Porcelain pavers are incredibly hard wearing and require little maintenance – but they’re not self-cleaning. In our latest blog, we look at the best products and methods to use, to help retain that just installed look and the performance benefits of a new paver.
Cleaning porcelain pavers
Porcelain pavers can become dirty and slippery due to environment elements and damp weather, muddy boots, animal excretions, fallen leaves, algae, food residue and everything else that they come into contact with.
Just like indoors, outdoor tiles will benefit from a periodic clean. Keeping the surface clean will prevent a build-up of dirt in the textured surface. This, in turn, will make ongoing cleaning easier and will maintain the tile’s slip resistance. As a general rule of thumb, it’s worth cleaning porcelain paving every couple of months or so – ideally, three times during late spring/summer and twice during the winter. Surfaces that are regularly cleaned will be far easier to keep clean. Regular cleaning of inside-to-outside surfaces, like those that run through bifold doors, will also help maintain a seamless aesthetic.
Jet washing may seem like the best method for a fast clean but it will only wash dirt off the surface of the pavers. High pressure water will also damage grout joints. A specialist treatment, like our ECOPROTEC Intensive Cleaner intensive cleaner, will react with the dirt and grime, whilst our ECOPROTEC Black Spot & Algae Remover will tackle organic matter – including slippery black spot, lichen, moss and algae – and help prevent regrowth.
How to apply ECOPROTEC Intensive Cleaner
- To remove mild staining, dilute one part of Intensive Cleaner with 10 parts of warm water. Wash the surface thoroughly, using a brush or yard broom, and rinse with clean water.
- For more severe staining, dilute one part of Intensive Cleaner with 3 parts of warm water. Agitate with a scrubbing brush and leave to act for 5-10 minutes, adding more solution to keep the surface wet.
- Sweep up any residue and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
How to apply ECOPROTEC Black Spot & Algae Remover
- Apply the Remover neat onto clean pavers with a plastic watering can or light pressure garden spray.
- Leave to absorb for 2-4 hours; the product will begin to fizz as it gets to work.
- Hose off thoroughly with clean water.
The LTP range also includes a series of intensive cleaners that are formulated to tackle very specific stains. For example, ECOPROTEC Cement, Grout & Salt Residue Remover, ECOPROTEC Joint Residue Remover – for the removal of waxes, polymers and epoxy – and ECOPROTEC Rust Stain Remover.
Recommendations for new installations
Unlike natural stone, porcelain pavers don’t need to be sealed. However, their textured finish which provides grip under foot can create challenges during installation. Grout and brush-in joining compounds tend to get stuck in the tile’s high/low surfaces, along with general dirt and residue. This creates a white film on the surface of the tile and, as the texture is lost, the slip resistance is also compromised.
Applying ECOPROTEC Pre Grout Protection – a protective barrier treatment – before grouting can help protect the surface of the tile from cement and resin staining during installation. Once dry, the treatment leaves invisible active ingredients behind which provide protection and make the removal of any residue much easier. It also helps to improve and increase the working time of grouts and jointing compounds. Once residues have been removed and the surface is dry, a further coat makes ongoing cleaning and aftercare easier too.
How to apply ECOPROTEC Pre Grout Protection
- Ensure that the surface to be treated is completely clean, dry and free from dirt, grime, cement and grout. If necessary, clean the tiles with a dilute solution of ECOPROTEC Intensive Cleaner 1:5, using a white pad. Rinse well to remove residues and let the tiles dry.
- Before grouting, apply evenly to the tile surface using a broad paint brush, foam roller or light pressure sprayer. Allow to dry for 30 minutes.
- Apply a second coat. Leave to cure for a minimum of one hour before grouting or pointing.
- Once grout/pointing is dry, and all residues have been removed, a further coat of protector can be applied covering the tile and joints.
Enhancing porcelain pavers
It’s also possible to enhance porcelain pavers with ECOPROTEC Porcelain Paving Enhancer. The water-based PFAS-free treatment gives tiles a ‘just washed look’, as well as providing resistance to foot traffic, general wear and stains, UV resistance and it makes maintenance easier.
How to apply ECOPROTEC Porcelain Paving Enhancer
- As before, ensure pavers are completely clean, dry and free from dirt, grime, cement and grout. If necessary, clean the tiles with a dilute solution of ECOPROTEC Intensive Cleaner 1:5, using a white pad. Rinse well to remove residues and let the tiles dry. Fixing residues can be removed with ECOPROTEC Cement, Grout & Salt Residue Remover.
- Apply treatment with a foam roller, sealant applicator or paint brush to create an even, thin film.
- Allow to dry for one hour. Further coats can be applied at right angles to the first, to a maximum of four coats.
For more advice, browse ECOPROTEC TV on YouTube, contact the ECOPROTEC team direct on 01823 662722 or email technical@ecoprotec.co.uk
