Cleaning Advice
01.
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE ADVICE FOR PORCELAIN PAVERS
For routine cleaning, remove dirt, leaves, sand and debris with regular sweeping or brushing. If the surface color becomes masked by dirt or residue, scrub the porcelain pavers with warm water and a neutral or acid-free detergent. Cleaning can be carried out by hand or with a domestic cleaning machine suitable for outdoor surfaces. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any detergent residue.
Porcelain paver surfaces are highly resistant, but weeds may occasionally appear in the joints. They rarely grow through the paver itself and can usually be removed by hand. If sand is removed from the joints during cleaning, it should be replaced once the process is complete. Regular foot or vehicle traffic can also help reduce weed growth in paved areas. In less frequently used areas, regular trimming and suitable paving-safe herbicides may help control weeds. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
POWER WASHING
Power washing can be used to help keep porcelain pavers clean, provided it is done correctly. Use a spraying movement and hold the lance at a low angle. Avoid directing the jet straight into the joints, as this may remove sand or damage the joint structure.
ACID WASHING
Stains that cannot be removed with regular cleaning may require specific acid-based cleaning products. Chemical cleaners must always be used with care, following the manufacturer’s instructions and considering the acid concentration.
LEAF STAINS
- Remove leaves and loose debris with a nylon-bristle brush.
- Apply the selected stain remover, following the manufacturer’s instructions for surface preparation, dilution, and contact time.
- Scrub with a nylon-bristle brush to help loosen residue trapped in the surface texture.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and assess the results once the surface is dry. Repeat if necessary, as directed by the manufacturer.
- Faber OXIDANT: Specifically formulated to remove tannin and other stubborn stains, and suitable for textured porcelain tile. It is listed by Faber’s U.S. distributor, The Tile Doctor. Please check with the distributor for local availability. Product information – The Tile Doctor
- FILA SR95: Formulated to remove colored organic stains and expressly suitable for textured porcelain tile. It is included in FILA’s U.S. product range. Product information – FILA USA
SEASONAL MAINTENACE
Spring
After winter, clean the slabs thoroughly and check that all joints are intact.
Summer
As outdoor areas are used more frequently, regular checks and cleaning are recommended.
Fall
Leaves, fruit and berries should be removed regularly to prevent staining or residue buildup.
Winter
Remove snow and ice deposits when necessary, as they may create slippery conditions. De-icing salts are commonly used, but they may leave white residues and can be corrosive to nearby metal elements or harmful to vegetation.
Porcelain pavers are highly resistant to staining and usually require only water or a neutral detergent diluted with water. More stubborn stains may require additional cleaning. Avoid abrasive products such as scouring pads, steel wool pads or cleaners containing strong acids or alkalis, unless specifically recommended for porcelain surfaces.
For difficult stains and persistent dirt, use a mild alkaline detergent and rinse thoroughly with clean water after cleaning. For large surfaces, we recommend using commercial washer-dryer machines suitable for outdoor paving. Some types of dirt, such as sand or abrasive residues, can scratch or dull the surface over time when combined with foot traffic. These residues should be regularly removed by sweeping, blowing or vacuuming.
02.
STAIN REMOVAL GUIDE
RUST
Rust stains are usually red or brown and often appear near steel or iron. Mild household remedies such as lemon juice or white vinegar may help. Apply to the stained area, let it react for a few minutes, scrub with a bristle brush and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
FRUIT, BERRIES, LEAVES, OIL, BEER, WINE AND SOFT DRINKS
These stains can usually be removed with hot water and detergent.
CHEWING GUM
Fresh gum can be scraped off carefully with a mechanical scraper. Hardened gum can be frozen and then removed, or softened with hot water.
CEMENT, MORTAR AND CONCRETE
Cement, mortar and concrete residues usually require a suitable acid cleaner. Always test the product on a small area first.
TIRE MARKS
Tire marks can usually be removed by steam cleaning.
PAINT AND INK
Fresh paint should be absorbed, not wiped. Then apply a suitable solvent and clean with a degreasing agent. Dried paint should be scraped off carefully before applying a paint remover. On the other hand, dried paint should be scraped off and a paint remover applied afterwards.
BITUMEN
Allow fresh bitumen to cool before removal. Ice can help make the material brittle and easier to scrape off. Remove residues with a suitable abrasive powder and rinse with clean water. Avoid using solvents, as they may spread the stain.
SMOKE, FIRE AND TOBACCO
Smoke, fire and tobacco residues do not usually leave permanent stains on porcelain pavers. If residue remains on the surface, clean with warm water and a neutral detergent, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
EPOXY AND POLYESTER
Solidified epoxy or polyester residues can usually be removed with a suitable solvent. Always test the solvent on a small, hidden area before carrying out any large-scale cleaning operation. After treatment, rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water.
COPPER, BRONZE AND ALUMINUM
Copper and bronze stains are usually green or brown. To remove them, mix 1 part ammonium chloride with 4 parts whiting, then add ammonium hydroxide to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the stained area, allow it to act, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Aluminum stains can usually be removed with a suitable acid-based cleaner. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and test the product on a small, hidden area before use. Aluminum stains can be removed by washing with acid. Use chemical products with caution and follow all safety instructions.
LIME DEPOSIT AND ATMOSPHERIC DUST
If the surface is not cleaned regularly, lime deposits, atmospheric dust and pollution may create a film on the paver surface, making the material appear one or two shades lighter than its original color. This effect is often caused by water drying on the surface and leaving limescale deposits, combined with dust and airborne pollution. The issue can usually be resolved with a suitable acid-free cleaner or limescale remover, depending on the type of residue. Always rinse thoroughly after cleaning.
ACID RESISTANCE
Porcelain pavers are resistant to the most common mild acids, such as vinegar, lemon juice and cola, which contains orthophosphoric acid. These acids can corrode calcium-based materials such as marble, but they generally leave no trace on ceramic surfaces. Porcelain pavers are not resistant to damage caused by sulfuric acid. Strong acids must always be used with extreme care and only when specifically recommended for porcelain surfaces.
IMPORTANT NOTE
These recommendations are based on research, laboratory testing and field experience. Cleaning performance may vary depending on the type and location of the installation, conditions of use and surface finish. As a general rule, pavers with higher anti-slip properties may require more careful cleaning than smoother surfaces. Always test cleaning products on a small, hidden area before applying them to the entire surface.
