Today we're going to look at the care and cleaning of porcelain stoneware. Tiles as patio floors have various advantages. They are wind and weatherproof, as well as robust, durable and easy to clean . However, they heat up very quickly in summer, making it almost impossible to walk on them barefoot. Furthermore, porcelain stoneware can change color over time. Despite their easy-care properties, the tiles need to be cleaned and cared for so that you can enjoy them for as long as possible.
The first step: remove weeds and moss
It is particularly beneficial to clean the patio thoroughly after autumn and winter. In the wet months, various deposits can form, such as algae or green growth, which can sometimes pose a slip hazard. If the tiles are not grouted, the first thing to do is to remove moss and weeds . Make sure you remove the roots as well, otherwise the annoying weeds will appear quicker than you think. If the patio is large, a flame gun can be used. For smaller areas, a grout brush or scraper is also sufficient.
The second step: Remove coarse dirt and leaves
The second step is to remove the coarse dirt and leaves. A broom is perfectly adequate for this. A squeegee can help with wet leaves. Once the coarse dirt has been removed, we move on to wet cleaning. Stains and green deposits can be scrubbed away with a brush . A light soft soap can also be used to help here. Dissolve the soft soap in water, pour it onto the tiles and leave it to work for around 30 minutes. Then wipe it down and the terrace should shine again. For very stubborn dirt, a special cleaner can also be used. Make sure that the cleaner is environmentally friendly.
Can a high-pressure cleaner be used?
Now, of course, the question arises as to whether a high-pressure cleaner can be used on tiles. A high-pressure cleaner is recommended for tiles that have grout . The pressure should also not be too high. Ideally, you should work away from the house wall , i.e. with your back to the house wall, so that the dirty water does not end up on the house wall. Ideally, you should remove tougher stains and dirt as soon as possible , so that the stain does not set in and is much easier to remove.
These cleaners are not recommended
So far, cleaning tiles doesn't seem to be rocket science, but certain cleaners should not be used. Generally speaking, almost any commercially available cleaner can be used, but it would be advantageous if the cleaner does not contain surfactants . Surfactants allow dirt to settle on the surface even more easily. They also minimize surface tension , so that grease and oil easily mix and leave unsightly deposits. It is also possible that the mixture then gets stuck in the pores. This makes cleaning unnecessarily difficult and streaks form because the mixture cannot be properly removed. Last but not least , cleaners that moisturize and contain wax should be avoided . This is because these build up layers on the tiles which, in addition to deposits, give a negative appearance.
We hope that our tips will help you enjoy your patio for a long time and will help you the next time you clean it.
