Your outdoor tiles are a lot like your indoor ones — they can pick up dirt, stains, and wear from everyday use. But outside, they cop even more abuse, battling the weather and heavy foot traffic all year round. That’s why having a regular cleaning routine is one of the best things you can do to protect them.

The good news is, cleaning outdoor tiles is fairly straightforward — and there’s more than one way to get the job done. In this guide, we’ll share some simple tips and tricks to help keep your outdoor tiles looking fresh, clean, and beautiful for years to come.

Identify Your Outdoor Tile Type

Before you start cleaning, you must know what kind of outdoor tiles you have. Different tile materials need different cleaning methods — and using the wrong approach could cause lasting damage.

Here’s a quick guide:

It’s also important to know if your tiles are glazed or unglazed:

1. Glazed tiles have a protective, shiny surface that resists stains but can become slippery when wet.
2. Unglazed tiles are more porous and need sealing to protect against dirt and moisture.

If you’re unsure about your tile type, check your product details or contact us for advice — it’s always better to be safe before you start.

Gather Your Supplies

Before you start cleaning your outdoor tiles, make sure you have all your supplies ready. Having everything close at hand will make the job quicker and easier.

Here are the essentials you’ll need:

1. Stiff broom or leaf blower: For removing loose dirt, leaves, and debris.
2. Bucket: To mix your water and cleaning solution.
3. Mild detergent or pH-neutral tile cleaner: Gentle on tiles but effective against everyday grime.
4. Garden hose: For rinsing the tiles thoroughly after cleaning.
5. Soft scrubbing brush or pad: Useful for lifting dirt without scratching the tile surface.
6. Grout brush: To get into grout lines and remove stubborn grime.

You can opt for natural options like vinegar, lemon juice, and baking too. These ingredients are gentle on the tiles but also effective in removing tough stains.

Once your tools are ready, you’ll be set to start cleaning properly.

5 Steps On How to Clean Your Outdoor Tiles

Sometimes, all you need is a little elbow grease and some basic cleaning supplies to get your outdoor tiles looking like new again. Here’s a simple method you can follow:

1. Sweep the area

Give your outdoor tiles a good sweep to remove any loose debris, dirt or leaves that may have accumulated on the surface. This will make it easier to see any stubborn stains and target them during the cleaning process.

2. Prepare a cleaning solution

Mix warm water with a mild detergent or pH-neutral tile cleaner in a bucket. Follow the product instructions for the correct ratio.

3. Apply the solution and scrub

Apply the solution to smaller sections of your outdoor tiles. This helps stop the cleaner from drying out before you have a chance to scrub it properly.

Next, use a scrubbing brush to work the surface, focusing on areas with built-up dirt. For grout lines, use a grout brush to lift dirt from the joints.

4. Rinse thoroughly and remove excess water

Once you’ve scrubbed the entire area, rinse off the cleaning solution thoroughly using a garden hose. To avoid water streaks and help the surface dry faster, you can use a squeegee to remove excess water, working in a zig-zag motion across the tiles.

5. Let it air dry

Allow the tiles to dry naturally before putting furniture or other items back in place. On a warm day, this shouldn’t take too long.

How to Remove the Tougher Outdoor Stains

Even with regular cleaning, you can still get oil, grease, rust, and even moss stains on your outdoor tiles. These can be more challenging to remove, but there are a few different techniques you can use:

Oil and Grease Stains

Grease and oil can soak into tiles quickly, especially if they aren’t sealed.

To remove oil or grease stains, sprinkle some baking soda (or cornstarch) over the affected area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, scrub the area with a stiff brush and warm water until the stain disappears.

For older, stubborn stains, you may need a tile-safe degreaser. This will require some soaking time, so follow the instructions on the product closely.
Always rinse the area thoroughly after treatment.

Rust Stains

Rust stains typically appear as orange or reddish-brown spots on tile surfaces. These stains can be caused by metal objects left on the tiles for too long, water with high iron content, or even harsh chemicals.

To remove rust stains, you will need a mild acid such as lemon juice or white vinegar. Apply the acid directly onto the stain and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, scrub the area gently with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly.

If the stain persists, you may need to purchase a specialized rust remover from your local hardware store. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and wear protective gear such as gloves and goggles when handling these products.

Important: Avoid using vinegar on natural stone tiles like travertine, limestone, or sandstone — it can damage the surface.

Moss and Algae

Moss and algae can make tiles slippery and unsightly, especially in shaded or damp areas.
To remove moss and algae from tiles, mix a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 10 parts water. Use caution when using the bleach solution as it can discolor some types of grout and sensitive tiles.

Alternatively, you can also purchase specialised cleaners designed to remove moss and algae from outdoor surfaces.

A few pro tips:

1. Always spot test any cleaner on a small, hidden area first.
2. Stick to pH-neutral or tile-safe products whenever possible.
3. Rinse thoroughly to remove any cleaner residue after tackling stains.

By treating stains early and adequately, you’ll keep your outdoor tiles looking fresh — and avoid long-term damage.

Sealants You Can Use To Protect Your Outdoor Tiles

Applying a sealer to your outdoor tiles adds an extra layer of protection against moisture, stains and potential damage. Sealing is especially important for porous materials like natural stone or unglazed clay tiles, which tend to absorb water and dirt more easily.

There are two types of sealers available: penetrating sealers and coating sealers.

Penetrating Sealers

Penetrating sealers soak into the tile’s surface to create a protective barrier from within. They’re usually water-based and don’t change the appearance of the tile, although some types can slightly enhance the natural colour, giving it a richer look.

Most penetrating sealers need just one or two coats, depending on the porosity of the tile, and typically need to be reapplied every few years depending on wear and exposure.

Coating Sealers

Coating sealers sit on top of the tile and form a physical barrier against stains and moisture. They come in different finishes like glossy, matte, or semi-gloss, and can add a sheen or slightly darken the tile’s colour.

While they offer strong surface protection, they’re usually less durable outdoors than penetrating sealers and can wear unevenly over time, especially in areas exposed to heavy traffic or weather.

Choosing the right type of sealer for your tiles helps keep them protected and looking their best for years to come.

Ongoing Maintenance Tips

Once your outdoor tiles are cleaned and sealed, a little regular maintenance goes a long way. Staying on top of things means you won’t need to deep clean or reseal as often.

Here are a few simple habits to keep your tiles in top shape:

Keep sweeping

Regularly sweep away any debris or dirt that accumulates on your tiles. This will help prevent it from being ground into the surface and causing damage.

Mop up spills

Accidents happen, but be sure to clean up any spills as soon as possible. This is especially important for acidic substances like wine or citrus juices, which can cause etching if left to sit on the tiles.

Avoid harsh chemicals

When cleaning your outdoor tiles, avoid using harsh chemical cleaners. These can strip away sealers and damage the surface of your tiles over time. Stick with mild soap and water for regular cleaning.

Watch for mould and mildew

In areas with high humidity or frequent rain, regularly check your outdoor tiles for signs of mould or mildew. If you notice any growth, you can use a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar to clean the affected area — but avoid using vinegar on natural stone tiles, as it can cause surface damage.

Protect against freezing temperatures

If you live in an area with cold winters, it’s important to take measures to protect your outdoor tiles from freezing temperatures. This includes sealing them properly before winter sets in and making sure they are free of any debris that could trap moisture and cause cracking.

Maintaining your outdoor tiles doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little bit of effort, you can keep them looking beautiful for years to come.

Complete Your Outdoor Space with High-Quality Tiles

Looking to upgrade your outdoor space? At Paving Supplies, we offer a wide range of outdoor tiles and pavers built to handle Australia’s tough conditions. Choose from premium natural stone tiles like travertine, limestone, and sandstone, or go for hard-wearing porcelain options in a variety of colours and finishes.

Our outdoor tiles are perfect for patios, pool surrounds, garden paths, alfresco areas, and more. We proudly supply homeowners, landscapers, and builders across Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and surrounding areas. Explore our outdoor tile collection today and start building your ideal outdoor space.