External Porcelain Cleaning & Maintenance

Following the grout installation, it is necessary to remove any residue on the face of the tile. On most occasions this can be removed with a damp sponge.

Should stubborn grout residue remain, we recommend using the Lithofin Cement Residue Remover, designed to dissolve deposits such as cement and mortar residues, as well as residues of flexible grouting materials. As this product is acid based, we recommend using water to wet the grout joints with a sponge prior to application of the product, to help buffer the grout joints from the acid.

For further information, read our Porcelain Installation Cleaning guide below.

As per internal, we recommend a mix of dry and wet methods to keep your porcelain paving looking its best.

Regular sweeping is great to remove fallen leaves, berries and dirt - always sweep in dry conditions to obtain the best results.

Wet methods of cleaning can involve a hosepipe alongside a stiff sweeping brush. We recommend using the Lithofin Intensive Clean - diluted at a ratio of 1:10 to remove external dirt and staining.

For further information, please read our Regular External Cleaning guide for porcelain tiles below.

We recommend using a Power/Jet wash with caution. Spray from at least half a metre away to clear light debris/stains.
Stains can be removed with Lithofin Intensive Clean and a stiff brush in order to protect the top layer of the tile.

It is not necessary to seal exterior porcelain - we recommend opting for a maintain approach only.

For stubborn dirt or stains (such as leaf tannins and berries), we recommend using the Lithofin Outdoor Cleaner, designed to remove stubborn dark deposits. Begin by testing the product on two affected tiles using the below method.

Use a garden sprayer (or pour directly onto the surface and move the product around with a stiff brush) to apply generously in undiluted form.

Allow the product to work for 2 to 10 hours depending on the stubbornness of the dirt deposits.

Brush the surface and rinse with clear water. In very stubborn cases, repeat this procedure.

For further information, read our Occasional Deep Clean guide for external porcelain below.

On occasion, it is possible for porcelain tiles to appear smeary in certain lights, you may even notice footprints on the surface. This is caused by polymer residue that needs to be cleaned from the surface.

The majority of cementitious grouts now contain polymers which improves both strength and flexibility. Your professional installer will clean the grout residue once the grout has been installed, however, if polymer residue remains it is necessary for your installer to conduct a secondary clean.

Often you can test for polymer residue by using your finger to rub the tile with force, if a rubbery residue is formed it indicates polymer residue is present.

When testing for polymer removal, we recommend using the Lithofin Intensive Clean, an alkaline cleaner designed to break down the polymer residue. Begin by testing the product on two affected tiles using the below method.

Dilute the product at a ratio of 1:2, apply generously and leave the product on for 10-15 minutes - scrubbing every minute with a stiff brush.

Rinse twice with clear water and towel dry or wet vac the tile before assessing the results. If you are not satisfied, increase the ratio of product to water and test again.

We do not recommend using this product neat. Work in small controlled sections (2-3m2 at a time).

For further information, read our cleaning smeary/patchy tiles guide below.