Mopping a ceramic tile floor - how to get streak-free finish?

[Mrs P]

Help needed

What products do you use to clean your ceramic floor tiles?

At the moment I'm using a sponge-head style mop. I tried the vinegar/hot water mix but the streaks looked worse than ever (not sure I had the mix right though). Tiles are a light grey matte finish (FWIW would NEVER buy matte tiles again!) and now I am a SAHM I see the floor, and it's streaks, waaaay too much, ha ha. As soon as you walk on it, it also shows up footprints. Gah.

Any thoughts? I've also tried Handy Andy. Previously used an enjo mop but wasn't super happy with that. But it did work better than the vinegar/hot water and Handy Andy!

[Rach75]

I use the old fasion style mop with a squeeze mop and metho and boiling water this is what my tiler told me to wash the tiles with

[teepee2]

I have matt tiles as well but cant say ive ever noticed any streaks. When DH washes the floor he puts way too much floor cleaner in and the tiles get really slippery. I think the key is to not put too much cleaner into the water. You just need a small amount to get the dirt off and let the hot water do the rest.

[emc2]

I use a Vileda strip mop and a product called Long Life Tile Cleaner by Pascoes which I get from Bunnings.

My tiles are the slippery kind, so that is why I use that Tile Cleaner product.

[Just Me]

We have high gloss tiles and they show up sooo much worse than our matte tiles do - our matte tiles are quite light in colour, that might be why it shows up worse on yours.

We use a floor cleaner - the nature's choice one I think. It is about the only thing that doesn't show up streaks. Apart from that - a regular mop and hot water.

[Visitor7]

I have white gloss tiles. I've found the less the floor cleaner, the better they come up. We have a Bissel Steam Mop which we use mostly anyway, which does the job beautifully

[Livinthedream]

Steam mop or very hot water and metho (1 capfull to 1/2 bucket). Hubby is a tiler.

[Visitor7]

Steam mop or very hot water and metho (1 capfull to 1/2 bucket). Hubby is a tiler.

I forgot about the metho! My dad swears by it (he's a builder)

[teepee2]

Just a question for those who use metho. Can you smell the metho once you're done cause I cant stand that smell

[black_rose]

I use a vileda mop too and just hot water unless it's really bad then i use Ajax floor cleaner. Our matte tiles were never a problem, in this house we have gloss and if I use too much cleaner it streaks or if the water is dirty.

[Rach75]

Just a question for those who use metho. Can you smell the metho once you're done cause I cant stand that smell

nope I dont even notice it when I am mopping

[Visitor7]

Just a question for those who use metho. Can you smell the metho once you're done cause I cant stand that smell

I've never noticed the smell at my parents place.

[diva det]

my blend that works well on tiles and wooden floors is a squeeze of natures own floor cleaner, a bit of metho and a little bit of disinfectant- i use new clenz
the trick is to only use hot boiling water to wash the floors with- either boil a pot or boil the kettle a few times- the floor will dry soo quick with the hot water and no streaks!!
i use an old fashioned mop and bucket too

[Mrs P]

Tried metho and hot water today - no difference. I bought another floor cleaner at woolies so will try that next time. But I do suspect the sponge mop is not helping!

[Rach75]

get your self a old style mop and squeeze bucket then do the metho and boiling water

your old mop will have the residue of all the cleaners you ahve tried on it, I have a 2 mops one for my tiles and one for my timber floors for that very reason

[emc2]

The Vileda ones are good you can put them in the washing machine..but I am just mopping a one bedroom unit, so just a small kitchen and bathroom.

[Mrs P]

Rach you are probably right - I didn't think about residues! Have a proper squeeze bucket somewhere so would only have to buy the old-style mop. Will have to wait until DH gets paid - can't keep spending on mops ha ha!

[zhanesmum]

Mrs P, did you manage to solve your problem? I too have this problem with my dark grey matte tiles and am absolutely sick of it. I am able to clean my tiles without streaks however this will only last max 2 days if I yell at everyone to ensure no shoes, pets or crumbs on the floor. However, as soon as someone walks on them with shoes you can see the dust marks from certain angles. Do NOT use a steam mop as this seems to leave puddle marks. Steam mop is great for paint or hard stains etc however not for everyday cleaning use.

I completely know where you are coming from. I believe it does not matter what you put in your water however I always use boiling hot water. I have been using the sabco mop that has a microfibre cloth that velcro's to the bottom of the mop. The downside of this is that you are constantly bending and handling the dirty cloth however no mop compares to the effect on grey matte tiles and I would not change.

I am currently researching whether there is something you can spray on the tile surface to seal it somehow however or the effects of a professional buffer......I will let you know how I go.