DEAR MARY:

I live in Florida and LOVE your blog. I look forward getting it in my inbox every day. My question is, what is the best tool, machine or method to clean tile? Thank you.

– Alice

DEAR ALICE:

The best and cheapest way to get your tile clean and sparkly is to get down on your hands and knees and scrub it with hot water and mild soap. Rinse it several times until the tile is completely clean. Then dry it with a clean soft cloth until it gleams. But if you’re looking for a more realistic method, I’ve got you covered. I won’t get down on my hands and knees, so I don’t expect you to.

The problem with any type of flooring is that dust and dirt are ground into the tile and grout every time you walk on it. You can’t necessarily feel or see all of it. But over time, dirt wears on the finish causing the floors to look dull and dingy.

You should vacuum the floors once a week to pick up loose dirt and debris. Every two weeks, clean and scrub the floors with an excellent cleaner and a mop that will wipe the floor nearly dry in a single effort. Here’s the recipe for the best floor cleaner ever: Mix one part rubbing alcohol with four parts distilled water, plus a few drops blue Dawn dishwashing liquid. Mix this solution in a spray bottle each time you clean the floors. Or if you make it ahead of time, label the bottle and keep it out of the reach of children.

As you may recall, I recently bought a Shark Sonic Duo Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaner. The Sonic Duo is a scrubbing wonder. I think it would be the perfect fit for you because the machine is lightweight and easy to handle. Seriously, I can pick it up with one hand and carry it upstairs, downstairs or wherever it needs to go. The Sonic Duo is also a carpet scrubber, hence the “duo” in its name.

While my Hoover SteamVac is an amazing steam cleaner, it doesn’t scrub. It shoots hot water in and then suctions it out. And I love that. But sometimes carpet – especially in high foot traffic areas – just needs a good scrubbing. The Sonic Duo will do that.

Thanks for loving my blog. I don’t hear that every day, so know that you have really encouraged me.

DEAR MARY:

I really want to send my regards for recommending the Hoover SteamVac. I read your column about it more than five years ago. I really wanted one but it was not a priority in my budget. Imagine my elation when I found an almost-new one at my parent’s house. I used it to get a grease ring out of my carpet, and to completely sanitize my carpet after a horrific potty training event.

I never would’ve known about the treasure hiding in plain sight if I hadn’t read your column.

– Jennifer

DEAR JENNIFER:

That’s a great find, indeed. If your parents used the machine a lot, you may want to grab some rubber gloves and clean it. My SteamVac gets pretty disgusting even after a few uses. I still wonder where on Earth all of that dirt comes from.

I remove both of the tanks and clean the one that receives dirty water with a bottle brush and hot soapy water. Then, I turn the machine over and go to work on the underside of the cleaning head. I hate the thought of starting any job with dirty equipment.

Also, use a good spot remover on spots right after they appear or right before you give your Hoover a good workout. I’ve tried so many products, but you won’t find a better product that Spot Shot Instant Carpet Stain Remover.

Visit my website for direct links to all these products.

I wish you and your Hoover a long and happy life together!

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Mary invites questions, comments and tips at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or c/o Everyday Cheapskate, 12340 Seal Beach Blvd., Suite B-416, Seal Beach, CA 90740. This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com, a personal finance member website and the author of “Debt-Proof Living,” released in 2014. To find out more about Mary and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.