General Cleaning Methods for Outdoor Tiles

A Guide on how to Clean Outdoor Tiles

For general maintenance and upkeep:

1. ✔ Sweep off loose dirt and leaves.
2. ✔ Mix warm water with a porcelain patio cleaner or mild dish soap. We recommend our Nicobond Patio Pro 2-in-1 Outdoor Porcelain Cleaner, developed to tackle severe soiling, from grime to oil stains and tannins from leaf stains. Diluted with water, it works perfectly for general cleaning or can be used neat for thick grime and stain removal.
3. ✔ Scrub with a soft-bristle brush.
4. ✔ Rinse thoroughly.
5. ✔ Allow tiles to dry.

Can I Jet Wash Outdoor Porcelain Tiles?

Porcelain tiles are more resistant to water pressure than natural stone, but there are still precautions to follow when using a jet washer:

• Keep a low pressure, under 2000 PSI to prevent damage to your tiles.
• Angle the nozzle at 45-degrees and keep the hose at least 30 cm (12 inches) from the tiles.
• Don’t point the nozzle directly on the grout lines.  

For the safest results, use a low-pressure setting or a dedicated patio cleaner attachment instead of a concentrated jet.

How to Clean Outdoor Tiles Without a Pressure Washer

For those who don’t have access to a pressure washer or prefer a gentler cleaning approach, there are several effective alternative methods to keep your outdoor tiles in top condition without the risk of damage.

• ✔ For general cleaning, a soft-bristle brush combined with soapy warm water can help remove dirt and grime without harming delicate tile surfaces. This method is particularly useful for porous tiles like terracotta tiles and natural stone, which can be damaged by high-pressure washing.
• ✔ Mixing baking soda and water to scrub stubborn spots (see ratio below). This method works well for removing deep-set stains such as moss, mildew, and grease.
• ✔ For light rinsing and everyday maintenance, using a bucket of clean water or a garden hose with a spray nozzle can help wash away dust and debris without the risk of erosion or cracking. This is a safe and convenient method, especially for delicate tiles that require extra care.

By using these alternative cleaning techniques, you can ensure that your outdoor tiles remain clean, durable, and visually appealing while protecting them from unnecessary wear and tear.

Not everyone has access to a pressure washer/ jet wash, and excessive use can damage certain tiles. The following tile types are particularly at risk:

• Natural stone tiles – A jet wash can take off layers of the surface and cause parts of the stone to crumble.
• Terracotta tiles – These are porous and can crack and crumble from too much force.

Natural & DIY Cleaning Methods

How to Clean Outdoor Tiles Naturally

For those who are looking for eco-friendlier options, natural solutions can work nearly as well as chemicals. These natural combinations can help remove build-up and stains.

• Baking Soda & Water: Creates a gentle scrubbing paste.
• White Vinegar & Water: Can be used on mildew and algae. Not suitable for natural stone tiles.
• Lemon Juice: Naturally degreases your tiles. Not suitable for porous tiles like limestone.

How to Clean Outdoor Tiles with Baking Soda

 

 

Baking soda can be used for removing stains from porcelain tiles and general cleaning.

Suitable for: Porcelain tiles, ceramic and concrete tiles.

How to use: Combine 3 parts bicarbonate of soda/ baking soda with 1 part of water to create paste. Put the paste on stains or grout and leave it for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing using a brush. Rinse thoroughly.

 

How to clean tiles with White Vinegar & Water?

 

 

Ideal for removing mildew and algae.

Suitable for: Porcelain wall and floor tiles and ceramic tiles.

How to use: Combine equal parts of white vinegar and warm water in a bucket, tub or spray bottle. Apply to tiles and leave to sit for 5-10 minutes before using a sponge or brush to scrub. Rinse thoroughly.

DO NOT USE vinegar on natural stone tiles.

 

How to Clean Grease off Outdoor Tiles with Lemon Juice?

 

 

Suitable for: Porcelain and ceramic tiles.

How to use: Pour some fresh lemon juice directly onto oil or grease spots. Leave to sit for 5-10 minutes, then lightly brush off. Rinse well.

DO NOT USE lemon juice on natural stone tiles.

 

How to clean outdoor tiles with soapy water?

 

 

Suitable for: Porcelain, ceramic, and concrete tiles.

How to use: Use a sponge, mop, or soft-bristle brush to apply the soapy water to the tiles, scrubbing gently to lift dirt and grime. For tougher stains, let the solution sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing. Finally, rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. For tougher spots, leave the soapy water to sit for 10 minutes before brushing.

 

How to Make Soapy Water for Cleaning Outdoor Tiles

Using soapy water is one of the safest and easiest-space-collapse: preserve; ways to clean outdoor tiles. However, not all soaps are suitable.

Safe soaps to use:

• Mild dish soap (e.g., Dawn, Fairy, or eco-friendly brands).

• pH-neutral tile cleaners designed for outdoor surfaces.

Avoid these soaps:

• Harsh detergents with ammonia or bleach (can cause discoloration).

• Oily soaps(can leave a slippery residue).

How to Prepare Soapy Water for Cleaning Outdoor Tiles

✔ Fill a bucket with 5 liters of warm water

✔ Add 1–2 tablespoons of mild dish soap and mix until suds form.

Common Types of Contamination on Porcelain Outdoor Tiles

How to Remove Stubborn Stains from Porcelain Tiles

 

 

Cleaning Method: Use Nicobond Patio Pro Black Spot & Green Stain Remover to remove any stains.

Use Nicobond Patio Pro 2-in-1 Outdoor Porcelain Cleaner to get rid of oil spots and tannins from leaf stains.

For rust stains, apply Nicobond Patio Pro Salt, Rust Spot & Cement Grout Remover to remove.

Prevention Tips: Regularly clean with porcelain patio cleaner to prevent stains from setting in.

 

How to Remove Oil from Outdoor Tile
 

 

 

Cleaning Method: Place some baking soda over the oil stain and leave to rest.

Using warm water mixed with soap, use a brush to scrub the baking soda into the oil.

For stains that won’t go, use Nicobond Patio Pro 2-in-1 Outdoor Porcelain Cleaner.

Prevention Tips: Wipe spills immediately; Use Nicobond PatioPro Outdoor Porcelain Tile & Grout Sealer to protect tiles from oil absorption.

 

How to Remove Rust from Outdoor Tiles
 

 

 

Cleaning Method: Use Nicobond PatioPro Salt, Rust Spot & Cement Grout Remover to intensively clean those rust spots.

Prevention Tips: Avoid placing metal furniture directly on tiles; Use rust-resistant outdoor fixtures.

 

How to Clean Outdoor Tiles from Moss, Algae & Lichen Growth

 

 

Cleaning Method: Moss and algae gather in covered, shaded and damp areas.

1. Sweep your tiles, getting rid of all loose dirt and leaves.

2. Apply Nicobond PatioPro 2-in-1 Outdoor Porcelain Cleaner.

3. Scrub Gently using a stiff-bristle brush.

4. Rinse Thoroughly with clean water.

5. Prevent Regrowth – Apply PatioPro Outdoor Porcelain Tile & Grout Sealer to prevent against future stains and water penetration.

Prevention Tips: Keep tiles dry; Regularly brush shaded areas; Use moss/algae inhibitors.

 

How to Clean Outdoor Tiles from Leaf Stains & Organic Debris

 

 

Cleaning Method: Leaves and plants can leave tannin stains on tiles, causing brown patches.

1. Sweep Regularly to remove leaves before they decomposes.

2. Wash with Soapy Water – Mix warm water with washing up liquid and scrub using a brush.

3. Remove Stains – For tougher tannin stains, apply Nicobond PatioPro 2-in-1 Outdoor Porcelain Cleaner.

4. Rinse Thoroughly.

5. Prevent Future Staining – Cut back any overhanging branches and brush off tiles regularly to minimise any buildup.

Prevention Tips: Regularly sweep and remove fallen leaves; Use Nicobond PatioPro 2-in-1 Outdoor Porcelain Cleaner to prevent tannin stains.

 

How to Clean Bird Droppings & Animal Waste off of Outdoor Tiles

 

 

Cleaning Method: 

1. Remove Solids – Use a scraping tool or tissue to lightly remove dried droppings.

2. Mix warm water with washing up liquid or use Nicobond PatioPro 2-in-1 Outdoor Porcelain Cleaner or Nicobond PatioPro Black Spot & Green Stain Remover for stain removal.

3. Use a sponge or brush to scrub the soapy water into the stains or follow the instructions of the cleaner and stain remover.

4. Rinse Thoroughly.

Prevention Tips: Install bird deterrents; Regularly rinse areas where pets frequently go; Use a pH-neutral cleaner to maintain white and porcelain tiles.

What Not to Use on Outdoor Tiles

To ensure you are not damaging your tiles, avoid:

 Harsh acids (erodes surfaces).
 Bleach (can discolour).
Metal-bristled brushes (causes scratches).

Best Cleaning Products for Outdoor Tiles

✔ Nicobond PatioPro 2-in-1 Outdoor Porcelain Cleaner – Developed to tackle the most severe soiling, grime, oil stains and leaf tannins.
✔ Nicobond PatioPro Black Spot & Green Stain Remover – Fast acting black spot and green stain remover.
✔ Nicobond PatioPro Salt, Rust Spot & Cement Grout Remover – Removes dirt, lime deposits efflorescence, rust stains and tile adhesive residue.

Final Tip

Before applying any cleaning solution to the entirety of your patio, use a patch that is hidden, to test that the cleaning solution won’t damage the tiles.

Regular maintenance is necessary for keeping your tiles looking fresh and like brand new. By using our collection of porcelain cleaners and stain and residue removers, or the natural cleaning solutions, you can easily keep your outdoor porcelain tiles looking perfect and prevent staining.

We recommend using Nicobond PatioPro Outdoor Porcelain Tile & Grout Sealer to prevent stains and water penetration. Now that you know how to clean outdoor tiles, your patio will remain pristine all year!