Ceramic Tile Floors with Kids? How to Clean!

I have the "HAAN" steam cleaner and LOVE IT!
I used to use the Swiffer but stopped when I had babies because I was afraid of using chemicals when they were crawling on the floor and putting their hands in their mouths, etc, etc.... :)
It's easy to use and I got a great deal on AMAZON. I thought I saw recently that there is one now that's a vacuum/steamer (all in one).
My neighbor recommended it and I will never use anything else.
Good luck! :)

I have also tried the Shark Steam mop (twice) and returned it twice. I recently found the Hoover Floormate Spinscrub and fell in love. I am a clean freak (I have white carpet with 3 sons - and it stays that way), so finding a good cleaner for my tile floors was really important.

I bought my Hoover Floormate Spinscrub from Costco because I knew that if I hated it, I could return it. I used it and fell in love within minutes. The unit vacuums, then scrubs & picks up the excess water with the same machine. You don't have to use cleaner, you could just use hot water if you don't want the chemicals.

After using the Shark Steam mop for years, I found that even after I did my floors, if I took a white washcloth, got it wet and wiped the floor, it would still come up a bit dirty. That was frustrating because I had just finished mopping. I tried that after using my Hoover Spinscrub and the washcloth was still white. That sold me! I have over 1800 square feet of tile in my downstairs, so I needed something that wasn’t heavily labor intensive, yet gets my floors clean. My only complaint would be that I wish the machine would hold more water. In order to do my entire downstairs, I had to empty the dirty water container several times (a total of 5) and refill the clean water container at the same time. It was quick and easy.

In all of my years of cleaning, I have never loved a cleaning machine so much. My machine was about $150, but a completely worthwhile investment, if you ask me! I’ve also seen the machine at Wal-Mart and on Amazon, as well. I suspect that Target carries the machine too.

Good luck!

I'm not sure what you should use but I wanted to comment on the Wet Swiffer. It was in the news a few years ago for making dogs sick. Dogs would lick the floor and get the Swiffer chemicals in them and get sick. I don't use it anymore after hearing that w/ a dog and having 2 kids in the house. Just a fyi.

microfiber mop. Put the water and soap or diluted vinegar in a spary bottle and spray the floor and clean with the microfiber mop. I got the euro one from the fair and it is amazing. like the swiffer but you don't throw away the pads just wash them in the machine.

I like the hoover Jen mentioned too. Sometimes I don't feel like lugging it out and filling it up. but it won't get around tight spaces so the microfiber mop does that trick.

I have a large area of ceramic tile as well. I use a Libman mop, water, and a little Mr. Clean floor cleaner. I wash in sections as the water starts to change from clear to dirty, I change the water and make a new batch and continue where I left off until the water changes again. Then I go back over what I washed (after it dries) to either rinse with clean water or if the floor was very dirty, I will wash it again, doing the same technique described above. BTW: we don't wear shoes in the house ~ever~ so my floor does stay cleaner longer but the floor does get dirty from food dropping and/or liquid spills. My grout is not sealed, something I regret so my grout is darker than it was when it was brand new.

I have Bissell steam and sweep...HATE IT!!! I had the Bissell steam mop and really loved it. Thought adding a vac to the mop was a great idea. Should have stuck with what worked. I would recommend the plain Bissell Steam mop with one exception..I have very small grout lines though so this may not be the best choice for you. I did see the Hoover Spinscrub the other day and wanted to try it...so I am glad Jen C wrote in.

I have a ton of ceramic tile too; tried the shark steam mop and hated it. I think I still have a knot in my back. It was too short and didn't produce near enough steam. I am looking at getting the bissell steam and sweep to see how well it does. You can find it on several store websites.

As a former house cleaner, I always cleaned floors on my hands and knees- it is the best way to get it clean. I rinse my rag in the sink not a bucket, so I'm not washing the floor with a dirty rag. Always vacuum first- not sure why you feel you are pushing dirt around? I use Melaleuca's tub and tile cleaner- just spray a bit on the rag or directly on a tile, and it is the best tile cleaner I have ever used...and I have used quite a few! I don't rub it into the grout unless the grout is dirty-just try to concentrate the water on the grout. Hopefully you are able to get the cleaner, or know someone that can get it for you!

I love my tile floors, clean other people's homes for a living and am somewhat of a neat freak. First, vacuum your floors with a good quality vacuum that either is made for floors, or that has a hose and floor attachement. I have a Kirby and love it. The Dyson is a good choice too. After you vacuum, use a 100% cotton mop and a bucket. Hot water and amonia, or hot water and vinegar. Both are natural substances, and will make your tile floors sparkle. You have a lot of tile in your home, you will have to change out the water I'm sure, but you will love the results.

Ok, I must be weird. I have light, almost white, ceramic tile floors throughout the house. I sweep, then Swiffer Wet Jet, then Steam mop. I find this combination works well on my floors. For problem areas I spray a little 409 on it first then scrub with a sponge before the Swiffer and Steam mop.

Might I add - we live with 4 dogs and 3 cats and this process still cleans my floors.

Though I now have to admit I am curious about Jen C.'s Hoover.

Happy cleaning!