Last updated: 29 September 2026 · By the Tiles & Pavers team, Knutsford, Cheshire
Quick answer: For routine cleaning, sweep, then scrub with warm water and a pH-neutral porcelain cleaner and rinse. For algae or black spots, apply a dedicated outdoor algae remover, leave it to work, scrub and rinse. For grey cement or grout haze after installation, use an acidic post-installation cleaner such as Deterdek Pro. Porcelain slabs never need sealing.
What you'll need
- Stiff outdoor broom and a stiff (not wire) scrubbing brush
- Bucket, warm water and a garden hose or low-pressure washer
- A pH-neutral cleaner such as our Porcelain Paving Cleaner or Cleaner Pro
- For specific problems: an algae remover, a degreaser such as PS87 Pro, or an acidic cleaner such as Deterdek Pro
- Gloves and eye protection when using concentrated products
Routine cleaning in 5 steps
- Sweep away leaves, soil and grit. Leaves left lying can leave tannin stains.
- Pre-wet the paving with clean water.
- Apply a diluted pH-neutral cleaner, following the label.
- Scrub with a stiff brush, working along the grain of any textured finish.
- Rinse thoroughly and let it air-dry.
Once a month in the growing season is plenty for most gardens; shaded patios may need it more often.
How to remove algae, moss and black spots
Porcelain is virtually non-porous, so algae can't root into the slab itself — it sits on the surface and in the joints, which makes it easier to remove than on natural stone.
- Scrape off thick moss with a long-handled brush or scraper.
- Sweep the area clean and let the surface dry.
- Apply a dedicated patio algae and black spot remover with a watering can or low-pressure sprayer.
- Leave it for the time on the label (often 1–5 hours) and keep children and pets off.
- Scrub, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Tip: "Black spot" is usually a lichen that grows in shade and damp. Improving drainage, trimming overhanging plants and sealing the grout joints with a protector such as Fugaproof all help to slow regrowth.
How to remove grout haze and cement residue after laying
A dull grey film on new porcelain is almost always cement or grout residue. Left in place, it attracts dirt and makes the patio look permanently grubby.
- Wait until the joints have cured, following your jointing product's instructions.
- Wet the paving first so the cleaner stays on the surface.
- Apply an acidic post-installation cleaner such as Deterdek Pro, diluted as directed.
- Agitate with a brush or scrubbing pad, then rinse well.
- Repeat on stubborn areas. Always test in a small, hidden area first.
Important: acidic cleaners should not be used on limestone, marble or travertine. If your project mixes porcelain with natural stone, protect the stone first.
How to remove common stains
| Stain | What to use |
|---|---|
| BBQ fat, food and oil | An alkaline degreaser such as PS87 Pro; scrub and rinse |
| Red wine, coffee, fruit | Warm water and a neutral cleaner — porcelain doesn't absorb it, so act before it dries in |
| Rust marks (furniture, fertiliser) | A mild acidic cleaner; test first |
| Leaf (tannin) stains | Neutral cleaner and scrub; on grout joints use a grout cleaner such as Fuganet |
| Dirty grout joints | Fuganet, then protect with Fugaproof |
| Chewing gum, candle wax | Freeze with ice, then lift gently with a plastic scraper |
Can I pressure wash porcelain paving?
Yes, porcelain slabs can take a pressure washer, but keep it on a low to medium setting and hold the lance at an angle, away from the joints. High pressure can blast out jointing compound and grout. A pressure washer removes surface dirt only; for algae, use a treatment first so it doesn't come straight back.
What should I avoid?
- Wire brushes and abrasive pads that can mark the surface or joints
- Bleach and harsh chemicals that can discolour grout and harm plants
- Wax, oil or gloss sealers on porcelain — they can make it slippery
- Rock salt left for long periods — it can stain joints; sweep it away after frosts
- Acid cleaners on any natural stone alongside your porcelain
Seasonal checklist
- Spring: deep clean, treat algae, check and repair joints.
- Summer: quick sweeps and spot-clean BBQ and food spills.
- Autumn: clear leaves weekly and treat shaded areas before winter.
- Winter: clear standing water and snow; use a porcelain-safe de-icer sparingly.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to clean outdoor porcelain paving?
Sweep, pre-wet, scrub with warm water and a pH-neutral porcelain cleaner, then rinse. Use a specialist algae remover for green or black growth and an acidic post-installation cleaner for cement haze.
How do I get black spots off porcelain paving?
Apply a dedicated black spot and algae remover, leave it for the recommended time, scrub with a stiff brush and rinse. Reduce regrowth by improving drainage and sealing cement-based grout joints.
Can I use vinegar on porcelain paving?
Diluted white vinegar can lift light marks on porcelain, but it can damage cement-based grout if used regularly and must never be used on natural stone. A pH-neutral porcelain cleaner is safer for routine use.
Does porcelain paving need sealing?
No, porcelain slabs are non-porous and do not need sealing. Cement-based grout joints benefit from a grout protector to resist water, dirt and moss.
How often should I clean my porcelain patio?
Sweep weekly and wash monthly during spring and summer. Give it a deep clean in spring and before winter, especially in shaded gardens.
Everything in one place: shop our cleaning and maintenance range, or call 01565 746144 if you're unsure which product to use.