How To Clean Porcelain Slabs the Right Way

Tired of pressure washing, bleaching, and obsessing over stubborn stains on your outdoor patio? Porcelain paving provides a low-maintenance, worry-free alternative. The durable, non-porous material simply doesn’t absorb stains and spills like natural stone or concrete. Just imagine lazy weekends free from hours of scrubbing and risky chemicals. With porcelain, all it takes is some simple soap and water to reveal a flawless, clean surface.

But how exactly do you keep porcelain paving spotless with minimal effort? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll walk through the simple process step-by-step. We’ll cover the basic supplies you need, tips for regular maintenance, and how to remove tough debris. With just a bit of care, your porcelain will look fresh for years. Give those pressure washers and outdoor bleaches a rest. When you’re ready, grab a bucket and let’s get that patio gleaming.

Things You’ll Need to Clean Porcelain Paving

Cleaning porcelain paving doesn’t require much. You likely already have most, if not all, of the supplies needed:

• Bucket or basin
• Warm water
• Mild liquid detergent or soap
• Scrub brush with stiff bristles
• Garden hose or additional rinse water

That’s all you really need for routine cleaning. The warm, soapy water does the work of lifting away dirt, debris, and other grime.

Outdoor Porcelain Cleaners

For tougher stains or buildup, specialized outdoor porcelain cleaners can help. However, they are typically not necessary for general maintenance. The mild detergent and scrub brush are often sufficient. Only break out the heavy-duty cleaners for serious stains that soap and water cannot remove on their own

How to Clean Porcelain Paving

Clear the Area

Start by removing any furniture, planters, rugs, or other items from the porcelain paving. This allows you to access and clean the entire surface. It also prevents you from trying to scrub around fixed objects.

Sweep Away Debris

Before washing, sweep the porcelain paving with a broom or leaf blower to remove any loose leaves, dirt, gravel, and other debris. This prevents you from just scrubbing the particles into the surface rather than lifting them away.

Work in Sections

To avoid cleaned areas becoming dirty again, work in smaller sections starting from one end of the patio. Fully scrub, rinse, and dry each section before moving on.

Scrub with Soapy Water

Fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild liquid detergent or soap. Use a scrub brush with stiff, sturdy bristles and work the soapy water over the entire porcelain surface. Apply moderate pressure as you scrub to help lift dirt from the textured surface.

For larger patios, use a deck brush with an extendable handle to make light work of cleaning.

Let mud or leaf buildup soak for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing to loosen the debris.

Let the soapy water sit for 2-3 minutes before rinsing. This allows the detergent to break down stubborn grime so it can be removed easily.

Rinse Thoroughly

Once you’ve scrubbed the entire area, use a garden hose or buckets of clean water to rinse away all soapy residue. Avoid letting sudsy water dry on the patio, as it can leave behind unsightly streaks or stains. Rinse until only clear water remains.

Tips for Keeping Clean Porcelain Paving

Sweep Regularly

Make it a habit to sweep your porcelain patio and walkways on a regular basis — weekly or biweekly. This prevents a heavy buildup of leaves, dirt, and other debris that can get ground into the surface. It’s much easier to sweep away small accumulations than to scrub off layers of compacted grime.

Shake out doormats frequently to prevent tracked debris. Sweep under furniture and planters regularly to prevent hidden buildup.

Clean Seasonally

In addition to regular sweeping, do a deep clean of your entire porcelain paved area at least annually. The beginning of spring or fall is ideal, when you can really give the space a scrub before or after summer months.

Spot Clean Spills

No matter how diligent you are, spills happen! Food, drinks, grease, and other messes should be wiped up as soon as possible. Porcelain is stain-resistant, but letting stains sit increases the likelihood they’ll set and become more stubborn to remove. A quick spot cleaning prevents permanent problems.

Conclusion

Porcelain paving provides a low-maintenance, durable option for beautiful outdoor living spaces. With just a bit of regular care, you can easily keep porcelain walkways, patios, and pool decks looking pristine. Sweep frequently, clean thoroughly with soap and water a few times per year, and promptly wipe up spills when they happen. Avoid abrasive chemicals or pressure washing. Your porcelain will maintain its smooth surface and flawless appearance for years to come. With the simple tips in this guide, you can spend your time relaxing and entertaining outdoors, not laboring over cleaning and repairs. Porcelain paving delivers stunning looks without the hassle.