- 1). Take proper safety precautions when cleaning your roof tiles. Terra cotta tile is very slick and usually installed on a steep pitch. It is advisable to use a safety harness. See Resources for roofing safety information.
- 2). Use a pressure washer with a hot water and mild soap solution to remove lichen. Spray from the top down and take care around flashings when using the high pressure water to avoid damage. Many times this process is enough to clean the tile.
- 3). Clean more difficult to remove lichen on individual tiles by scrubbing them with a nylon stiff bristled brush, and the same mild and hot water soap solution.
- 4). Mix a solution of copper sulphate (1 pound per 12 gallons of hot water) for the most stubborn lichen. Apply this with the pressure washer and you may also scrub individual tiles with a brush.
- 5). Rinse the tiles and gutters thoroughly with clean water to complete the cleaning job.
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