Cleaning tile floors using a bucket, mop, and elbow grease may be character-building, but the results often leave much to be desired. Mopping your floors with traditional mops can be challenging—they’re often hard to maneuver around furniture, tend to spread spills and stains across the floor, and can leave debris behind in grout lines and baseboards. Skip the soapy scene and achieve your cleanest tile floors to date with a steam mop.

Steam mops are our tool of choice for tile floor cleaning because they loosen and lift stains with minimal passes and effort. The best part? These mops use high-temperature steam to disinfect and sanitize tile floors without soap or chemical-based cleaners. This natural approach is ideal for homes with children, pets, or those with sensitivities to common cleaning ingredients.

To narrow down the best steam mops for tile floors, we tested the most popular options in the lab and at home during a six-month testing period. We assessed each mop based on portability, attachments, maneuverability, and effectiveness in removing varied stains from tile and grout.

　　Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Shark Genius Steam Pocket Mop at Amazon $130 Jump to Review Best Budget: True & Tidy Heavy Duty Steam Mop at Wayfair $83 Jump to Review Most Versatile: Bissell PowerFresh Pet Steam Mop at Amazon $145 Jump to Review Best for Grout: Reliable Pronto Plus Steam Cleaner at Amazon $99 Jump to Review

　　 Best Overall

　　 Shark Genius Steam Pocket Mop

$130 at Amazon $130 at Wayfair $130 at Home Depot What’s Great About It Provides deep clean with minimal effort

Portable design

Includes two double-sided dirt grip pads

What Could Be Better Lacks a storage stand

Our all-around pick for tile floors, the Shark S5003D, stood out amongst its peers thanks to its effective stain removal, portable design, and top-notch maneuverability. After using it regularly for months, it worked wonders, removing grease and gunk from our kitchen floors and dirt from our bathroom tile grout. 

Filling the water tank halfway allowed us to steam clean our modest-sized kitchen and bathroom floors more than twice. We appreciated the ease of releasing and removing the pads hand-free between uses but felt conflicted about throwing them into the washing machine with a regular load of clothes. Despite this, we found the pads were easy to hand-wash and felt confident recommending this model to our friends or family with tile floors. 

After six months, we found that the Shark S5003D continued to clean with the same effectiveness as our first use and are happy to report no changes in its steam intensity. This model is ideal for a household with ample tile or linoleum surfaces, as it is easy to use and does not require attachments to achieve a deep clean.

Its most noteworthy feature is its touch-free technology that allows you to attach, clean, and release used mop pads into your hamper without lifting a finger. Throw your Dirt Grip Pads into the washing machine between mop sessions and reuse them as needed.

That said, we were disappointed that the hands-free mop pad release button became less reliable with time, leading us to remove used pads by hand to save time. The Dirt Grip Pads retained staining despite regular hand and machine washing, but we found they continued to clean effectively.  

Weight: 5.77 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 11.8 ounces | Attachments: Genius mop head, steam blast nozzle,  2 double-sided dirt grip pads, fill flask  | Floor Types: Tile, concrete, linoleum | Steam Output: On-demand

　　 Best Budget

　　 True & Tidy Heavy Duty Steam Mop

$83 at Wayfair $83 at Walmart $83 at Home Depot What’s Great About It Maneuvers around furniture easily

Cleans corners

Lightweight

What Could Be Better Required several passes to remove set-in or sticky stains

If you want to treat your tile floors to some TLC by way of deep steam cleaning but don’t want to break the bank, the True & Tidy Heavy Duty Steam Mop STM-500 will not disappoint.

The budget-friendly steam mop impressed us during the initial home testing period because it was simple to set up and operate, easy to maneuver around small spaces, and offered reliable surface stain removal from tile floors. We appreciated the adjustable steam setting and quick cool-down time post-mopping. One drawback we noted was that the steam mop pad rolled under when passing over uneven surfaces, but ultimately, this did not impact its effectiveness in stain removal.

We found the True & Tidy performed well on light dirt and debris but fell short when removing set-in stains. The heavier spills required soap before this steam mop successfully sanitized the floor. We found the mop performed best when tackling simple dust and dirt, but even so, it proved capable of eliminating the majority of our spills with extra elbow grease.

It won us over with its agility as well. The portable design swerved easily around furniture legs and baseboards to collect hard-to-reach debris and we found it was lightweight even with a full water tank.

The True & Tidy continued to work effectively throughout the half-year period, and we did not notice changes in steam intensity with time. The included mop pads appeared dingier with use, but this did not impact performance.

This budget-friendly steam mop is a solid option for melting away grime or dirt on tile floors, but we wish that its mop pads were more absorbent on heavy spills, muddy paw prints, or sticky stains.

Weight: 5.25 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 15.3 ounces | Attachments: Swivel triangle mop head, carpet glider, 2 microfiber cleaning pads | Floor Types: Marble, wood, laminate, carpet, tile | Steam Output: Continuous

　　 Most Versatile

　　 Bissell PowerFresh Pet Steam Mop

$145 $136 at Amazon $145 at Wayfair $145 $137 at Walmart What’s Great About It Includes several attachments for above-floor cleaning

Effectively removed sticky stains

Separate steam nozzle cleans grout

What Could Be Better Relatively bulky body

The most versatile steam mop for tile floors is the Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop 1544A. This distinctive steam mop leaves tile floors clean with minimal effort, and it comes with several attachments for sanitizing other areas in your home, including ovens, stovetops, countertops, grout, windows, and pet areas. The dedicated on/off button that lets you shut down the mop while it remains plugged in to switch tools impressed us during our first cleaning session.

Its efficacy wowed us—it required only three passes to lift sticky, set-in syrup stains from our tile floors, whereas other models we tested needed between 12 and 60 passes to do the same. The steam nozzle attachment was a standout feature because it removed stains from grout without pretreatment or additional scrubbing.

We found it relatively lightweight and appreciated the lift-off feature which makes quick work of scrubbing crevices and corners around the room. With that said, this model lacks wheels, and its cord keeps you tethered to the wall. We liked that the Bissell mop head has a low-profile design, but the body felt a bit bulky, making it tricky to mop under chairs.

At home, the Bissell continued to provide exceptional cleaning on our tile floors. We put it to the test, cleaning up mud, coffee, and soda stains in our high-traffic kitchen, and it left our floor pristine each time. It features two settings, but we did not experience much difference between them while cleaning and defaulted to the higher output to ensure the swiftest results. 

The Bissell proved easy to maneuver across our tile floors, and we appreciated how easy it was to break down, add attachments, and clean tight spaces like counters or baseboards. Plus, its cord proved long enough for us to clean the kitchen without switching outlets.

By the end of our six-month testing period, we did not notice any changes in the steam output, mop pads, or efficacy over time. Our experience with this model was overwhelmingly positive, and we feel its price aligns with its value, making this a solid investment for anyone searching for a catch-all steam mop to tackle tile floors and other surfaces around their home.   

Weight: 10.6 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 13.5 ounces | Attachments: Detachable handheld steamer, microfiber soft pad, microfiber scrubby pad, odor-eliminating fragrance discs, attachable water cup, 13 tools with a tool bag, microfiber towel | Floor Types: Tile | Steam Output: Continuous

　　 Best for Grout

　　 Reliable Pronto Plus Steam Cleaner

$99 at Amazon $99 at Wayfair $99 at Home Depot What’s Great About It High-pressure nozzle effective at removing set-in grout stains

Easy-to-fill water tank

Low-profile mop head

Lightweight

What Could Be Better Mop head is less effective than the nozzle attachment

It’s challenging to achieve pristine tile floors when you have stained grout. The Reliable Pronto Plus is our steam mop recommendation for lifting tough-to-treat stains from tile floor grout thanks to its high-pressure nozzle attachment that offers targeted cleaning for hard-to-reach crevices, corners, and grout lines.

We brought the Reliable Pronto Plus home for long-term evaluation and noted that it included easy-to-follow instructions, a thoughtful accessory storage bag, and an easy-to-fill water tank. The steam reached its maximum heat sooner than other models we tested, and it required fewer passes to clean than its counterparts. 

The low-profile triangular swivel mop head is ideal for sliding into tricky-to-reach nooks and crannies. With that said, while the microfiber mop head left the tile surfaces clean, the mop attachment wasn’t revolutionary. The pièce de résistance was the high-pressure nozzle which worked like a pressure washer and effectively sloughed away set-in grout stains.

After two months, our enthusiasm for the mop attachment dissipated, but our love for the high-pressure nozzle did not. We used the steam mop to clean kitchen and bathroom tile floors and discovered that the mop head became less effective at removing surface stains from tiles and grout lines. By contrast, the handheld tool and abrasive brass scrubbing brush became our go-to tool for removing set-in grout stains and soap scum without disturbing smooth tile surfaces. The water tank is smaller than other steam mops we’ve tried, but we wouldn’t change it because we feel it would be too heavy if it held more water.

After six months, the steam intensity output remained consistent, and the quality of the microfiber mop pad remained the same despite machine washing after each use. The scrubbing attachment tool had a few worn-out bristles but worked well. Better still, the mop powered on and heated as quickly as it did during our initial use.

Overall, we recommend the Reliable Pronto Plus for those looking for a steam mop that offers targeted cleaning for old grout line stains and other hard-to-reach areas. While we appreciated the high-pressure nozzle, we were disappointed by the microfiber mop pad and wished it had a stand as it fell to the floor each time we tried to balance it on the wall or against a chair between passes during cleaning.

Weight: 2.9 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 11.83 ounces | Attachments: High-pressure steam nozzle, ergonomic handheld steamer, 6 scrubbing nozzles, 2 double-sided pads, wall bracket with quick-release cord wrap | Floor Types: Tile, hardwood | Steam Output: Continuous

　　 The Bottom Line

Our top recommendation is the Shark S5003D Genius Hard Floor Cleaning System Pocket Steam Mop. We found it provided a deep clean with minimal passes on tile floors and was easily maneuvered in tight spaces. If you’re in the market for a more affordable option we recommend the True & Tidy Heavy Duty Steam Mop STM-500. It’s easy to operate for daily use and melts mud and dirt from tile floors with ease.

　　 Our Testing Process 

We evaluated 27 of the most popular steam mops using a series of tests in the lab followed by a rigorous six-month home testing period. We began our lab tests by filling each steam mop’s water tank with distilled water, placing it on a scale, and noting its weight when full. We then turned each steam mop on and put it on the highest setting available. We recorded the length of time required for each mop to be ready for use, then read through its manufacturer’s guide to determine whether it was slower, faster, or in line with the time frame provided in the manual.

From there, we tested each steam mop’s effectiveness on ceramic tile floors with grout. We stained our sample tile floor and grout with kitchen staples, including hot sauce, syrup, chocolate milk, and dirt to assess each mop’s performance on varied textures and colors. We then targeted each stain type and noted how many passes were required to eliminate them, how the steam dispersed from the mop, and whether extra tools or attachments were necessary to achieve clean tile and grout. Other factors we considered during lab testing include each mop’s maneuverability around furniture, level of portability, and its effectiveness at cleaning tight corners.

Finally, we brought each steam mop home to evaluate its performance in cleaning tile floors over a six-month trial period. We made notes outlining our first impression of each mop and followed up with a second review after two months of regular use. We recorded a final evaluation of each mop after six months and evaluated whether it provided consistent results over time, noted any wear and tear on the product, and determined if the steam mop’s value aligned with its price point.

Our top four steam mop recommendations consistently exceeded our expectations for performance, value, and ease of use when cleaning tile floors during our lab tests and six-month home evaluations.

　　 More Steam Mops for Tile Floors To Consider

Hoover Steam Complete Pet Steam Mop: This steam mop successfully cleaned our tile floors and revived grout lines during our six-month testing period. This affordable model includes several attachments that made detailed cleaning a breeze and added to our overall positive impression of the mop. Better still—this mop maintained its original quality and results throughout the six-month testing period. With that said, it has a smaller water tank than others reviewed, and this disappointed us because it required us to stop mid-cleaning for refills, even when cleaning small spaces.

BLACK+Decker 7-in-1 Steam Mop: This mop won us over during our home testing because of its detachable steamer, superior cleaning abilities, and lightweight design. We appreciated its ability to sanitize surfaces with minimal passes but found that its added components and attachments were complex and superfluous for cleaning tile floors. Also worth noting is the mop head alone was inefficient in removing grout stains and required the grout cleaning attachment to achieve the desired results.

The Hoover Steam Complete Pet Steam Cleaner revived grout lines during our six-month testing period. With that said, its small water tank required us to stop mid-cleaning for refills.

　　 Tips for Choosing a Steam Mop for Tile Floors

Steam Output  Steam mops operate with either continuous or on-demand steam outputs. Mops with continuous steam output will keep producing a steady stream of steam without you needing to adjust settings or hold down buttons as you mop. 

By contrast, on-demand steam mops produce steam exclusively when you hold down a button or handle trigger and cease output when you release your grip. On-demand steam output requires a bit of extra muscle when mopping a large space but it appeals to some as it cuts down on unnecessary water loss and limits refills necessary.

Another factor regarding steam output is adjustability. There are steam mops with adjustable output, like the Reliable Pronto Plus 300CS 2-in-1 Steam Cleaner, that offer different intensity levels and allow you to tailor your application to the mess underfoot. Adjustable steam output is available in both continuous and on-demand models.

Attachments Most steam mops include a variety of attachments and tools to aid you in deep cleaning your floors. Attachments vary from model to model and may include brushes, double-sided microfiber pads, and scraping tools.

We found attachments like the high-pressure steam nozzle included with the Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop 1544A to be especially beneficial for cleaning tile floors as it provided targeted cleaning for tough-to-reach corners and grout lines.

Portability  A steam mop’s portability can make or break your cleaning routine. A model that’s too heavy, features a bulky silhouette or a restrictive cord can make cleaning your tile floors feel like more of a chore than it already is.

To determine how portable a steam mop is we recommend analyzing its length and weight with a full water tank. Steam mops weigh between 5 to 10 pounds and there are appeals to lighter and heavier designs. 

Those on the weighty end, like the Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop 1544A, typically have larger water tanks requiring less frequent refills while cleaning. Lighter options, like the Reliable Pronto Plus 300CS 2-In-1 Steam Cleaner, are easier on your arms while mopping and may not require refills if you are cleaning a small surface area.

　　 Questions and Answers

Are steam mops good for tile floors? Yes and no. Steam mops are exceptional tools for cleaning and sanitizing sealed porcelain and ceramic tiles. With that said, tiles forged from natural materials, like marble or granite, are porous and do not hold up well against steam mops’ moisture and high temps. We recommend verifying your tile material before working with a steam mop to avoid compromising the integrity of your flooring.

Do steam mops leave streaks on tile floors?

Yes, steam mops may leave streaks on tile floors. Tap water and dirty mop pads are two common culprits of smudgy surfaces. To avoid this, we recommend using distilled water and cleaning your mop pads after each steam session to ensure you achieve a flawless finish underfoot.  

How often should you steam clean tile floors? How often you steam clean your tile floors is relative to the level of foot traffic and general lifestyle in your home. With that said, steam mopping tile floors once a week in busy locales like your family kitchen and twice monthly in less-frequented rooms like a hall bathroom are a solid rule of thumb for maintaining sparkling, sanitized floors.

Bustling households with crawling toddlers or a pack of mud-prone paws may benefit from even more frequent mopping, while empty nesters may get away with once a month. 

　　 Why Trust Southern Living

This article was written by Maria Conti, a writer for Southern Living with eight years of experience writing product reviews and shopping guides. For this review, we tested 27 steam mops in the lab followed by a rigorous six-month home testing period to determine which are the best for tile floors.

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