{"id":30268,"date":"2022-12-07T11:09:24","date_gmt":"2022-12-07T10:09:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/?p=30268"},"modified":"2023-01-12T12:27:16","modified_gmt":"2023-01-12T11:27:16","slug":"how-to-maximise-your-outdoor-space-a-guide-to-patio-cleaning-and-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/en\/how-to-maximise-your-outdoor-space-a-guide-to-patio-cleaning-and-care\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Maximise Your Outdoor Space | A Guide to Patio Cleaning and Care"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although we know the thought of cleaning outside doesn\u2019t exactly sound fun, did you know it\u2019s key to making the most of your garden? A well-kept space will not only entice you to spend more time outdoors, but you\u2019ll also keep the area safe &#8211; algae and mould can make patios really slippy! And it\u2019s not just cleaning your paving that matters; it starts from day one, and more specifically, what you do once the tiles or stone are first laid. In this post, we\u2019re going to look at three specific surface materials and how to keep them tip-top, but first, the actual benefits of taking pride in your garden.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5 reasons maintaining outdoor paving is well worth the effort<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b><i>1. It will eliminate dirt and debris<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you live somewhere that experiences a lot of bad weather, then a regular sweep will prevent organic debris building up on your paving. We understand that when it\u2019s blustery and raining outside, it can be tempting to put the job off, but doing it often will make your life easy. A good brush will clear any fallen dead leaves (which can stain your paving if left) and keep your garden tidy and slip-free. Although your patio has to bear the brunt of many different things, it doesn\u2019t need to show it, and some regular TLC will ensure it stays looking brand new.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>2. Mould and mildew will be kept at bay<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another benefit of garden upkeep? It\u2019ll prevent mould and mildew. These can cause serious health problems and are a slip hazard. It\u2019s essential to get rid of mould and mildew spores before they can grow and take hold, especially if you have young children or pets.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>3. It\u2019s a great way to boost kerb appeal<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to experts, a well-kept garden can add a significant amount to a property\u2019s value. The same goes for your front entrance as well; after all, first impressions matter, and it can be the difference between a sale or not. If you\u2019re lucky enough to have original Victorian tiles, make sure to keep them ship shape &#8211; the last thing you want is to offend any viewers with grubby-looking tiles. Regular care will ensure Victorian tiles stay looking their best, make their lovely patterns dazzle, and is guaranteed to keep your street appeal high!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>4. Regular maintenance will increase your patio\u2019s lifespan<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As we\u2019ve just touched on, a patio is an investment for your home and garden, and when properly cared for, it should last you a lifetime. Poorly installed or neglected hardscapes hardly ever last long &#8211; proof that frequent maintenance matters.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>5. It will MAXIMISE your outdoor space<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The garden is the perfect place to host family and friends and enjoy a relax in the sun. But if your paving is caked in last year\u2019s barbecue grease, the idea might be offputting. Who can unwind in a dirty-looking environment? A patio that is neat and inviting creates a more functional space and will be a useful extension of your home. But where do you start? Read on to find out.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here we look at maintaining stone paving, porcelain and Victorian tiles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-30142 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Progetto-senza-titolo-53-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Progetto-senza-titolo-53-1.png 1200w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Progetto-senza-titolo-53-1-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Progetto-senza-titolo-53-1-1024x512.png 1024w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Progetto-senza-titolo-53-1-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20mm external porcelain tiles<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b><i>About outdoor porcelain stoneware<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the trend for external porcelain grew, manufacturers listened and created a version that could withstand heavier loads. At 20mm, porcelain paving is thicker and anti-slip, so there\u2019s no need to worry about any accidents when you\u2019re enjoying the garden. Although you may be tempted to opt for the standard 10mm, don\u2019t be enticed, 10mm tiles are simply not supportive enough. On the other hand, these extra-thick tiles are resistant to frost and atmospheric changes, making them an ideal choice for all residential outdoor settings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>How to keep porcelain paving pristine from day one<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As with all tiling projects, the initial cleaning matters, or you could end up with a surface that massively underperforms. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many issues with porcelain stem from skipping this step, but it\u2019s so important to do, and it\u2019ll make routine maintenance easier long term. FILA\u2019s <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">professional cleaner<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.filasolutions.com\/eng\/products\/full-range\/cleaning-products\/detergents\/deterdek-pro-2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DETERDEK PRO<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> removes post-application deposits to prevent outdoor porcelain tiles from ever looking cloudy or dull. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.filasolutions.com\/eng\/products\/full-range\/protectors\/dirt-repellents\/filastop-dirt\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">STOP DIRT<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is another great product for tiles, especially textured Lappato versions, and this <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dirt-repellent <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">will improve the material\u2019s resistance to dirt.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-30156 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/pexels-max-vakhtbovych-7031573.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/pexels-max-vakhtbovych-7031573.png 1200w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/pexels-max-vakhtbovych-7031573-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/pexels-max-vakhtbovych-7031573-1024x512.png 1024w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/pexels-max-vakhtbovych-7031573-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Natural stone garden paving<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b><i>About natural stone patios<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While there is an endless market for paving, natural stone is still an enduring, elegant choice. Admired for its organic design, pattern and texture, stone can\u2019t be mimicked, and it ages better than man-made substitutes. Not only that but stone is a timeless addition, able to withstand harsh weather conditions and is great for high-traffic areas like patios. Once laid, it will also maintain its original finish and shade; all it takes is a little upkeep and the use of an excellent <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stone sealer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>How to clean and care for paving stones<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although most stone patios require sealing, they\u2019re pretty effortless to care for. All you need to maintain the eye-catching finish of stone is a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stain-removing detergent<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stone sealer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to keep the surface intact. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.filasolutions.com\/eng\/products\/full-range\/cleaning-products\/detergents\/ps87-pro\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PS87 PRO<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is great for cleaning acid-sensitive stone with a matt finish to stop paving slabs from becoming discoloured. Likewise, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.filasolutions.com\/eng\/products\/full-range\/protectors\/stain-protectors\/mp90-eco-xtreme\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MP90 ECO XTREME<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will facilitate cleaning and provide environmentally friendly stain protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-30149 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Progetto-senza-titolo-52-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Progetto-senza-titolo-52-1.png 1200w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Progetto-senza-titolo-52-1-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Progetto-senza-titolo-52-1-1024x512.png 1024w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Progetto-senza-titolo-52-1-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Victorian tiles<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b><i>About traditional clay-fired tiles<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Victorian tiles are made from clay with powdered glazes and fired in a kiln. They were originally arranged in repeating patterns and used to decorate floors of some of the most expensive villas of the 19th Century. As well as being considered decorative and hygienic, Victorian tiles are remarkably very durable too. With a little care, they will last and stay looking superb &#8211; here\u2019s how to maintain traditional clay-fired tiles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>How to care for specialist tiles like these<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Victorian tiles require a particular level of care; after all, they\u2019re made from delicate clay. If newly installed, they should be cleaned with a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stain-removing detergent<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to remove residues of fresh grout; PS87 PRO is gentle, contains biodegradable ingredients, and won\u2019t attack the surface. We\u2019d also suggest the use of a sealer to protect the tiles from damage. MP90 ECO XTREME will reduce the absorption of water and non-acid staining agents. Simply apply this sealer evenly and continuously with a brush or fleece pad. A regular mop with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/en\/how-to-restore-victorian-tiles-plus-the-cleaner-and-floor-tile-sealer-you-need\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a neutral cleaner<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is also very important.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-30163 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/pexels-alesia-kozik-7911707-2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/pexels-alesia-kozik-7911707-2.png 1200w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/pexels-alesia-kozik-7911707-2-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/pexels-alesia-kozik-7911707-2-1024x512.png 1024w, https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/pexels-alesia-kozik-7911707-2-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Care for any kind of patio with FILA Solutions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To discover the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">professional cleaner<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> you need, such as FILA\u2019s <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dirt repellent<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, STOP DIRT, why not <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.filasolutions.com\/eng\/assistance\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">speak to our expert technical team<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">? Thanks for reading.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Although we know the thought of cleaning outside doesn\u2019t exactly sound fun, did you know it\u2019s key to making the most of your garden? A well-kept space will not only entice you to spend more time outdoors, but you\u2019ll also keep the area safe &#8211; algae and mould can make patios really slippy! And it\u2019s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":682,"featured_media":30128,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1064],"tags":[],"surface":[2519,2517,2518],"room":[2521,2522,2520],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30268"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/682"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30268"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30268\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30272,"href":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30268\/revisions\/30272"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30128"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30268"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30268"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30268"},{"taxonomy":"surface","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/surface?post=30268"},{"taxonomy":"room","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.filasolutions.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/room?post=30268"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}