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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
Cleaning your dirty kitchen or bathroom floors might seem like an endless job. Luckily, a tile floor cleaner can help by deep cleaning your floors and lifting away stains and worn-in grime, without damaging grout or leaving residue behind. Whether you use a mop or an old-fashioned sponge, finding a high-quality floor cleaner for your home is crucial—and it takes a little bit of time and research.
“You need to make sure what you’re using is safe. This can include knowing whether it uses toxic or non-toxic chemicals, whether its ingredients are naturally sourced or biodegradable, or if it does a good enough job of sanitizing its intended surface,” explains cleaning expert Patrick Taylor of Roxton Industries, a company that manufactures cleaning wipes.
To make floor cleanup just a smidge easier, we tested and thoroughly vetted the best tile floor cleaners on the market, evaluating ease of use, effectiveness, and formulation. After plenty of testing (and scrubbing!), we were floored by our impressive finds!
Best Overall
Swiffer WetJet Starter Kit
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Lightweight
Easy to attach and remove pads
Works on most hard floors
Different cleaning solutions available
Some parts feel flimsy
Need to apply pressure to tough stains
This all-in-one wet mop and floor cleaner has a user-friendly design that’s undeniably simple to maneuver. Push a button to dispense a small stream of liquid, and then glide the slim and lightweight mop across your bathroom, kitchen, or hallway tile floor. When you're done, toss the pad and move right along with your tasks and the rest of your day. We love the design of the mop and how it's easy to use. In particular, we like the curved handle of the WetJet, as it makes it more comfortable to hold and steer around the floor—no awkwardly turning your arms to get into corners. It’s a small detail but one that’s often overlooked with other mops!
Don’t worry about tough spills—this hardworking tool can handle them, too. In fact, we thought it was surprisingly super effective at cleaning both light and heavy messes. With a little bit of elbow grease, it even swiped up stuck-on bits of food. It may not be quite as sturdy as some wooden mops on the market, but it’s so durable, so you can apply the pressure you need to effectively clean. The tool also holds up to tough tasks. And, because of the way it’s designed, you can disassemble the whole thing for easy storage if you need to save some space.
Just note that the convenience of tossing out pads when you're done is one you’ll pay for in the long run. You'll need to purchase brand-specific replacements, but at least they’re widely available both online and in stores, so it isn't a massive dealbreaker in our eyes.
Price at time of publish: $36
Type: Mop | Dimensions: 18.9 x 6.02 x 4.53 inches | Weight: 3.23 pounds | Capacity: Not applicable | Power Source: Manual
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The Spruce / Camryn Rabideau
Best Eco-Friendly
Better Life Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner
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Amazon
No harsh odors or fumes
Plant-derived cleaning agents
No rinsing required
Affordable
Easy to use too much
Cap tends to leak
No spray applicator
If you’re searching for a one-and-done product, Better Life’s Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner is it. This top-notch floor cleaner delivers a streak-free clean—cutting through both grease and grime on sealed floors, including hardwood, tile, bamboo, ceramic tile, laminate, and more. At the same time, it’s an eco-friendly and plant-based formula that is safer to use in homes with kids and pets.
It doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals (only essential oils), so it doesn’t leave a strong scent behind. Instead, expect a soft, clean, citrus aroma to fill your home. Also nice is that there’s no dilution required. Instead, the squirt-and-mop application method means all you have to do is point, shoot, and wipe for cleaner floors.
We know it's annoying to have to evacuate a room for a considerable amount of time to allow the floor to dry, but that wasn’t the case with Better Life. Within minutes of cleaning one portion of the floor, the surface was dry as we began cleaning another. It left a smooth finish without any tackiness, too, which was a pleasant surprise as many solutions leave the floor slightly sticky after use.
Price at time of publish: $16
Type: Liquid | Dimensions: 13 x 13 x 12.5 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Amount: 128 fluid ounces | Scent: Citrus mint
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The Spruce / Elizabeth Rago
Best Solution
Armstrong Flooring Once 'n Done Floor Cleaner
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Amazon
Eco-friendly
Great scent
A little goes a long way
Requires dilution
It may seem like you have to stock a different cleaner for every surface in your home, but there are plenty of multi-surface options like this one from Armstrong. This concentrate, which is backed by both homeowners and professional house cleaners, is safe for use on a variety of surfaces, including tile floors, countertops, bathroom fixtures, and kitchen appliances.
What we love the most, though, is how eco-friendly this cleaner is, which means it isn't too harsh for a home with kids and pets. It’s made from plant-derived ingredients with natural essential oils that give it a refreshing and uplifting lemon verbena scent. It’s also free of parabens and phthalates—a must for the more natural-minded consumer.
If there’s any downside, it’s that even though a little bit goes a long way, you'll have to dilute the formula prior to using it. Still, this no-rinse formula ranks high on our list.
Price at time of publish: $20
Type: Liquid | Dimensions: Not listed | Weight: Not listed | Amount: 128 fluid ounces | Scent: Lemon verbena
Best Mop
BOSHENG Mop and Bucket with Wringer Set
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Amazon
Microfiber pads perform well on a variety of surfaces and messes
Bucket wrings out head for you
Easy to navigate around obstacles
Vague instructions
Longer cleanup time
When it comes to cleaning tile floors, a hardworking mop is really your best friend, especially if you’re working with the BOSHENG Mop. The flat-headed mop expertly performs on just about any floor surface—from tile to wood—making it exceptionally versatile for cleaning both dry and wet messes without having to get on your hands and knees. When we tested this mop in The Lab, it effortlessly wiped up everything, including fruit punch, barbecue sauce, damp soil, and even dry paprika.
We love the bucket that's included with the mop, because it does the hard work of wringing out the mop head for you. What’s more, the setup process is relatively easy (despite the vague directions), so you can get to work quickly. It also comes with three washable microfiber pads, so you’ll always have extra on hand.
Because of the overall efficiency and convenience, the product scored a full five stars in nearly every category, including effectiveness, maneuverability, and value.
Price at time of publish: $40
Type: Mop | Dimensions: 15.4 x 7 x 9 inches | Weight: 3.89 pounds | Capacity: Not applicable | Power Source: Manual
Best Grout Cleaner
Black Diamond Ultimate Grout Cleaner
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Amazon
Quickly acting formula
Solution is safe on marble
Has a milder scent
Doesn't work on calcium, mold, or water spots
Tough grime may require more effort
No matter how often you clean your tile floors, dirty grout lines can make the floors look like they haven’t been touched in months—and cleaning grout is no easy job. Fortunately, this hardworking cleaner can make the task a little easier. The acid-free formula is safe for tiled surfaces and both white and colored grout lines and tackles messy grout in just three minutes.
To use, apply the product, wait, gently scrub with a cleaning brush, and then wipe with a damp cloth. The result is lighter, brighter grout lines. After the formula had settled for several minutes, we took our grout brush to the tiles and were instantly filled with satisfaction as brown and red dirt separated from the grout, running down the shower walls in defeat. Of course, some areas were more stubborn than others, but it was nothing a little extra muscle couldn’t solve!
If you’re having a problem with mold or mildew, you’ll have to look elsewhere for a solid remedy, but otherwise this is a reliable cleaner with a mild scent.
Price at time of publish: $20
Type: Liquid spray | Dimensions: 9 x 4.5 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Amount: 32 fluid ounces | Scent: Unscented
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The Spruce / Rachel Ellison
Best for Pets
Nature’s Miracle Hard Floor Cleaner
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Amazon
Fights stains and odors well
Easy to apply
Works on variety of sealed floors
Strange scent
Pets can be tough on your floors—even tile ones that tend to be easier to wipe down. If you have a four-legged friend who regularly tracks dirt into your home or has accidents on the floor, you need to pay close attention to the type of floor cleaner you stock, to ensure that it's safe for pets and tough enough to get the job done. Enter, this cleaner. Nature's Miracle has an enzymatic formula that counteracts stains and lingering odors left behind by urine, feces, or vomit. It even works on set stains.
Despite its power, you won’t have to worry about damaging your floors. Though the formula will surely remedy your stain, it won’t affect the finish of sealed floors. Just note: it initially has a strange scent that dissipates as it dries.
Price at time of publish: $14
Type: Liquid spray | Dimensions: 9.75 x 3.25 x 4.25 inches | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Amount: 24 fluid ounces | Scent: Unscented
Best Steam Mop
Black+Decker 7-in-1 Steam-Mop With Steam-Glove Handheld Steamer
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Amazon
Can be used upright or as a handheld steamer
Steam glove accessory
Heats up quickly
No agitation tool
Expensive
Perhaps even easier than the magic of the Swiffer is the magic of a good steam mop. Of course, it’s more of an investment, but it’s one you may want to make if your home has a lot of tile flooring. This particular steam mop blew us away because of how versatile and effective it was at cleaning a variety of surfaces—especially tile.
The powerful cleaning tool comes with multiple attachments and effortlessly switches from an upright to a handheld steamer in seconds. What’s more, it heats up almost instantly. This BLACK+DECKER steam mop is easy to use and tackles dirt and grime better than just about anything else. In fact, this particular steam cleaner was powerful enough to get a very large soy sauce stain off of tile flooring.
Price at time of publish: $199
Type: Steam cleaner | Dimensions: 25 x 7 x 12 inches | Weight: 6 pounds | Capacity: Not applicable | Power Source: Corded electric
Best for Ceramic Floors
Aunt Fannie's Vinegar Floor Cleaner
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Amazon
Plant-based formula
Comes in different scents
Rated high by the Environmental Working Group
Some find the vinegar scent overpowering
Requires dilution
If you’re on the hunt for a greener, but still super-effective, way to clean your ceramic floors, Aunt Fannie’s Vinegar Wash is the answer. It’s powered by an all-natural cleaning staple (vinegar), plus essential oils and plant-based cleaning agents that work to dissolve dirt and grime on all sealed surfaces and grout lines. As such, the product has a top safety rating from the Environmental Working Group.
If you’re concerned about an intense, lingering vinegar scent, don't worry. While it may be a bit of a hassle to dilute the formula, this is key to ending up with a pleasing eucalyptus fragrance rather than a vinegar-based one. Notably, the cleaner does come in other scents, including lemon and lavender.
Price at time of publish: $11
Type: Liquid | Dimensions: 5.18 x 2.35 x 2.35 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Amount: 32 fluid ounces | Scent: Eucalyptus
Best for Porcelain
Bona Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner
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Amazon
Greenguard Gold certified
Doesn’t leave behind any residue
Works on glazed or unglazed floors
Spray isn’t always consistent
Whether you have glazed or unglazed porcelain floors in your home, you can keep them in tip-top shape with a pH-balanced cleaner like Bona Hard Surface Floor Cleaner. This formula is made by the widely praised Bona brand and water-based. It's not only a safe choice for tile flooring, but also a Greenguard Gold Certified choice. You can confidently purchase this cleaner if you have a household with children and four-legged friends.
Still, this cleaner is powerful enough that you should only need to do a bi-weekly clean to keep floors fresh. As a nice bonus, your floors are bound to shine brighter than ever, too. The product won’t leave floors slippery, and it also won't leave behind any residue that may dull the overall aesthetic or lead to tackiness when you walk.
Price at time of publish: $11
Type: Liquid spray | Dimensions: 11.5 x 3.0 x 5.0 inches | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Amount: 32 fluid ounces | Scent: Unscented
For a one-step solution to maintaining your tile floors, it's hard to beat the convenience of the Swiffer WetJet Starter Kit. Everything about it is easy—initial setup, use, and storage. Plus, it’s affordable. If you're not interested in purchasing refills for your tile floor cleaner, then opt for a floor cleaner solution like Armstrong's Once 'n Done Floor Cleaner. This concentrate is extremely tough on spills of all kinds and versatile enough to use on multiple surfaces.
What to Look for in a Tile Floor Cleaner
Type
When shopping for the perfect tile floor cleaner, consider how each type of product cleans. Some tile floor cleaners—like our top pick, the Swiffer WetJet Starter Kit—are mops, so you don’t have to get on your hands and knees to get your tile floors sparkling clean.
Others come in spray bottles for easy application—including Nature's Miracle Hard Floor Cleaner—or as a solution you mix and apply with a mop. Before buying a tile floor cleaner for your floors, consider your preferred method of application, as well as how much storage space the products will occupy in your home.
Ingredients
In tile floor cleaners, the ingredients have a direct correlation with both efficacy and overall safety. Although harsher ingredients, such as ammonia or bleach, may get tougher jobs done with no elbow grease, they may not be the best fit for homes with children and pets. You also need to take safety precautions when using them, including ventilating the area you're cleaning, protecting your eyes and skin, and following the label's instructions completely. You should never mix cleaners with one another, and you especially should never mix ammonia and bleach. The two together can cause a very serious, harmful, and dangerous reaction.
If you have young children or pets who are constantly in contact with the floor, prioritize more eco-friendly tile floor cleaners, like Aunt Fannie’s Cleaning Vinegar. If you are concerned about the ingredients in your floor cleaner, look for outside certifications from governmental agencies such as the EPA Safer Choice program or the Environmental Working Group.
Cleaning Power
Some tile floor cleaners are concentrated, and meant to be diluted. If you don’t follow the dilution instructions, you risk damaging your tile and the grout among tiles. These cleaners aren’t usually meant for daily use, so avoid buying them if you’re mopping your bathroom floor on a regular basis.
If you are a frequent floor cleaner, opt for something labeled for daily or regular use. For tougher stains and occasional cleaning, though, it’s a good idea to keep a high-strength tile cleaner on hand.
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What kinds of cleaners are best for tile floors?
Although you can technically use an all-purpose cleaning product to clean your tile floor, we suggest using a specialty cleaner to keep it looking bright. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly cleaner, look for one with baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils.
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How do you clean tile floors?
Sweep or vacuum your tile floor at least twice a week to remove dirt and debris that can make your tile look dull if it builds up. We think a microfiber duster tends to pick up dust and hair easily. Every week or two, depending on how high-traffic the area is, mop or wet clean your tile floor. Ideally, you should aim to clean the kitchen floor every two weeks and the bathroom once a week. Spot-clean grout as needed or every few months. For more handy tips, check out our guide on how to clean tile floors.
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Will vinegar or bleach damage tile floors?
Vinegar will not damage your tile floors as long as you use it correctly. It is acidic, and it can eat away at the tile and grout. Only use vinegar on floors with sealed grout.
The same goes for bleach. While it’s a great disinfectant, you should be careful when applying it to grout. It can discolor colored grout and make it look uneven.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Erica Puisis has been researching the best products in floor cleaning for The Spruce since 2017. She's a fan of Armstrong's Once 'n Done Floor Cleaner for its smooth, residue-free finish on tile floors.
This article was updated by Brigitt Earley. She has written and edited hundreds of articles about cleaning products for various publications, including The Spruce, for nearly 15 years. She has personally tested a whole host of floor cleaning products, including some of the tile floor cleaners in this roundup—like Aunt Fannie’s Cleaning Vinegar. To curate this list, she reviewed top-rated items on the market, read hundreds of product reviews, and spoke to multiple cleaning professionals for their insight, including cleaning expert Patrick Taylor of Roxton Industries, a company that manufactures cleaning wipes,
Additional reporting was done by Lauren Murphy, a long-time writer and editor who specializes in DIYs, home upgrades, and other home-related topics.