clean patio tiles
Cleaning patios tiles is often thought of as tough, but it couldn’t easier if you have the right products. Preparation is also key, so before you begin, ensure that the surface is clear of any debris, loose dirt and weeds. All of our FILA cleaning products are concentrated, and so a little goes a long way. The specific type of product you’ll need, however, will vary depending on the material and the amount that the surface needs cleaning:
PS87 PRO is ideal for the cleaning of concrete surfaces and other unpolished acid-sensitive stones. When undiluted, it removes stubborn marks from porcelain patio tiles and additionally, is the best concrete cleaner for driveways. For hard to clean stains on external porcelain tiles, pour undiluted PS87 PRO onto the stain and tile. Leave this cleaner to act until fully dry, then wash and fully rinse the tile surface.
CLEANER PRO is a concentrated cleaner that can be used for any stone surface but is also a must for polished acid-sensitive stones. Over time it will also protect the stone surface against a buildup of product and can be used for the ordinary or extraordinary maintenance of patio tiles. For the ordinary maintenance of a natural stone surface, dilute CLEANER PRO at 25 ml in 5 litres of water. For more stubborn marks on a polished stone finish, dilute from 1:30 to 1:50 depending on the amount of dirt.
DETERDEK PRO is an end-of-work, concentrated cleaner usually saved for the initial tile clean. Additionally, it performs as a fantastic limescale detergent for acid-resistant stones to remove any salt residues left by snow or rain. For extraordinary maintenance on outdoor patio tiles, dilute 1 litre of product in 10 litres of water. Then apply the solution a few square metres at a time and work with a brush before rinsing with plenty of water.
ALGACID removes algae and mould whilst also sanitising concrete and natural stone patio tiles. Simply spray and leave to work for just 15 minutes before wiping away the excess with a clean, damp sponge.
How to protect patio tiles
FILA’s range of stone sealers offer maximum protection and facilitate cleaning for outdoor floors. The product you’ll need for the job will also depend on the stone – here are three that you can use for patio tiles.
The best dirt protector for textured porcelain tiles, STOP DIRT makes cleaning your floor quick and easy. Always apply STOP DIRT to clean, dry floor after using PS87 PRO and/or DETERDEK PRO depending on the material type.
A water and oil-repellent stone protector, MP90 ECO XTREME can be used for surfaces like polished concrete and marble. It also reduces absorption without affecting the material’s natural look and can be walked on after just 2 hours.
W68 is a stain protector for unpolished stone, concrete driveways and terracotta. Additionally, it’s also a water-based product that can be applied to surfaces that have a minimum of residual moisture.
Have a question concerning patio tiles?
Thank you for reading our guide to patio tiles – please note, this is a general guide and instructions should always be followed for the product in question. To find out more about any of the cleaners and sealers we have mentioned in this post, why not drop us a question in the comments below? Thanks again.
