Geez, I have a bad habit of not reading through the entire post before responding. I'm sorry, I see now that you'd already been using a steamer. It's entirely possible that it's the cloths. Perhaps you should try washing them before using them. I know that same thing has happened to me several times with my steamer and at the time I had never used any cleaner on my new tile. I try to wash the cloths by themselves, but there's been a few times other things have accidently been in the wash. I think it makes a difference with the way the microfiber absorbs. I have also recently tried using vinegar/water to mop (I wasn't absolutely sure my canister steamer was cleaner like it should) and it left terrible streaks. I guess I was using too much vinegar? I went and got a Quikie mop (I thought it was a microfiber mop, but it had a cotton cover instead) and you wouldn't believe the dirt that came up! I am a little upset since I thought my steamer was doing such a good job! :(

There are many large posts here about the benefits of each of the products you mentioned. If you do a search, you find lots of good info and reviews from people who use them everyday. I will say, however, that there don't seem to be many people who use the shark/euro-pro canister steam mop. That is what I have. I got it from Lowe's for $99. It is NOT the same type of appliance as the bissell or the shark mop. Those are "stick" type mops. The shark canister looks like a small canister vacuum. It holds enough water to steam for about 45 minutes. I also have a new large home and lots of tile. I would recommend that you make sure that your grout is sealed properly. That will ease alot of worries. I have several large areas of tile, and I can mop pretty much everything without having to refill (and wait 15 minutes for it to heat up). So basically, I'd say I can mop everything in much less than an hour. It's ALOT less strenuous than conventional mopping. It doesn't use chemicals, either. I never noticed how much that smell bothered me until I quit using lots of cleaning chemicals! It seems to do a VERY good job cleaning the tile. Of course, you still have to sweep first, but I just use a large dust mop and that doesn't take but just a few minutes. The shark also has attachments that are good for cleaning the crevices around toilet seats, corners, etc. There's ALOT of things you can use it for. I haven't had much luck with mirrors, for some reason, though. The only downfall I have with my steam mop is that it only comes with one microfiber pocket (you can flip it over and use both sides). But I use 2-3 when I clean my whole house. I had to order an extra pack from the company and it took 12 weeks to come in. You will DEFINATELY need a couple of packs to do your house. Hope that answers your questions. Good luck.

What are you cleaning? If your wood floors are smelling funny, maybe they aren't sealed well enough to use the steam mop and the wood is getting too damp. I wouldn't think water alone will smell like a wet dog -- Sorry, I don't know. I wouldn't use distilled water, however, unless your manual says it's an option (sometimes steam products will "spit" when distilled water is used).

I hate my shark steam mop. I have ceramic tile in dining room & kitchen, hardwood in living room. I've used it about 5 times. Leaves ugly streaks all over my floors & 2 pads are def not enough--they are a mess & washing (even bleaching) does not get them clean! I've gone back to scrubbing on my hands & knees; however today I wanted to do a quick clean up today in front of my door & now the stupid thing won't steam? Talk about frustrating! Colossal waste of money....