Can you pressure wash a tile floor?

Quick Answer

Yes, you can pressure wash tile floors. Pressure washing is an effective way to clean outdoor tile surfaces like patios, pool decks, and walkways. It uses a high-powered stream of water to remove dirt, debris, stains, mold, and mildew from the pores and grouted lines of tile. Pressure washing can restore the appearance of tile by getting it clean down to the original surface.

What is Pressure Washing?

Pressure washing, also known as power washing, is a cleaning method that uses a mechanical sprayer to shoot out a powerful, concentrated stream of water and/or cleaning solution onto a surface. The pressure washer machine has a motorized pump that takes water from a source, increases its pressure, and forces it through a nozzle at high velocity.

Typical residential pressure washers generate between 1500-4000 psi (pounds per square inch) pressure. The high-pressure water jet can be adjusted for different spray patterns and has the force to dislodge ingrained dirt, stains, mold, and pollutants from various surfaces including tile, concrete, siding, decks, driveways, and more.

In addition to water, pressure washers allow detergents and cleaning agents to be injected into the stream. The chemicals help loosen and dissolve stubborn grime for a deeper clean.

Benefits of Pressure Washing Tile

– Cleans thoroughly – Pressure washing tiles can remove all traces of dirt, debris, stains, mold, mildew, grime, and efflorescence (mineral deposits) that accumulate over time. The high-powered spray gets deep into pores, cracks, and grout lines that normal cleaning can’t reach.

– Quickly restores appearance – Makes tile look almost new again by blasting away dullness, discoloration and unsightly buildup. This keeps the tile visually appealing.

– Sanitizes surface – The hot water and cleaning solutions kill germs, bacteria, and other microorganisms leaving a hygienic surface.

– Improves traction – Removes slippery moss, algae, and other growth from tile surfaces to prevent hazardous conditions, especially on pool decks.

– No scrubbing needed – Does the hard work for you. Less labor-intensive than hand scrubbing.

– Environmentally friendly – Pressure washing uses only water and cleaning solutions. No harsh chemicals needed.

How to Pressure Wash a Tile Floor

Pressure washing takes skill to get it right. Here are some tips for effectively pressure washing tile surfaces:

1. Inspect and Prepare the Area

– Look over the tile and identify problem areas or extremely dirty spots that need special attention.

– Sweep or blow away any loose debris.

– Remove furniture, decor, and other items that can obstruct the cleaning.

– Check for cracks or broken tiles that should be avoided.

– Make sure there is proper drainage so discharged water flows away from the house.

2. Use the Right Nozzle

– A fan nozzle (15-25 degrees) is best for smooth, flat surfaces like tile. It distributes a wide spray pattern.

– Use a 0 degree pencil jet for focused cleaning of grout lines and crevices.

– A 25-40 degree wide spray nozzle can cover larger areas more quickly.

3. Adjust the Pressure

– Start at a low pressure and slow sweeping motion. Gradually increase the pressure if needed.

– Use higher pressures (2500+ psi) for porous or heavily soiled tiles.

– Lower pressures (1500-2000 psi) are fine for smooth or delicate tile.

4. Apply Cleaning Solution

– Use detergent to help lift dirt and cut through grease or grime. Household cleaners designed for outdoor tile and patio areas work well.

– Apply it evenly over the surface before pressure washing. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.

– For mildew removal, use chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach solution.

5. Pressure Wash Methodically

– Hold the nozzle 6-12 inches from the tile surface at about a 45 degree angle.

– Start at the highest point and work down methodically in back & forth motions.

– Overlap passes so no area is missed. Go slow on problem spots.

– Rinse cleaned areas well with just water.

6. Check for Streaks, Residue

– Examine the tile up close after done. Look for any remaining dirt or chemical residue.

– Re-wash any streaky areas until they are gone.

7. Allow to Dry Completely

– Let the tile air dry for several hours after pressure washing. Check for pooled water.

– Aerate the area with fans to speed drying if needed.

– Don’t walk on the tile until it is 100% dry.

Pressure Washing Tile Floors vs Walls

The pressure washing process is mostly the same for tile floors and tile walls. However, there are a few differences:

– Tile floors are more likely to have oily stains, grease buildup, and sticky spills that require heavier degreasing solutions. Tile walls tend to just need cleaning from dust and soap scum.

– Tile floors have increased risk of water getting into cracks and underneath. Take precautions to prevent water seeping under walls or onto other surfaces.

– Use lower pressures (1500-2000 psi) on walls to avoid damage. Floors can usually handle 2500-3000 psi.

– Divert debris and discharge away from walls. It’s easier on open floors.

– You may need to clean walls in a more upward direction, starting from the bottom. Floors are cleaned left-to-right.

– Take measures to keep walls dry so moisture doesn’t seep into crevices. Floors can air dry openly.

– Wall tile has a greater risk of loose tiles or grout. Inspect carefully and avoid directing pressurized spray into damaged areas.

Cleaning Solutions for Tile Pressure Washing

Water alone can clean tile reasonably well, but adding detergents and chemicals increases effectiveness. Some good cleaning solutions include:

Household Cleaners

– Dishwashing soap – Cuts through grease and oils

– Laundry detergents – Removes dirt and stains

– All-purpose cleaners – Disinfects and degreases

Degreasers

– Trisodium phosphate (TSP) – Removes oils and greasy grime

– Sodium metasilicate – Dissolves fats, grease, food deposits

– Sodium carbonate – Draws out ingrained stains

Acids

– Phosphoric acid – Brightens grout haze and efflorescence

– Muriatic acid – Etches concrete and mineral stains on tile

– Oxalic acid – Bleaches and removes rust, mold, mildew

Solvents

– Mineral spirits – Cuts through paints and varnishes

– D-limonene – Eco-friendly degreaser made from citrus oils

Bleach Solutions

– Sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach) – Disinfects and whitens

– Sodium percarbonate (Oxygen bleach) – Removes mold and mildew

Can Pressure Washing Damage Tile?

Pressure washing is safe for tile when done properly, but it does have risks of causing damage if not careful:

– Grout can be etched or eroded if the pressure is too high, spray held too close, or angled directly into grout lines.

– Poor pressure washing technique can chip tiles, crack them, or pop them up from the surface.

– Harsh chemicals like muriatic acid can damage or discolor grout if left to sit too long.

– Moisture forced into cracks, crevices or under tiles can lead to water damage over time.

– Incorrectly dilute cleaning solutions that are too strong can also etch or discolor grout.

– High pressure spray aimed at loose, cracked, or already damaged tiles can further deteriorate them.

How to Avoid Tile Damage When Pressure Washing

– Inspect tiles and grout first for any cracks, missing pieces, or vulnerable areas to avoid.

– Use lowest effective pressure and hold nozzle at proper distance.

– Limit pressure washer time over any one area. Constant high pressure increases damage risks.

– Rinse off chemicals thoroughly so they don’t sit on tile too long.

– Angle nozzle to avoid directing jet straight into grout lines.

– Take care around delicate decorative tiles which require lower pressures.

– Hire a professional if unsure about pressure washing more fragile tile yourself.

When to Call a Pro for Tile Pressure Washing

While DIY pressure washing of outdoor tile is certainly possible, there are some situations where it pays to call in a professional:

– Large tile areas like patios or pool decks over 200 sqft. Time-consuming for DIY.

– Tile flooring inside a home. Requires expertise to prevent water damage indoors.

– Tile surfaces with lots of decorative patterns, stacked stone, or intricate details. Higher risk of damage.

– Discolored or damaged grout that needs re-grouting. Pros can apply new grout after cleaning.

– Tiles more than one-story up. Requires professional equipment to safely reach.

– Very delicate tiles like stained glass, encaustic, or hand-painted tiles that require special care.

– Severely neglected tile with years of built-up grime, rust stains, and other challenges requiring chemical expertise.

– Available equipment can’t provide adequate pressure or hot water for the cleaning job.

– Unsure which nozzle tips, pressures, or cleaning solutions to use on your particular tile.

Pressure Washing Tile Floors vs Hiring a Pro

Pressure washing your own tile floors can save money over hiring a professional, but has some downsides:

DIY Pressure Washing

– Costs much less than pros – Just invest in buying/renting a home pressure washer

– More scheduling flexibility – Clean on your own timeframe

– Better for small areas – Easier to tackle yourself

– You control the cleaning technique – Pressure, solutions etc.

Hiring a Professional

– Large jobs done much faster – Professionals have industrial equipment

– Better results on severely dirty floors – Years of experience

– Reduced risk of damage – They expertly avoid hurting tiles

– No equipment to maintain or store – Hassle-free for you

– Often includes re-grouting and sealing services – Added value

– May offer guarantees against damage – Peace of mind

Outdoor Tile Pressure Washing Tips

Follow these tips when pressure washing outdoor tile areas:

– Wear protective eyewear and rubber boots – Safety first.

– Start early in the day – Gives tile time to dry completely.

– Don’t allow runoff to enter storm drains – Protect the environment.

– Clean when no rain forecasted next 48 hours – Prevents extra moisture.

– Buy a tile cleaning solution made for pressure washers – Better than household cleaners.

– Rinse with plain water after using chemicals – Avoid residue.

– Work in sections for large areas – More manageable.

– Have an outlet nearby to avoid long hoses – Eliminates tripping hazards.

– Let any cleaning solutions sit 5-10 minutes before rinsing – Improves cleaning.

– Verify pressure washer is safe for whatever surface it’s on – Prevent damage.

How Often to Pressure Wash Tile

Outdoor tile should be pressure washed about once per year as part of seasonal maintenance. High-traffic areas like patios, entryways and pool decks may need cleaning twice a year. Frequency depends on:

– Amount of use – High-traffic tiles get dirtier faster.

– Exposure to elements – Sun, rain, wind, weather accelerates grime buildup.

– Trees/foliage – More leaves, pollen, sap drippings mean more stains.

– Slope/drainage – Flat, poor draining areas tend to get greener and stain easier.

– Local climate – Tiles in hot, humid environments may need cleaning more often.

– Nearby dirt/grass – Soil and grass clippings get tracked onto the tile.

– Outdoor kitchens/dining – Food spills and cooking debris creates need for more washing.

– Pets – Animal paws track in more dirt and residues.

– Type of tile – More textured and porous tiles require more frequent cleaning.

Conclusion

Pressure washing is an excellent way to thoroughly clean outdoor tile and revitalize its appearance. Dirt, stains, mold and debris can be blasted away with the proper pressure washer techniques and cleaning solutions. It restores the tile’s color, shine, and slip-resistance.

Care should be taken during pressure washing to avoid damaging the tile or grout when using high pressure water, harsh chemicals, or excessive heat. In many cases, DIY pressure washing of tile is feasible and affordable. For large jobs or severely dirty tile, hiring a professional pressure washer may provide faster and better results.