Kitchen tile floor always dirty! What to do??

[summeriscoming]

We've just moved into a new house. The previous owner put these large cream tiles in the kitchen and I mop a few times a day and they are always dirty. Every drop of water turns into a dirty patch. It's driving me crazy! Is there anything I can use to keep them clean for a bit longer?
Changing the tiles is not an option at the moment.
Thanks!

[kimlo]

Could you use a wipe to spot clean the marks?

[summeriscoming]

It not just the spots. It looks dirty all over, looks like there is film on the tiles - which could be the detergent I guess?
I don't know of there are any more suitable products or a steam cleaner?

[wowfudge]

Try very hot water only. What do you use to clean it with? You may be using too much. Also washing up liquid can leave a film if you use that.

[summeriscoming]

yes - I use washing up liquid...

[Mamatallica]

I use Flash floor cleaner, just pour some in your mop bucket with hot water, does a better job than washing up liquid in my opinion and doesn't leave a film. Otherwise I know people who swear by those steam mops but I've not tried one.

[LilyandGinger]

We used to have white kitchen tiles out down by a previous owner. The only way I could get them clean was to get down on hands and knees with a scrubbing brush.

They'd look clean for about 10 mins until someone walked across them.

It used to drive me crazy.

We always put dark tiles down.

[Grumpyoldblonde]

Do they need sealing? What are they made of? We had to clean ours with a pressure washer then seal them. Ours are stone and were always filthy, they were never clean, a quick wipe with a damp cloth always proved that, it would turn black with filth.

[Fluffycloudland77]

I was thinking they need stripping and sealing too. Water shouldn't mark a tile.

Do you know what they are made from?. Lithofin do lots of products for tiles.

[wowfudge]

I should have said that the film from using washing up liquid attracts dusts, etc. - that's why you should use it. I'd be tempted to scrub it with an old fashioned scrubbing brush using just hot water and dry it as you with old towels. Then use a different detergent for mopping.

[ApocalypseSlough]

Have you got good mats- proper doormats at the entrances. I'd try a deep scrub first to get rid of detergent build up then invest in a steamer.

[ginorwine]

Can you put a washable rug down ?
Get several the same design and rotate / wash em ?