Steam Mop. What am I doing wrong?

[girlwiththegruffalotattoo]

I bought a black and decker, 2 in 1 steam mop, the one that's raved about on here. If I use it on my kitchen floor which usually has muddy paw prints on it just smears the mud about and doesn't actually clean. Is it only designed for people who don't get dirty floors?! Am I supposed to clean the floor with a normal mop first and then steam mop it??! What am I missing?

[homeaway]

You need to hoover or brush the floor first and then use the steam mop. You might need to wet the cloth first before you start ?

[girlwiththegruffalotattoo]

I always hoover or mop, I'll try wetting the pad. Does anyone else steam mop dried muddy floors successfully?

[rabbit123]

I had a Shark steam mop. It was awful. I took it back after a week as it wouldn't shift anything that had dried on. I was better off with a regular £5 Vileda and some Flash.

[spottymoo]

My vax steam mop gets rid of muddy paws I have two big dogs and the floors can get very muddy I do let the mud dry first then sweep and steam