It seems that unglazed patio tiles exposed to outdoor dirt and plant and animal stains are difficult to wash safely.
Some websites recommend trisodium phosphate as an agent that is effective without doing much damage to the tiles. Most cleaning agents in Australia now do not contain trisodium phosphate because it promotes algal blooms in streams.
Other agents are used, some being called nonionic surfactants. These too can be a problem. Some, called APEs, degrade to mimic hormones that damage wildlife, bees in particular.
Is there up-to-date information of what agents in domestic or commercial cleaning products can do this job safely and effectively?
Safely cleaning patio tiles
(6 posts) (4 voices)-
Posted Saturday 21 May 2016 @ 6:59:03 am from IP #
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Johnnojack
MemberUnglazed tiles for outside are a flawed technology, putting tiles which get dirty easily and are hard to clean in a place where they are most likely to get dirty, ie. outside. Clean water and pressure washer - often.
Posted Saturday 21 May 2016 @ 2:41:04 pm from IP # -
Thanks Johnnojack.
Plain water is what has been used on the same tiles indoors for years.
Just now the patio tiles are dirty with eucalyptus gum and scum from some unsuitable cleaning agent.Posted Saturday 21 May 2016 @ 11:58:17 pm from IP # -
xthoms
MemberI'm also suffering as I've used unglazed tiles outside. It's a pain.
When you need a new patio, let us help you.
http://contractorquotes.us/concrete-patio-contractors-near-me/Posted Sunday 29 May 2016 @ 2:07:01 pm from IP # -
Johnnojack
MemberFirst thing to try is water, but give it time to work by covering the tiles with old rags or furniture moving blankets. Keep wet for 12 to 24 hours and then scrub with more water or pressure washer. No go then time for the acidic or alkaline solution. Organic substances like tree sap will succumb to the latter, mix up a weak solution of caustic soda (NAOH) use PPE or suffer the consequences. Leave it for an hour or so to work but don't let it dry out. Dilute with water without splashing and then use scrubbing or pressure washer. If the stains are white coloured it may be lime deposits from hard water or soap scum. In this case use acid, hydrocloric is best. Dilute it as required and use your gloves and goggles again.
Posted Tuesday 31 May 2016 @ 1:33:19 pm from IP #
