Clean patio tiles and joints: Vinegar is unsuitable

Created: 07/02/2022, 09:00

By: Franziska Irrgeher

At least once a year, the terrace and joints need a little refresher treatment.

However, vinegar is not good for removing dirt and weeds.

Munich – The terrace is a place of relaxation and often somewhat protected from the looks of passers-by or neighbors.

Nevertheless, terrace owners should also occasionally clean this part of the property.

Spring is the perfect time for cleaning patio tiles.

Clean patio tiles and joints: Vinegar is unsuitable

The smallest niche between soil slabs is enough for seedlings on the terrace.

(Iconic image) © Rolf Poss/Imago

Moss, dirt, debris and more accumulate on patio tiles over time.

Depending on the material of the garden furniture, rust can also drip down.

Spring is therefore a good time for a thorough cleaning of the patio tiles.

Depending on the material, these can also be polished at the same time.

Tips for cleaning patio tiles:

• Basic cleaning with a broom: A first step is to sweep the patio tiles with a broom.

  This is how you remove mobile dirt, leaving behind everything that is more stubborn.

• Clean joints: The joints should also be cleaned thoroughly.

  This works well with a coarser brush or a special joint scraper.

  However, you should not damage the plates.

  It can also be flamed if necessary to remove weeds.

• Dishwashing liquid for light soiling: If the material allows it and the dirt is not particularly stubborn, water with washing-up liquid and a brush can suffice.

  Scrub the terrace thoroughly, at the end everything is rinsed again with clear water.

• Soft soap: This is only suitable for washable floors such as concrete or wood.

  But this household remedy also reliably removes lighter dirt.

  You should dissolve the soap in lukewarm water, apply it to the terrace and leave it to work for some time.

  Then the scrubbing begins and finally the terrace is rinsed.

• High-pressure cleaner: The somewhat rougher method is the universally popular high-pressure cleaner.

  If in doubt, you can even use it to clean window shutters or the terrace.

  But safety goggles are necessary for this and if you don't have any practice, you can quickly soil the entire wall of the house with dirt that has been washed away.

  Be sure to find out in advance whether your patio tiles can handle treatment with a high-pressure cleaner.

  Because there are many materials that could be damaged or crack as a result.

  Pressure washers are also an expensive purchase and should be rented for a single use.

• Sand: Sand is particularly suitable for surfaces such as concrete, which are absorbent and therefore unsuitable for a lot of water.

  Sweep the sand over the slabs, not only will it remove dirt, but it will also polish the slabs a bit.

As you can see, the most common cleaning agents are environmentally friendly and harmless.

You can also use special cleaners, but safety instructions on the packaging should be observed, because strong cleaners can harm plants and animals.

The cleaner must also match the surface.

Terraces and joints can also be cleaned with household products

You can also try home remedies such as soda, baking soda, and the like, but they are not ideal for beneficial insects or other animals if they are eaten.

Vinegar can attack some plates, vinegar essence and the like should not be used outside anyway.

For grout, removing dirt manually is a better option than water, as it can encourage weed growth.

Sealing joints after cleaning can also be useful under certain circumstances.

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Marble is still a special case and is rarely found as a terrace covering anyway.

However, since marble is quite sensitive, sweeping and vacuuming should be the means of choice here.

Some cleaners will “blind” the slabs, meaning pressure washers can be too strong for marble.

In any case, you should start cleaning the patio gently and, if necessary, use a little more force or pressure.

Which home remedies are suitable for which surface, we have detailed for you here again.