How to Clean Outdoor Tile and Stone Pavers

Outdoor tile and stone pavers — travertine, slate, porcelain, bluestone, concrete pavers — add beauty to any outdoor space but accumulate algae, moss, efflorescence, and stains from outdoor cooking and use. The cleaning approach depends on your specific material — here’s a complete guide.

Identify Your Paver Material

• Concrete pavers: Most durable; can handle acid cleaners and pressure washing
• Travertine/marble: Natural stone, acid-sensitive — never use vinegar or acid cleaners
• Slate/flagstone: Durable; tolerates mild acid; seal after cleaning
• Porcelain tile: Very durable; most stain-resistant; handles most cleaners
• Bluestone: Acid-sensitive; use pH-neutral cleaners only

General Cleaning — All Types

For Concrete and Slate Pavers — Oil/Grease Stains

• Apply degreaser (Purple Power, Krud Kutter) undiluted
• Let dwell 5–10 min, scrub, rinse hot
• For set-in grease: commercial concrete degreaser + pressure washing is most effective

For Natural Stone (Travertine, Marble, Bluestone)

• Never use vinegar, lemon juice, or muriatic acid — these etch natural stone permanently
• Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner (MB Stone Care, Black Diamond Stone Cleaner)
• For stains: poultice method — apply paste of stone cleaner + diatomaceous earth over stain, cover with plastic wrap, let sit 24 hours, remove and rinse

Algae and Moss Removal

• Concrete/porcelain: diluted bleach solution (1:10 ratio) applied, let sit 15 min, scrub, rinse
• Natural stone: white vinegar (diluted to 50%) or commercial algae remover labeled stone-safe
• Power washing on low setting after treatment removes loosened algae effectively

Efflorescence (White Chalky Haze)

White mineral deposits that migrate from the substrate through the pavers:

• Dry brush first to remove loose powder
• Apply diluted muriatic acid (1:10) to concrete/brick pavers — never natural stone
• For natural stone: commercial efflorescence remover labeled stone-safe
• Rinse very thoroughly after acid treatment