How to Clean Outdoor Tiles
Outdoor tiles make your space look great, but they take a beating from the elements. Sun, rain, falling leaves and daily foot traffic all leave their mark. Regular cleaning keeps your tiles looking fresh and extends their life. We’ll explain how to clean outdoor tiles more generally, then go deeper into different approaches for different spaces and types of tiles.
How to clean outdoor tiles in 6 steps
You’ve probably noticed that your outdoor tiles collect dirt, grime and organic matter over time. To get them clean, you’ll need a different approach than you use in the bathroom. Here's a straightforward process to get them looking almost new again:
1. Clear the area
Start by removing all furniture, plant pots and bits of decor from your tiled area. Move items to a spot where they won't get in the way or wet during cleaning. This is also a good time to check for any damage to your tiles that might need repairs.
2. Sweep away debris
Use a broom to brush away loose dirt, leaves and other debris. Start from the edges and work your way toward the centre, paying special attention to corners where debris builds up. Remove any cobwebs from walls or corners above the tiles — these will drop debris onto your clean tiles if left.
3. Pre-treat tough stains
Tough stains need extra work, but you’ve got to figure out what you're dealing with. Rust needs specific rust removers. Oil-based stains like sunscreen or BBQ grease need something like the Aqua Mix Heavy Duty Tile & Grout Cleaner. Food and drink stains respond well to enzymatic cleaners.
Apply the appropriate cleaner to the stains and let it sit for as long as the product recommends.
4. Scrub the surface
Now comes the physical work. Wet the surface with a combo of water and cleaner like Aqua Mix NanoScrub and get scrubbing. Start with a brush or deck scrubber with bristles sturdy enough to make the job easier without scratching your tiles. Never use wire brushed or steel wool — not only will they scratch your tiles, they’ll also create texture where dirt can get trapped.
Work in small sections about a square meter at a time and scrub only as hard as you need to.
5. Rinse thoroughly
Use a garden hose or bucket to rinse away the water and dirt. If there’s a slope, start at the highest point of your tiled area and work downward to prevent dirty water from running over clean tiles. Keep rinsing until the water runs completely clear with no bubbles.
6. Let it dry completely
Let the tiles dry — this usually takes a few hours depending on the weather. If you’re still seeing dirt and discolouration after they dry, you might need to go in for round two. If it looks like white residue, it could just mean you need to rinse that area again to remove leftover cleaning solution.
Bonus: How to clean outdoor tile grout
Tiles are pretty straightforward, but grout is another thing. Grout lines collect more dirt than tiles because they're slightly recessed, textured and more porous.
If your grout lines are looking noticeably dirty, here’s how to clean them the natural way:
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Mix a paste of baking soda and water.
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Apply it directly to the grout lines and let it sit for 15 minutes.
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Scrub with a grout brush in a back-and-forth motion.
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Rinse with clean water and let it dry.
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Apply a grout sealer once dry to protect against future staining.
For really dirty grout, you might need a heavy duty grout cleaner. These cleaners contain stronger chemicals that break down stubborn dirt. Always test these products on a small area first.
Cleaning outdoor tiles by area
Each outdoor area in your home comes with different cleaning challenges. Keep the steps above in mind but adjust your cleaning regimen slightly according to where your tiles are.
How to clean outdoor tiles on a balcony
Balcony tiles deal with unique conditions — if you live above someone you need to be more mindful of how and when you clean. They also collect plenty of wind-blown dust and the occasional bird dropping and get less rain to wash it all away.
Here’s what you’ll need to keep in mind when cleaning your balcony tiles:
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Clean walls and railings first so dirt doesn't fall on clean tiles.
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Work with small amounts of water to prevent overflow.
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Clean more frequently since natural rain can't help.
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Keep drainage points clear.
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Use pH-neutral cleaners to protect metal railings and concrete.
How to clean outdoor tiles on a porch or patio
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Porch and patio tiles connect your indoor and outdoor spaces. They deal with everything from muddy shoes to food spills and often stay partially covered so they don't get rain. These areas also see constant foot traffic and collect dirt from both your garden and your house.
Here are a few tips to help you clean your front porch or back patio:
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Clean spills right away — they'll stain faster in covered areas.
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Use a tile cleaner targeted for oil-based spills.
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Check under furniture and pots where dirt builds up.
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Keep an eye on drainage to prevent water pooling.
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Pay extra attention to shaded spots that stay damp and can grow mould.
How to clean outdoor tiles by the pool
Pool area tiles are under a fair bit of stress from pool chemicals, constant water exposure and heavy summer foot traffic. Saltwater pools create extra cleaning challenges with it being corrosive and salt residue building up over time.
Here’s what you should do when cleaning your pool area tiles:
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Be careful to not get any tile cleaner in your pool.
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Clean splash zones more often to prevent chemical buildup.
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Watch for calcium deposits from water evaporation.
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Check grout regularly — pool chemicals can wear it down faster than usual.
How to maintain outdoor tiles
Your outdoor tiles need regular care to stay looking good. A simple tile maintenance routine prevents dirt buildup and keeps your tiles in top condition. Most problems start small and get worse over time, so catching them early saves you work later on.
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Daily: Sweep loose debris and clean spills right away.
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Weekly: Full sweep of the area and spot clean any marks.
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Monthly: Check grout condition and clean any stubborn stains.
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Every three months: Deep clean tiles and grout if needed; check sealer condition.
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Yearly: Professional clean if needed, reseal tiles and fix any damage.
The right tiles make cleaning easier
Your choice of tiles makes a big difference to how much maintenance they need. TileCloud tiles are designed to handle our unique climate and keep their look over time. We have options for every outdoor space, from non-slip pool tiles to stain-resistant patio tiles. Browse our outdoor tile range or book a free design appointment to talk to us about finding tiles that suit your space and lifestyle.
Cleaning outdoor tiles FAQs
Can I clean outdoor tiles with vinegar?
White vinegar works well as part of a tile-cleaning solution. It cleans and removes mineral deposits on most outdoor tiles except natural stone. To be safe, always test your vinegar solution on a small area first.
What's the best product to clean outdoor tiles?
The best cleaning product really depends on what you're dealing with. If it’s surface stains like wax, grout residue or dirt, Aqua Mix NanoScrub is a great pick. For oil-based stains, Aqua Mix Heavy Duty Tile & Grout Cleaner works wonders. Got mould or mildew? A mould cleaner should do the trick. Just match the product to the problem, and you’re good to go!
How do I clean different types of outdoor tiles?
Smooth and textured surfaces need slightly different treatments when cleaning. Smooth tiles show dirt more easily but clean up with less effort — you'll need to clean them more often, but the job is quick. Textured tiles hide dirt better but need more vigorous brushing to get into the grooves.
Can I pressure wash outdoor tiles?
Pressure washing is a risk to your outdoor tiles — especially the grout. We generally don’t recommend you pressure wash your TileCloud tiles, but if you’re going to attempt it, start in an inconspicuous area and keep the pressure low (under 1500 PSI).
Layla Sawyer
Layla is a creative at heart, with an Advanced Diploma in Interior Design and being the Senior Marketing and Ecommerce Coordinator here at TileCloud she has a passion for staying up to date with the latest trends within the industry. Known for going down a rabbit hole on Pinterest and being a sucker for a good mood board to kick off any project.