As it’s getting colder, I’m thinking about getting ready for winter. Even though it’s not super cold yet, I’m already in holiday mode at home. While I really like holidays, I have to say that I don’t like winter and the mess it brings. In the past year, I’ve been looking for the best steam mop for tile floors, especially for cleaning our mudroom. If you’re also looking for a good steam mop, you’re in luck—I’ve got all the important info to help you choose the right one for cleaning.
Why I like steam mops
As fall and winter come around, the days get longer, the sun fades, and the city seems to always have a layer of dirt from salted ice trucks. What’s even more irritating is the never-ending cleaning to-do list.
Luckily, we have a mudroom this year to manage all those annoying boot prints. Although most of my home has hardwood floors, the bathrooms and mudroom have tiles. Tiles are easier to clean than hardwood, and with snowy boot prints all over our mudroom, I find myself cleaning a lot!
If you’re getting ready for winter like me, I’ve got all the info to help you choose the best steam mop for your tile floors. Can you tell I’m really looking forward to this season?
Winter means cleaning up after sick kids (because everyone gets sick more in winter), dealing with all the winter gear (hats, gloves, coats, boots), and, of course, cleaning my floors! I really dislike snow being tracked all over the house, and with four kids and a dog, you can bet there are always tiny boot and paw prints everywhere.
Your Floors Matter
Not all mops are the same. Sure, a regular mop will clean your floors, but different surfaces need different cleaning methods.
Think about your floors and pick the best way to clean them. For example, regular mops aren’t good for laminate and hardwood floors because water can mess them up. Harsh chemicals can also be bad for these types of floors and aren’t safe around kids and pets.
Stone floors can’t handle natural cleaners like vinegar—they can mess up the surface. So, it’s smart to know what kind of floor you have before cleaning.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are tough and great for busy areas. We put them in our mudroom and bathrooms because they don’t easily get scratched or lose their shine. You can clean them with soap, water, or most cleaners. The only hassle is cleaning the grout between the tiles, especially if it’s white—dirt shows up more. But don’t worry, I’ve got a great grout cleaner to help you out!
Best Steam Mops for Tile Floors
Check out these great steam cleaners! Consider the floors in your home and where you’ll use the steam mop. If you have a lot of tile, it might be worth investing more in a steam mop. If you only have a couple of bathrooms to clean, you could go for something less pricey. Here are my top choices for the best steam mop for tile floors.
Bissell Power Fresh Steam Mop
The Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop 1940 is a hit on Amazon, with over 47,000 reviews and almost a perfect 5-star rating. It’s a winner! This steam mop has adjustable steam settings (low, medium, high) and a digital control for easy cleaning that kills 99.9% of bacteria. It’s ready to use in just 30 seconds.
What I love about it is the swivel head, long 23-foot power cord, and lightweight design (only 9 lbs). It even comes with microfiber pads, including a scrubber pad for tough stains. The sleek design makes storage a breeze.
While it’s a “basic” model without fancy extras, it’s perfect for most homes, and the price is reasonable. It heats up quickly and goes into standby mode in a few minutes. The water tank is easily removable and holds enough for an hour on low steam or 15 minutes on high. There’s also a medium setting.
The only downside is the lack of an easy pause button, but you can put it in standby mode by holding down the steam button. The microfiber pads do a great job, and you can toss them in the washing machine. It even has a small brush for grout and claims to kill 99.9% of bacteria. Plus, you can add a nice scent with the included Febreze fragrance discs. Overall, a fantastic choice for clean and fresh floors!
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Shark S7001 Steam & Scrub Mop
The Shark Steam & Scrub Automatic Steam Mop is designed to scrub and sanitize at the same time, boasting twice the stain removal power compared to the Shark Classic Steam Mop.
Equipped with two spinning mop heads, this mop claims to tackle stubborn dirt, grease, bacteria, and dust effectively. The 26-foot-long power cord is a handy feature for easy movement between rooms or cleaning larger spaces, and it can be neatly stored on the appliance when not in use.
There are two settings – Light and Normal – allowing you to adjust the steam for different cleaning tasks. Light is for loosening dirt and gentle cleaning, while Normal is for tough messes and large areas. The choice between modes depends on the surface you’re cleaning.
The rotating microfiber pads are easy to remove and toss into the laundry. The mop comes with four pads, enabling consecutive cleaning if needed.
Assembly is a breeze – just insert the mop handle until it clicks, fill the water tank, and attach the microfiber pads. While Shark steam mops tend to be on the pricier side, the two-year warranty provides peace of mind for potential repairs or replacements.
However, considering the cost, some might question the investment in a single-function mop when a similarly priced multi-functional floor mop and handheld unit are available. Despite this, the generous warranty adds a layer of assurance to the purchase.
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Bissell Symphony Pet Steam Mop
The Bissell Symphony Pet Steam Mop and Steam Vacuum Cleaner is a handy two-in-one solution for pet owners. This steam mop not only cleans but also vacuums at the same time, making it a time-saving tool for dealing with pet messes like hair and dirty paw marks.
It works on various floors like marble, hardwood, and linoleum, and it only takes about 30 seconds to warm up. The 12.8-ounce water tank means fewer trips to the faucet, and the “dry-tank” technology helps keep moisture out, potentially preventing bad odors.
Emptying the vacuum is easy with the “Drop-IT” tank, allowing hands-free disposal of debris with just one button. The mop comes with both disposable and reusable pads, so you’re ready for any cleaning task. The disposable pad is perfect for big messes, while the reusable microfiber pad can be thrown in the washing machine. Plus, you get eight odor-eliminating scent discs.
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Shark S3501 Steam Pocket Mop
The Shark S3501 Steam Pocket Mop is a solid choice that comes with two washable microfiber pads, making it easy to clean up dirt and grime. The pads are dual-sided, so you can flip them during cleaning without stopping.
With an 18-foot power cord and a quick 30-second heat-up time, this mop is convenient for small jobs. It’s a straightforward model without variable steam control, but it’s lightweight at only 4 lbs, making it easy to handle and store.
Using the Shark Steam Mop is simple. Attach the mop pad, fill the water reservoir with the filling flask, and plug it in. In about 20 seconds, you’ll hear the hiss of steam, and you’re ready to go. The mophead’s design covers more area than other shapes, and it’s reversible, so you can keep mopping without changing pads.
It’s great for homes with kids, pets, or lots of tile floors. While filling is easy, the water level window is a bit frosted, making it unclear how much water is inside. To get the steam going, you’ll need to give the Shark a few pumps. Overall, it’s a straightforward and effective steam mop for your cleaning needs.
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Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
The Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner is like the Tesla of floor steam mops, and it’s a hit on Amazon with over 19,799 ratings at 4.5 stars. This steam cleaner doesn’t just mop and steam clean – it also degreases and deodorizes surfaces! It comes with a massive 1600 ml water tank, providing over 50 minutes of cleaning time.
While the large water tank lets you clean without stopping, it takes about 7 minutes to heat up to the high temperature of 275 degrees Fahrenheit. The tank is lightweight and portable, moving easily on wheels, but it does take up a bit more space compared to other steam cleaners.
The kit includes 17 pieces with extension tubes, microfiber pads and cloths, a window squeegee tool, and various adjustable brushes. There’s a specialized brush for grout and kitchen appliances, making it versatile for different cleaning tasks.
The idea of using it to degrease the stove and oven is tempting, and it’s versatile enough to steam clean furniture, mattresses, showers, toilets, walls, ceilings, and even your car for detailing. This steamer has a tool for everything!
With a longer 2-year warranty on the cleaner and a lifetime warranty on the boiler, it offers added peace of mind. Whether you’re looking for the best steam mop for tile floors or one with lots of features, this model delivers value for your money.
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Benefits of Cleaning Tile Floors with a Steam Mop
Natural and Non-Toxic:
- Steam cleaning with a steam mop uses plain, heated water, making it a natural and non-toxic way to clean your tile floors.
- Tip: Using purified water ensures a chemical-free cleaning process.
Effective Sanitizer:
- Steam, when heated above 200 degrees Fahrenheit, is an effective sanitizer that can kill most microbes.
- Multiple passes with a steam mop, as recommended by the manufacturer, ensure thorough sanitization.
- While 15 passes may sound like a lot, it’s essential only in specific areas, like around toilets, where complete sanitization is crucial. In most areas, 3-5 passes are sufficient, maintaining a healthy balance in our living spaces.
Ease of Use:
- Steam mops are extremely easy to use, eliminating the need for heavy buckets or wringing out wet mops.
- Filling the water bottle, attaching and detaching the mop head, and cleaning the microfiber mop head are all straightforward tasks.
- The ergonomic design makes it easier on your back compared to traditional mopping methods.
Reduced Waste:
- Steam mops create less waste by eliminating the need for bottled cleaners and disposable mop pads.
- Washable mop heads can be reused many times, reducing the environmental impact.
Affordability:
- Steam mops are affordable, with simple models available for less than $50 and feature-rich options often under $100.
- The initial investment can lead to long-term savings on tile cleaner purchases, while also saving time and effort in the cleaning process.
Caring for Your Steam Mop
After selecting the best steam mop for your tile floors, it’s important to grasp how to care for it for the best performance. Start by thoroughly reading the owner’s manual and instructions that come with the steam mop. These documents contain essential information on how to maintain and use the mop properly.
Before you begin cleaning, get the cleaning space ready by clearing the floor of any obstacles. Make sure you understand the cleaning process. Use a vacuum cleaner on the floors to remove dust and pet hair, as this step is crucial to avoid spreading dust bunnies around during the cleaning.
Follow the manual’s instructions to attach a clean pad to the steam mop. This step ensures the mop functions efficiently and provides effective cleaning. Fill the water tank according to the manual’s guidelines to generate steam. If your steam mop has adjustable steam levels, start with a low setting. This precaution helps you assess your flooring’s tolerance to heat and gives you time to get used to using the steam mop. By following these steps, you can maintain and use your steam mop effortlessly, ensuring your tile floors are clean and sanitized.
Helpful Tips:
- Seal your grout within a week or two of installing your tile floors, and remember to reseal it once a year.
- Be careful not to use too much steam. Excessive steam in the grout can lead to mildew or mold. Use the mop moderately to avoid issues.
- Check your floor warranty. Steam mops are suitable for sealed floors, but I don’t recommend them for any type of hardwood floors. Verify the warranty on your product or contact the manufacturer if you’re unsure. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
I’m Amelia! A passionate foodie, avid home cook, and your go-to guide for all things kitchen. From sizzling pans to innovative gadgets, join me on my flavorful adventures as I whip up honest reviews and delightful dishes, making every meal a masterpiece.