If you’ve invested in some stunning porcelain paving for your garden or patio, you’ve probably noticed how low-maintenance it is compared with natural stone. It’s durable, stylish, and generally easy to keep clean, but even the toughest surfaces can pick up stubborn stains or show signs of everyday wear. The good news is that with a bit of regular care, your paving can stay looking pristine for years.

At Bridge Street Stone, we’ve been helping homeowners choose and care for their stone and porcelain paving for over 30 years. So whether your tiles are polished to a high shine or unpolished with a textured finish, here’s a practical guide you can use to keep them in top condition.

Looking after unpolished porcelain paving

Unpolished porcelain has a slightly textured surface, which can trap dirt more easily. That means it often needs a bit more attention than polished tiles, but it's still straightforward to maintain.

You'll want to start by sweeping away any leaves, dirt, and debris. You don't need anything fancy; a simple bristle brush will do, but make sure to reach corners and gaps where grime likes to hide. Once the surface is clear, mix a pH-neutral cleaning solution with warm water. It's incredibly important that it is pH neutral, because acidic or harsh cleaners can damage the tile over time.

Pour the solution over the tiles and leave it to soak for five to ten minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't dry out, and add a splash of water if needed. Then get yourself a bustle brush, gentle enough not to leave scuffs, and gently work over any stubborn stains. Then rinse thoroughly with clean water. If you have a wet-dry vacuum, use it to suck up the excess water; otherwise, let your paving air dry, and your unpolished paving should look refreshed and clean.

Looking after polished porcelain paving

Polished porcelain tiles need a slightly gentler touch than their unpolished counterparts, but caring for them isn’t difficult either. Start by sweeping the surface with a dry dust mop rather than a traditional broom. This helps prevent any accidental scratches that can be caused by bristles catching on the glossy surface. Even a small scratch can be noticeable on polished tiles, so taking this extra care is worth it.

Next, prepare a pH-neutral cleaning solution mixed with warm water for cleaning. Again, harsh chemicals or acidic cleaners can dull the shine or even damage the surface over time, so sticking to gentle, neutral solutions is essential. Mop the tiles thoroughly, making sure to reach corners and edges where dust and dirt often collect. Once clean, rinse the tiles carefully with fresh water to remove all traces of detergent, because leftover residue can leave streaks or marks.

Finally, gently dry and buff the tiles using a soft, lint-free cloth. This might feel like going the extra mile, but it actually prevents watermarks from forming and brings out the natural sheen of the polished surface, giving your paving a fresh, glossy finish that looks and feels professionally cared for.

Why porcelain paving is a smart choice

Porcelain paving has multiple benefits beyond being just easy to maintain; it’s also incredibly durable, and it's beautiful. Fired at temperatures of up to 1250°C, porcelain tiles are dense, more scratch-resistant, and much less likely to crack in harsh weather. They’re also extremely consistent in size and thickness, which makes installation easier and keeps your patio looking neat and even. 

So, whether you’ve got children or pets running across the patio, or garden furniture being moved around, these tiles are built to last. Combined with the low-maintenance cleaning routine outlined above, porcelain paving is a practical and reliable choice that keeps your outdoor space looking great year after year.

If you’re unsure about looking after your porcelain paving or thinking about using it for your next garden project, just give us a shout. We’re happy to offer advice and help you get it right.

Or, if you need any further information on any of our other products, like our limestone, Yorkstone, and Indian sandstone paving, or you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to our friendly team on 01282 860571 or send us an email at salesoffice@stonepaving.co.uk!