
Ever since I moved into my new home with those glossy tile floors, I’ve often wondered: is it better to sweep or vacuum them?
Every time I spot a sprinkle of crumbs or a trail of dust, I face this dilemma. Maybe you’ve been there too, gazing at your tiles and thinking about the best way to make them shine.
So, in this article I’ll tell you if it is better to sweep or vacuum your tile floor; and a few tips to clean your floor.
Let’s dive in!
Is It Better to Sweep Or Vacuum Tile Floors

Both sweeping and vacuuming have their benefits for cleaning tile floors. Sweeping is quick and easy, which allows you to gather up larger debris.
However, a broom might leave behind finer dust or particles. On the other hand, vacuuming can pick up both big and small particles, ensuring a deeper clean.
But, ensure your vacuum has a setting for hard floors, so it doesn’t scratch your tiles. For the best results, you might want to sweep first and then vacuum to catch any leftovers.
How to Clean Tiles Floors

1. Gather Your Tools
Firstly when you are going to clean your tile floor ensure you have a soft-bristle broom, a dustpan, and a vacuum with a hard floor setting.
2. Clear the Area
Before diving into cleaning, you need to clear the area; you can start by moving your furniture and any obstacles off your tile floor.
Doing this, you’ll create a smooth path for yourself, making both sweeping and vacuuming a breeze.
3. Start Sweeping
Then you should grab your broom and begin by sweeping the floor in one consistent direction.
This trick helps you collect all the scattered dirt and bits into one area. And ensure you sweep with care and your tiles don’t get any unwanted scratches.
It’s a simple first step, and once you’ve gathered all the debris, you’re on your way to a cleaner floor.
4. Pick Up the Pile
Once you’ve swept all the dirt into a pile, it’s time to tackle it; grab your dustpan and ensure you scoop up every last speck.
So, remember, after every sweep or vacuum, always pick up the pile completely. Your tiles will thank you for it.
5. Prep Your Vacuum
Then you should prepare your vacuum; check your vacuum for a setting labeled “hard floor” or “tile”.
If you find it, switch to that setting; it’s designed especially for surfaces like yours. Using this setting ensures your tiles get a gentle yet effective clean.
Your tiles deserve the best care, and starting with the right vacuum setting is a step in the right direction.
6. Begin Vacuuming
Start your cleaning process by slowly running your vacuum over the tile floor. Ensure you go over every spot.
This helps in capturing those sneaky dust particles that might have escaped your broom’s sweep.
Using a vacuum ensures your tiles get a thorough clean, leaving them looking their best for you.
7. Inspect Your Work
As you glide the vacuum over the surface, you’ll notice the dirt and dust being sucked up, leaving your tiles cleaner.
When you’ve covered every inch, stop and take a good look at your work. Your tiles should now shine, showing no signs of dust or dirt.
And remember, a quick inspection ensures you haven’t missed any spots and gives you the satisfaction of a job well done.
8. Return Your Furniture
After you’ve finished your task, it’s time to return your furniture. You should put everything back in its place and see how it fits in the refreshed space.
It’s your effort and hard work that has transformed the area, so take a moment to admire it.
Always double-check to ensure you’ve placed your items properly, ensuring your space looks just the way you want it to.
Best Vacuum Cleaner for Tile Floors
Shark Stratos Cordless
If you’re in the market for a high-quality, mid-priced vacuum, you should consider the Shark Stratos Cordless.
This stick/handheld vacuum is bagless, cordless, and comes with an anti-allergy HEPA filter.
However, unlike some competitors, it can’t mop wet stains on hardwood floors. Its battery lasts a good 60 minutes, but keep in mind, it needs over four hours to fully charge.
One cool feature; it automatically adjusts its suction power when it finds more dirt. Even though it’s a bit heavier than some models like the Samsung.
Its unique bendable wand makes it easier to reach under furniture. And as you clean, it releases a fresh scent, making your home smell clean too.
Shark Cordless Pro
If you’re looking for a reliable vacuum cleaner for your tile floors without breaking the bank, the Shark Cordless Pro might just be your pick.
What’s great about it?
First, it’s both stick and handheld, which offers you versatility. Also, it’s bagless, cordless, and even comes with an anti-allergy filter.
While it might not be wet compatible, for most tile cleaning needs, it does the job and does it well.
It also offers a decent battery life, running for about 40 minutes. Though it might not be as robust as its sibling, the Shark Stratos Cordless, it doesn’t lag far behind.
It smartly adjusts its power and ensures that any unpleasant odors are neutralized. The real highlight for tile floors?
It’s designed specifically with tiles in mind, it has a single roller with built-in fins, which minimizes hair entanglement.
And that fluffy texture is perfect for collecting fine debris on bare surfaces. Another bonus; this brushroll is removable, a feature you don’t find often in Shark models.
FAQs
Is vacuuming better than mopping?
Vacuuming picks up dirt and debris from your floors, while mopping might just spread it around.
You can vacuum first to remove the loose particles, and then mop if you want to clean deeper and give the floor a fresh shine.
What is the best way to clean tile floors?
First, you should sweep or vacuum to remove loose dirt and debris. Then, fill a bucket with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap.
Wet a mop, wring out the excess water, and wipe your tiles. Then rinse the mop often in the soapy water.
In the end, dry the floor with a clean cloth to avoid any slippery spots. But always spot-test any cleaner on a hidden area to make sure it’s safe for your tiles.
Is vacuum cleaner effective on tiles?
Yes, a vacuum cleaner works well on tiles; it quickly picks up dirt and crumbs without spreading them around.
If you have a vacuum with different settings, make sure to use the one for hard floors to avoid scratching your tiles.
Is vacuum cleaner effective on tiles?
Yes, a vacuum cleaner works well on tiles. It quickly picks up dirt, crumbs, and dust without leaving any behind.
Bottom Line
After exploring both methods, vacuuming stands out as the better choice for tile floors. It captures more dust and dirt, and also saves you time.
Also using the right settings, your tiles will shine and remain scratch-free. Making the switch to a vacuum can give your floors a longer, cleaner life.