Do you have space outside your home? How can you create a welcoming atmosphere and decorate it well? Garden tiles are your best ally. Both solid and attractive, this type of flooring is very popular with decorating enthusiasts.
Since you’re going to be laying it outside, you need to take certain precautions. The first thing to do is find a quality product that’s hard-wearing and durable. That’s exactly what we offer at Novoceram. Our extensive catalogue includes a wide range of products, such as block tiles and imitation travertine, all of which are perfectly suited to outdoor installation. Next, you’ll need to keep your lawn well maintained. How do you do this with garden tiles? Here’s how.
Cleaning garden tiles: products and techniques to use
When laid outdoors, garden tiles will inevitably be exposed to harsh weather conditions: cold, rain, snow, excessive heat, etc. Although they are designed to last, good maintenance is essential to extend their life. To do this, you need to use the right products and avoid the most aggressive ones. There are also a number of techniques that can be used.
Baking soda
You’ve probably used it to clean other objects or surfaces. Baking soda also works wonders when it comes to cleaning garden tiles. Simply dilute it in warm water and wipe over the areas to be cleaned. Use a microfibre cloth for this. The substance is also ideal for cleaning grouting.
Black soap
There’s no substitute for good old-fashioned black soap. Once again, it’s a substance that’s not very aggressive, if at all. It’s ideal for regular cleaning of garden tiles. All you need to do is mix it with water. All you have to do is clean and rinse. You don’t need to do this often, especially in these cold weather conditions: you can clean garden tiles with black soap once or twice a month.
White vinegar
Like bicarbonate of soda and black soap, white vinegar is highly recommended for maintaining and washing garden floors. It should also be diluted in fresh water. Once the solution is ready, simply apply it to the affected areas and brush gently with a microfibre cloth.
Alcohol
Alcohol can be used to clean garden tiles. This is particularly useful for surfaces that have become sticky and dirty from soiling. Alcohol should be mixed with soapy water. Simply pour 1 glass into 1 litre of water.
Wash’Guard
As you know, Wash’Guard is a product concentrated with powerful active ingredients. It effectively removes dirt from tiles. Just don’t use it often, as it’s rather aggressive. Wash’Guard is only required for removing stains that have resisted baking soda, black soap or white vinegar. In other words, it’s a last resort.
High-pressure cleaners
Using this type of appliance is an effective way of cleaning the paving in your green spaces. However, you shouldn’t make a habit of it. High-pressure cleaners should only be used once a year. The high pressure exerted by the machine can make the tiles more porous and strip the enamel layer. So be careful.
Stains caused by excrement, fungus and mould: how do you remove them from garden tiles?
Now you’re well equipped to clean your garden tiles properly. Now let’s go case by case. Because it’s outdoors and exposed to a variety of factors, this surface is subject to several types of dirt, such as bird and animal droppings.
Mould and mildew stains
Let’s start with the most common type. These stains are caused, among other things, by the accumulation of moisture and germs. To get rid of them once and for all, we recommend you use the Wash’Guard mentioned above. It will get rid of them for good.
Urine, faeces and blood stains
Your garden is regularly visited by birds, cats and other pets. It’s highly likely that they will leave organic traces such as urine, excrement or blood. To clean them, simply use warm or hot soapy water, but only if the stains are fresh.
Baking soda or washing-up liquid for the toughest stains
If the stains have been there for some time, you’ll need to step up a gear. In this case, baking soda or white vinegar will come in very handy. Remember how to prepare the solutions. Soak a brush moistened with water and brush gently until the dirt disappears. You can also use dishwasher liquid. In this case, dampen the stains in question, sprinkle with the powder, brush gently and rinse.
Plant and leaf stains
This type of stain is also common in the garden, which makes sense after all. To clean tiles, mix alcohol with warm water. Then soak a sponge in it. All you have to do is remove the stains from the surface, rinse and you’re done.
Plant sap stains
Garden tiles are also vulnerable to plant sap stains. To remove them, you need to use rather powerful products such as White Spirit. White Spirit is a mineral spirit made from a mixture of hydrocarbons, ideal for cleaning all types of tiling.
