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How To Clean Outdoor Tiles

How To Clean Outdoor Tiles

July 27, 2026

Your tiles are a significant feature of your outdoor space. With the ability to imbue your garden or courtyard with an elevated design appeal whilst also providing functionality and ease, tiles are a great all-rounder material.

Your outdoor tile flooring is incredibly durable and a smart long-term investment that if properly cared for, can last you for decades to come. Keeping your tiles clean and debris-free is the best way to maintain this investment, and ensure your outdoor tiles look great throughout the years.

If you don’t know how to clean your outdoor tiles, don’t panic! We have put together an expansive guide to walk you through the need-to-know tips for cleaning your outdoor tiles, so whether you’re looking for information on how to clean your outdoor non-slip tiles, or how to keep your grout clean, we cover it all.

 

 

Cleaning Outdoor Tiles (in 6 Simple Steps)

Cleaning your outdoor tiles will prevent mould and grime build up from compromising the aesthetic and structural value of your outdoor tiles. By removing the harmful contaminants that can cause erosion and wear, you can ensure that your gorgeous outdoor tiles stay fresh and sleek for years to come. For a simple guide on how to clean your outdoor tiles, follow these tips:

Tools and cleaning products you will need:

  • Hose or bucket
  • Firm-bristled broom
  • Tile cleaner (we recommend Drytreat Alkaline Cleaner Hanafinn)

Pre-clean routine

  • Firstly begin by hosing the area down.
  • Sweep the area to remove any leaves, dirt and debris.

1. Sweep the tiles daily

  • Vigorously sweep your tiles. Sweeping on a regular basis will ensure your outdoor tiles don’t end up caked with dirt and build up grime or stains which can be difficult to remove.

2. Wash the tiles with clean water once per week

  • If you have a hose, use that to wet the area. If not, use a bucket and/or a mop to ensure the outdoor tiles are sufficiently wet.

3. Deep clean the tiles once a month

  • Applying a deep cleaner over the tiles will help to remove grime and excess build-up, without requiring harsh scrubbing.
  • Deep cleaning also helps to prevent cracks and erosion.

4. Rinse and dry the deep-cleaned tiles

  • To finish the process, hose down the area to remove the excess dirt or grime that remains, ensuring a thorough clean.

5. Remove stains as soon as you notice them

  • Similar to stain removal for clothing, it is best to remove stains as soon as they occur.
  • The sooner you get to a mark or a stain, the less likely it is to cause permanent damage and the easier it will be to remove.

6. Avoid cleaning with abrasive materials

  • It’s best to leave the steel wool under the kitchen sink. Using abrasive materials will damage the finish of the tile, leaving the surface much more vulnerable to staining and pitting.

 

 

How to Clean Different Tile Types

Different tiles require different means of cleaning. Each material can respond differently to cleaning products, which is why it’s best to do some research first to ensure your tiles stay in tip-top condition. For a specific handbook on how to clean your outdoor tiles, look no further.

Porcelain & Ceramic Tiles:

When it comes to cleaning outdoor porcelain and ceramic tiles, the guidelines are simple! These hard wearing and durable tiles are popular across Australian households due to their strength and low-maintenance appeal. To clean these tiles, follow the steps listed above. For porcelain and ceramic tiles, it’s best to use a pH neutral cleaner, such as Amberclean. Wash and dry the tiles and watch them sparkle!

Marble Tiles:  

When it comes to cleaning your beautiful marble tiles, the gentler, the better. Marble’s soft, porous materiality is susceptible to staining and scratches, so it’s best to be careful when cleaning. If taken care of properly, marble can age beautifully and maintain its refined, elegant aesthetic for many years to come. To ensure you’re taking the best care of your marble, use a pH neutral cleaner such as Amberclean and steer clear of acidic solutions and abrasive scrubbing tools.

Slate and Natural Stone Tiles:

Similar to marble tiles, when cleaning slate and natural stone tiles, it’s best to avoid anything acidic and instead use a pH neutral cleaner. Acidic cleaners will break down the slate, and can cause cracks that require expensive repairs or even replacement. If you’re unsure how to clean rough outdoor tiles, the same process applies.

Before you get started with wetting the area, you’ll first need to ensure that the tiles are clear from organic matter i.e. leaves, stones, twigs and general natural debris.
Take your hard bristled brush and thoroughly sweep the area. Alternatively, if you have a leaf blower you can also use this.
From here, you can use your tile cleaner to remove the stains that may have been caused by the organic matter.
After cleaning and soaking the tiles for approximately 5 minutes, rinse the area and let dry.


How To Remove Organic Matter From Outdoor Tiles

  • Before you get started with wetting the area, you’ll first need to ensure that the tiles are clear from organic matter i.e. leaves, stones, twigs and general natural debris.
  • Take your hard bristled brush and thoroughly sweep the area. Alternatively, if you have a leaf blower you can also use this.
  • From here, you can use your tile cleaner to remove the stains that may have been caused by the organic matter.
  • After cleaning and soaking the tiles for approximately 5 minutes, rinse the area and let dry.

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