Tile flooring is a popular choice for bathrooms and kitchens since it’s incredibly durable and won’t get damaged by water. Cleaning tile flooring is also fairly easy—when you have the right mop for the job.
Kathy Cohoon, operations manager at Two Maids, says there are a few details to keep in mind while shopping for a mop. “When picking a mop for tile floors, we suggest opting for gentle materials like microfiber to avoid scratching,” she says. “Look for a flat, maneuverable head and consider a swivel feature for flexibility.”
To find the best mops for tile floors, we tested over 90 different ones in our testing lab and in the real world.
What We Tested
- Assembly: We determined how simple it was to assemble each mop straight out of the box.
- Maneuverability: Considering each mops design and weight, we mopped around furniture and against walls to test whether or not the mops were comfortable and easy to use.
- Effectiveness and Performance: Each mop was tested on a variety of surfaces to clean up messes of varying textures.
- Care: If the mop had a washable mop pad, we cleaned it and noted how easy the process was and how clean or dirty the pad was after laundering.
For more information on how we tested mops in our lab, check out our testing process below.
Best Overall
Swiffer PowerMop
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Amazon
The best overall mop for tile floors is the Swiffer PowerMop. This affordable mop comes in a kit that includes a spray mop, two mop pad refills, one bottle of cleaning solution, and two batteries.
When we tested the mop, we liked that the rectangular mop head made it easy to clean against edges, like bookcases, cabinets, or walls. While the mop head doesn’t have a 360-degree swivel, it can be moved right or left, and we were able to maneuver around furniture with ease. We were also able to easily reach under furniture, like tables, thanks to the 49-inch handle.
The mop weighs less than 5 pounds, and we appreciated how lightweight and portable it was. It is small enough to fit into a cleaning closet without taking up much space, and there is a hole at the top of the mop so it can hang from a hook.
The cleaning solution contains 25.3 fluid ounces and could easily fit with other cleaning products when removed from the mop (although it can be stored with the cleaning solution intact).
When we specifically tested the mop on canola oil, butter, ketchup, and soil, we were more impressed with this mop than any other ones we tested.For the canola oil, ketchup, and soil, it only took one spray of solution and a few swipes of the mop for the floor to become completely clean.
“I felt this mop was highly effective in cleaning the grouted tile,” one tester reported. “I barely had to do any sprays or swipes to get everything clean. It took about two minutes to clean the grouted tile.”
After cleaning the messes from the tile, we wiped a paper towel over the area to see if it truly cleaned everything from the floor. There was barely any residue on the paper towel, meaning that the mop effectively cleaned the area. We also tested the mop on hardwood floors, and it performed equally well.
When we first pulled this mop out of its box, it did require some light assembly. However, it was easy enough to do since we just had to connect the two pieces of the mop’s handle. The length of the mop from the mop head to the end of the handle is 49 inches.
While the handle height is not adjustable, 49 inches is the average handle length across all the mops we tested and should be comfortable to use for most users.
We inserted the cleaning solution into the designated area on the mop, and it easily snapped into place. Because of the cleaning solution, no additional water is required, which we found to be a convenient feature.
The mop pads are disposable and adhere with hook and loop fasteners, so when we were done mopping we just had to peel the mop pad off and throw it away. Overall, we were extremely impressed with the design, convenience, affordability, and performance of this mop.
How It Performed After Six Months
After using this mop for six months in our home, we remain impressed with its performance. During the six-month real world testing period, it performed just as it did in our testing lab. Nothing on the mop broke or became ineffective over time.
Our only complaint is that the price of disposable mop pads can add up, and we found that we only mopped when we really needed to so we could avoid wasting the pads. At the time of publishing, 10 Swiffer mop pads cost about $20, which is pricey considering the entire mop kit costs about $30.
Product Details: Weight: 4.4 pounds | Handle Length: 49 inches | Care: Dispose of mop pads after use | Accessories: Two mop pad refills, one bottle of cleaning solution, and two batteries
Best Spin
O-Cedar RinseClean Spin Mop & Bucket System
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Target
The O-Cedar EasyWring RinseClean Spin Mop & Bucket System has a classic design but still impressed us with its cleaning ability during testing.
To assemble this mop, we simply had to twist to attach the pole to the mop head, which took less than a minute. This is the only mop on our list that has an adjustable handle, and you can adjust the handle from 35 inches up to 51 inches. The mop also came with a bucket and a microfiber mop head.
While testing, we found that this spin mop was lightweight and easy to maneuver. Even though the mop pad was round, it was able to clean corners since the microfiber strings were flexible. We used the mop to clean up butter, canola oil, marinara sauce, and potting soil from a grouted tile floor, and we found it to be effective at cleaning these messes.
The butter and canola messes were completely clean in just four quick passes with the mop, and both the marinara sauce and potting soil were clean in 20 passes. Like the Bissell SpinWave Cordless Pet Hard Floor Spin Mop, this mop had trouble picking up the larger chunks of tomatoes and dirt. If you have larger pieces like this, use a vacuum or paper cleaner to remove them first before mopping.
When we wrung the mop out in the bucket of water, we were pleased that the stains were almost entirely removed from the mop pad so we weren’t smearing the mess around on the floor. It was simple to use the pedal to wring out the mop, and we appreciated that there were two separate sides in the bucket that separated the clean water from the dirty water.
The mop pad also absorbed water well, and we didn’t have any issues with excessive water on the tile floor. We washed the mop pad in the sink with a gentle soap and most of the stains came out, but the pad can also be washed in a washing machine for even more convenience.
The mop bucket wasn’t too heavy to move around, even when it was filled with water. We liked that the bucket system had a handle so we could carry it with ease, but we wish the bucket had wheels to make it even easier. Since this mop system has a bucket system, it took up more space in storage compared to the other mops on our list.
Product Details: Weight: 6.69 pounds (weight of mop and empty bucket) | Handle Length: 35 to 51 inches | Care: Mop head is machine washable | Accessories: Microfiber mop head and bucket system
Best Electric
Bissell SpinWave Cordless Spin Mop
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Amazon
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We liked that it has a handle in the middle, which made it easy to carry. And even though it is electric, it was quiet enough to use without waking sleeping children.
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It struggled to absorb larger messes, like marinara sauce and soil, and it can’t completely clean corners since the mop pads are round.
For those who prefer an electric mop, the Bissell SpinWave Cordless Pet Hard Floor Spin Mop wowed us during our lab testing. This mop came with a charger, a storage tray, two soft pads, two scrub pads, and two 8-ounce bottles of PET Multi-Surface formula.
There is a canister on the mop that you can fill with water or cleaning formula—for our lab test, we just used water. At the top of the mop, there is a power button and a spray button, both of which performed as they should.
When we began mopping, we liked how easy it was to maneuver this mop around furniture, and the mop head smoothly turned to the left and right. The rotating pads proved to be efficient, and the mop almost seemed to glide effortlessly over the floor. We also appreciated that there is a handle in the middle of the mop that made it easy to to move when not in use.
The mop weighs 11 pounds, so it is heavier than the Swiffer PowerMop, but we didn’t feel like it was too heavy or cumbersome to carry around or use. It took about nine minutes for us to complete our lab testing, and the battery lasted the entire time and did not falter. The mop is designed to last 20 minutes on one full charge.
It only took a few passes with the mop for it to clean up messes like apple juice, canola oil, and butter on grouted tile floors. However, it did have some trouble with the chunkier messes, like the marinara and soil.
The bigger bits didn’t get absorbed into the mop pads but were instead flung across the floor by the rotating pads. This wasn’t a deal breaker for us (and happened with most of the mops we tested), but keep in mind that you’ll have to scoop up larger messes with a paper towel or broom and dustpan before using this mop.
Unlike the Swiffer PowerMop, these mop pads are washable so you don’t have to worry about buying new ones. After rinsing in the sink with warm water and a bit, the mop pads were about 60% clean, and they did have some stains. It was easy to remove and reattach the mop pads to the mop head since they have a hook and fastener design.
Assembly was straightforward and took less than a minute—we simply had to push the top section of the mop into the lower section until it snapped into place. The total length of the mop is 45 inches, and it is not adjustable; however, we felt that the length was sufficient and felt comfortable while using it.
How It Performed After Six Months
To further test this electric mop, we tested it in the real world for six months. The mop continued to perform as it did in the lab, and the battery life did not deteriorate.
During our real world testing, we found that this is a great option for busy households with childhood or pets since it easily cleaned up messes from kids, such as apple juice, popsicle drips, and cheese from macaroni and cheese. Occasionally, we also used the mop to wipe up paw prints and shoe prints, and it effortlessly cleaned those messes as well.
Because it doesn’t need a bucket of water, this mop was also fast and convenient for cleaning up small messes. And even though it’s electric, it was quiet enough to use while children were sleeping without waking them up.
We experimented with cleaning the mop pads a few different ways, and we found the most efficient way was to wash them in the washing machine with bath towels and laundry detergent.
We were initially worried that putting them in the dryer would cause them to shrink or become misshapen, but they remained the same size and shape after machine drying. Sometimes they didn’t get completely dry, and we had to allow them to air dry.
While we were mostly impressed with the performance of this electric mop, during our real world testing we discovered that it cannot clean corners since the mop pads are round. It could somewhat clean the area around corners, but it couldn’t get them pristine.
Product Details: Weight: 11 pounds | Handle Length: 45 inches | Care: Charge the mop when not in use, mop pads are washable | Accessories: A charger, a storage tray, two soft pads, two scrub pads, and two 8-ounce bottles of PET Multi-Surface formula
Best Steam
Bissell PowerFresh Pet Steam Mop
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Amazon
Steam mops use hot water to quickly and easily remove stains and messes from tile floors. Based on our testing, the Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop 1544A is the best steam mop for tile floors.
In addition to the mop itself, this device came with plenty of accessories, including a microfiber soft pad, a scrub pad, odor eliminating fragrance discs, various attachments for deeper cleaning, and a storage bag to help keep everything organized.
To use this steam mop, we simply filled the 13.5-ounce water tank with water and pressed the on/off button. It’s worth noting that not all of the steam mops we tested had on/off buttons, and we just had to plug and unplug those devices to turn them off, so we appreciated the addition of an actual button with this one.
We also liked that the water heated up quickly—it only took 32 seconds. In our lab testing, the longest it took for the water to heat up in a steam mop was one minute and 30 seconds. And when the water tank was completely filled, the entire mop weighed only 8 pounds and 4 ounces, which meant it was lightweight and easy to maneuver.
We tested this steam mop on a variety of messes, but we were shocked at how well it cleaned up sticky maple syrup. While it took other models anywhere from 12 to 60 passes to completely clean a maple syrup mess, it only took this steam mop three passes.
Even though part of the syrup mess was in the grout between tiles, it didn’t take any scrubbing, pre-treatment, or additional accessories for the mop to remove it.
Like the Bissell SpinWave Cordless Pet Hard Floor Spin Mop, the mop pad on this mop is reusable, so you don’t have to worry about keeping disposable mop pads on hand. We cleaned the mop pad by washing in a washing machine, and we found that this method sufficiently cleaned it.
How It Performed After Six Months
After testing this mop in our lab, we continued to test in the real world for six months. We used it twice a week to clean white tile floors, and every time we used it, we were shocked that it made the floors look brand new.
During the real world testing period, we cleaned stains and messes like mud, soda, coffee, and shoe and paw prints, and it worked flawlessly on every spill.
We also experimented with the attachments more during this time, and we found that removing the hose and using the scrubbing heads allowed us to reach into smaller spaces and crevices with ease.
There was no change in its effectiveness or performance after six months, and it worked just as it did the first time we used it every time. Additionally, we tested whether using tap water or filtered water made a difference, but we didn’t notice a difference, noting that both types of water performed equally well.
We also appreciated that it was easy to store in a cleaning closet and didn’t take up too much room, even with the storage bag of accessories. While we never needed to refill the water tank during use, we noted that if you have a larger area of tile that needs to be cleaned, you might have to refill it since it isn’t the largest tank we tested (which was 20.29 ounces).
Before purchasing this mop, keep in mind that it does have a cord that plugs into the wall, so make sure you have an outlet or two close enough to your tile floor.
Product Details: Weight: 8 pounds, 4 ounces (when filled with water) | Handle Length: 44.7 inches | Care: Mop pads are machine washable | Accessories: A microfiber soft pad, a scrub pad, odor eliminating fragrance discs, various attachments for deeper cleaning, and a storage bag
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![Person removing the cleaning pad from the Bissell 1544A PowerFresh Pet Lift-Off 2-in-1 Scrubbing & Sanitizing Steam Mop]()
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Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
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![Closeup of the Bissell 1544A PowerFresh Pet Lift-Off 2-in-1 Scrubbing & Sanitizing Steam Mop cleaning a spill]()
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Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
The Bottom Line
After testing, we chose the Swiffer PowerMop as the best overall mop for tile floors because it easily cleaned off stains and messes with just one spray of cleaning solution and a few swipes of the mop. We also appreciated that it was able to clean the floor in corners and against walls, and it didn’t take up much space in storage.
Our Testing Process
To find the best mops for tile floors, we tested over 90 mops in our lab. We also continued to test some mops in the real world for up to six months to see how they stood up to regular use.
In our lab, we first evaluated the mops on how easy they were to assemble if assembly was required. We measured the length of the mops and noted whether or not they had adjustable handles and whether or not we felt this feature was necessary.
Then, we used the mops to clean a variety of messes on different surfaces, including hardwood and tile, to determine how well they performed. We also used the mops around furniture and against walls so we could evaluate how well they maneuvered and cleaned around different obstacles.
After cleaning floors with the mops, we washed the mop pads or threw away the pads if they were disposable. We noted whether or not the mop pads were easy to clean and how much of the stains were removed during laundering.
We compared all of our findings and scored each mop based on their performance, and the top mops earned a spot on our list.
Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
What to Know About Mops for Tile Floors Before Shopping
Type
There are several different types of mops including spray, spin, and steam. Spray mops, like the Swiffer PowerMop, are one of the most convenient options since they are typically lightweight, and you don’t have to worry about a bucket of water since there is a canister or reservoir on each mop.
Spin mops usually come in a bucket and mop system, like the O-Cedar EasyWring RinseClean Spin Mop & Bucket System. The bucket system spins the mop to wring out excess water so the mop head can more effectively absorb stains and messes from the floor. There are also electric spin mops, like the Bissell SpinWave Cordless Pet Hard Floor Spin Mop, that have automatic rotating mop heads.
Steam mops use hot water to clean and disinfect tile floors—but they shouldn’t be used on hardwood floors because they could damage the wood.
Material
Mops heads are either disposable or made out of a reusable fabric, such as microfiber. “When picking a mop for tile floors, we suggest opting for gentle materials like microfiber to avoid scratching,” Cohoon says. “Microfiber is a top choice due to the soft texture and excellent cleaning ability.”
“We suggest avoiding materials that are abrasive or rough, such as rough nylon or coarse fibers, as these can scratch or damage the tile surface over time,” she says.
Care
There are two different types of mop pads featured on our list: disposable and reusable. Mops like the Swiffer PowerMop have disposable mop pads, so you can simply remove the pad and toss it in the trash can when you’re done mopping.
While this is the most convenient option, keep in mind that you will have to buy replacement pads, and the cost of that can add up after frequent use.
Other mops, such as the Bissell SpinWave Cordless Pet Hard Floor Spin Mop, have reusable mop pads that can be washed by hand or in a washing machine.
While reusable mop pads may have to be replaced eventually from normal wear and tear, they won’t need to be replaced at the frequency disposable ones need to be replaced. This makes them a more economical and environmentally-friendly option.
Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Other Mops for Tile Floors We Tested
PurSteam Steam Mop Cleaner 10-in-1
The PurSteam Steam Mop Cleaner 10-in-1 cleaned effectively and quickly, and we appreciated that it came with an attachment to clean grout. It only took 17 seconds for this steam mop to heat up, and it weighed less than 6 pounds when the 12.8-ounce water tank was completely full.
After using it for six months, it still performed as well as it did the first day we tested it. There were only a couple of downsides to using this mop: The mop head flipped over easily when we attempted to clean sticky messes, and the mop head was a bit clunkier than others we tested.
However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly steam mop, this is a great option since it was able to easily clean common kitchen messes while being lightweight and maneuverable.
Hurricane Spin Mop
We were shocked with how well the Hurricane Spin Mop performed during our testing—it only took a few passes for the mop to clean up messes like butter, canola oil, marinara sauce, and potting soil.
However, we felt that it worked better on hardwood floors than tile floors. It took fewer passes to clean the messes on the hardwood floors, and the mop had some trouble completely cleaning the grout between tiles.
If you choose this option, you may just need another tool to clean grout, depending on how big your mess is. We did like how easy it was to use the pedal to wring out the mop and that the mop head is machine washable.
Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Your Questions, Answered
Are steam mops good for tile floors?
Cleaning your tile floors with a steam mop is an effective way to remove messes and sanitize the tile. Steam mops use steam to clean the floors, and they don’t require any cleaning solutions.
“When you use a steam mop on your tile floors, it’s like getting a deep clean without the harsh chemicals,” Cohoon says. “The high-temperature steam works wonders, loosening up dirt and grime while also killing germs and bacteria. Plus, you won’t have to worry about any residue left behind.”
Cohoon also points out that steam mops are also an eco-friendly cleaning option since they only use water to clean your floors.
How often do you need to replace a mop?
Mops can last quite a few years, and you will likely need to just replace your mop heads before replacing your entire mop. If you have a reusable mop head, you’ll want to replace it when the fibers become loose and stringy, or when it has a sour smell that won’t go away after laundering.
What can you use to clean tile floors?
While some mops come with their own cleaning solutions, others require that you use your own. However, it’s important to use a gentle cleaner to avoid damaging your floors.
“We suggest avoiding abrasive cleaners on your tile floors,” Cohoon says. “These can contain harsh particles that can scratch or dull the surface of your tiles.”
She also explains that there are some chemicals you should avoid using on your tile floor. “Similarly, cleaners with ammonia should be avoided as they can be too harsh and may cause damage,” she explains. “And while bleach is a powerful disinfectant, it’s best to avoid using it on your tile floors as it can cause discoloration and damage, especially to colored grout.”
Thankfully, the cleaning solutions you can use on your tile floors are easy to make at home. “One of the safest options you can use is a mild dish soap diluted in water,” Cohoon says. “This combination can help lift dirt and grime without causing any harm to your tile surface.”
“Another great option is classic vinegar and water solution,” she says. “It’s a natural cleaner that can work wonders on tile floors but remember to dilute the vinegar to avoid any potential damage to your grout.”
Who We Are
Brandi Fuller has been an associate commerce editor for Better Homes & Gardens since September 2022, and has also written for publications such as Southern Living, Real Simple, and PEOPLE. She has written about home and outdoor products including sheets, sewing machines, mops, birdhouses, air quality monitors, and more. For this article, she reviewed all the testing insights from our mop tests and spoke with cleaning expert Kathy Cohoon, operations manager at Two Maids.
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they’re worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn’t an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
