Outdoor decorative tiles are in high demand. Naturally, you want your outdoor floor and wall tiles to stay looking great, and that means regular cleaning and maintenance. The good news is that ceramic and porcelain tiles are easy to clean, but they do need some regular TLC if you are going to get value from your installation.
A basic but thorough clean should be done at least once a month, especially in the winter and autumn, when the weather and fallen leaves can take their toll. In the summer months, which are generally kinder to the tiles, cleaning can be less frequent. Floor tiles in public spaces will likely need more frequent cleans than a private patio or forecourt.
First, brush or vacuum the tiles to remove any loose debris or dust. Apply a mixture of warm water and mild detergent (e.g. washing-up liquid) using a soft mop or spray. Leave for a few minutes, scrub with a nylon brush, then rinse the tiles thoroughly. Make sure your brush is not too abrasive and will not scratch the glaze. For tougher stains, use mixtures of soda or vinegar with water, or consider purchasing a tile cleaning fluid. There are many of these on the market, but be sure to read the labels carefully and choose the appropriate product.
A more thorough clean should be done about twice a year.
Always avoid abrasive creams and tools that could damage the glaze on your tiles. Scrub the tiles with a non-abrasive brush and an appropriate fluid, then rinse and dry. Pressure cleaners can be used on the more durable tiles, but do not apply prolonged pressure to one small area. To remove organic growth, such as moss and mould, a specialist cleaning fluid may be needed.
Consider hiring a professional cleaner, who will have the tools and tile cleaners to restore your tiles’ pristine appearance.
Ceramic – especially porcelain – tiles are very resilient, but an extra layer of protection may be advisable. Apply a sealer to the tiles, but do check the labels carefully to be sure it is appropriate for your tiles.
To learn more about Digital Ceramics Custom Tiles’ range of outdoor tiles, get in touch with our expert team today.
Talk to us today and find out how we can transform a project of any scale into an exciting visual experience.
