Tile floors can be absolutely stunning. That is until they get dingy and the grout looks like it was drawn on by a black magic marker. There's no way to avoid dirty tile. As long as you're walking on it dirt and soil will accumulate over time. But there are ways to slow down this process and ways to renew your tile after it has already been dirtied.
There are various forms of tile to select from. Each offers its very own distinct style and flavor. But whether you've ceramic, travertine, or marble one thing remains the same. You must keep it clean.
A useful product to have in your arsenal is a vacuum cleaner made for hard surfaces. These perform far better than sweeping as they remove more soil and won't damage your floor. You may even want to look into buying a micro-fiber or Swiffer mop/sweeper. These are delicate enough to pick up anything left behind after vacuuming without creating any scratches.
When mopping your tile it is recommended that you use a string mop. And if available, one made out of a micro-fiber. You do not want to apply an excess of detergent of any kind on your tile. This tends to produce a residue accumulation that could attract more soil. What you are looking to use is a neutral pH cleaner designed for tile. Also remember to rinse your mop out often with plain water to get out soils and detergent residue. As a general rule it is good to mop your floor with plain water every third time you clean. This will help refresh the tile and purge it of any buildup that may have developed from previous cleanings.
It is always essential to be familiar with your tile. Different forms of tile require different kinds of care. For instance, never use an acid cleaner, vinegar, or bleach on natural stone. These products have the ability to etch into the surface and leave blemishes and other undesirable markings. It is also highly recommended that you not wax your stone or tile. Wax can leave residues that can cause further damage. Ideally you should polish your natural stone floors on a normal schedule to help keep it looking its best. For this it's best to call in a pro.
Cleaning grout is a bit more laborous. There really isn't an easy way to take care of it. Cleaning traditionally entails getting down on to the floor with a little brush and exercising that elbow. You'll want to be sure to utilize a high alkaline cleaner along with that little brush and rinse after scrubbing.
If you're getting grout installed it is very important to get it sealed within 10-14 days. And make sure the sealer is only applied after the grout has been thoroughly cleaned. Otherwise you are just sealing the dirt with the grout.
Now once that tile gets beyond your abilities you need to call in a professional tile cleaner. It is recommended that you have your tile floor professionally cleaned and sealed every 3-5 years. This will make your maintenance efforts much easier and maximize the life of your tile.