May 02, 2023

How to Clean Porcelain Tile That Looks Like Wood

Do you have wood-like porcelain tiles in need of a good cleaning?

Porcelain tiles that resemble wood can take your flooring to another level. Plus, they are much easier to clean than the real thing.

But you still need to take care when cleaning them as introducing too much water can have an adverse effect on their appearance.

Luckily, we are here to show you the ropes. In this article, we will teach you how to clean porcelain tile that looks like wood.

We will also take the guesswork out of shopping and discuss the best product to clean porcelain tiles.

What this article covers:

How to Clean Tile Floors that Look Like Wood
Step 2: Vacuum

How to Clean Tile Floors That Look Like Wood

Step 1: Check the Tiles

Before cleaning your tiles, you want to check that they are actually made from porcelain. You also want to make sure it is not a laminated wood floor.

Our cleaning experts suggest spilling a small amount of water on the tile to test this. If the surface does not absorb the water, it is probably porcelain.

how to clean wood look porcelain floor tile

You can also lightly scratch the tile or surface with your fingernail. If it leaves a mark, it is not porcelain.

Another handy tip, if you have a loose tile, is to check the back of the tile. A porcelain tile will be smooth at the back.

Step 2: Vacuum

Our research has shown that you want to get rid of any dust on the surface before you start cleaning your porcelain tiles. And if you have a pet, you also want to ensure that you remove all pet hair.

We have found that the best way to do this is by using a vacuum fitted with a soft brush attachment.

Run it over your tiles using the “auto” setting in a cross pattern to ensure you also remove the dust that gets stuck in the grout lines.

If some dust or pet hair remains, try opting for a rubber broom. If you don’t have a rubber broom or a vacuum, a normal soft-bristled broom will do.

You just want to ensure the surface area is dust-free before you start the cleaning process.

how to clean porcelain wood look tile

Step 3: Choose an Approach

Once the dust has been removed, you are ready to start cleaning your floor. The first thing you want to do is choose your cleaning product.

Based on our research, we highly recommend professional carpet and floor cleaning chemicals designed for use on porcelain tile floors.

Many of these are also designed to clean the grouted areas between the tiles, an essential component of cleaning porcelain tiles.

Something like Groutmaster is perfectly formulated for cleaning porcelain tile grout while ensuring a clean finish on your tiles. Simply dilute it according to the instructions on the bottle.

Other cleaning experts recommend a solution of equal parts vinegar and water as a substitute for chemicals (a solution that also works wonders for cleaning matte tiles or cleaning unglazed tile floors).

Alternatively, you can use only warm water, but this is less effective in removing persistent stains or grime build-up or cleaning excess grout of porcelain tiles (which is important when cleaning porcelain tiles after installation).

Step 4: Clean

Once you have your cleaning solution or water, it’s time to grab a mop and start applying the cleaner.

We have found a squeegee mop, such as the Westpak Tile Blaster Wand, to be the most effective since it will prevent you from reintroducing grimy water to the floor while cleaning.

how to clean ceramic tile that looks like wood

Other evidence recommends investing in a high-end specialized tile cleaning tool or a steam mop for the best results.

Alternatively, grab a clean cloth or a spaghetti mop.

Dip your mop or cloth into the bucket with your cleaning solution, wring it out thoroughly, and run it over the floor. Do not allow the tiles to get too wet.

The point of this step is to ensure that the cleaning solution is adequately applied to your tiles.

You can also put your cleaning solution in a spray bottle and spray it onto the floor before mopping to avoid introducing too much moisture.

If needed, allow the cleaner to sit on the floor for a while to work.

Step 5: Wipe

After applying the cleaning solution with a mop, you can use a clean cloth to wipe up any residue of the cleaning agent.

Use a cloth dipped in some water and use the cloth to rinse the tile from any cleaning solution that remains.

Some cleaning agents do not require a rinse, in which case you can skip this step and move straight to the drying part.

Step 6: Dry

Next, allow the tiles to dry naturally. You can speed up this process by placing a fan on it or opening some windows to increase ventilation.

You can also use a blow dryer to speed up the drying process. Alternatively, take a soft, dry cloth and buff the tiles gently until they are dry.

Step 7: Spot Clean

Now that you have finished cleaning your tiles, you may become aware of some stains that remain on the tiles.

It is always best to remove stains from porcelain tiles as soon as they occur.

But this is not always possible. And the bad news is that a general clean-up will not always remove stains from your floor. Especially if they’ve been there a while.

This is because removing them requires some elbow grease. If you want to spot-clean the stains, be sure to remove as much of the stain residue as you can with a damp cloth dipped in warm water.