Choosing the best steam mop for your home can be a daunting task.
We have done the research for you, so you can easily narrow it down and choose the best steam mop to meet your tile cleaning needs.
Before you make your purchase, you need to ask yourself some questions:
- Will you be using the steamer for light cleaning, deep cleaning or both?
- How far does your cord need to reach?
- Do you have pets?
- Would you like a vacuum and steam mop in one or just a steam mop?
- Are you looking to clean only your floors?
- Do you need a light-weight steam mop?
Now that you know basically what you are looking for in a steam mop, the descriptions below will help you find the unit that has the features you desire.
Shark Steam Pocket Mop
The Shark Steam Pocket Mop is designed to sanitize sealed wood, tile, linoleum, and vinyl flooring surfaces.
Included with the unit are double sided washable microfiber pads. The double-sided design coupled with the swivel head allow both sides of microfiber cloth to be utilized during your steaming session. Since the microfiber pad is machine washable, it eliminates your need to purchase or reorder disposable cleaning pads.
The unit heats up and starts producing sanitizing steam in just 30 seconds. The steam on demand system works by releasing steam every time you push the mop forward. This unit offers just one steam setting.
A 25-foot cord and the swivel steering allow you to glide seamlessly around edges and obstacles. The telescopic handle adjusts to the perfect height increasing your comfort. Weighing just 4.87 pounds it is light weight. However, despite its compact size it has a large 15.2 ounce tank. The tank does not detach, but it does come with an easy fill cup.
Bissell 1806C Powerfresh Deluxe Steam Mop
The Bissell Powerfresh Deluxe Steam Mop is designed to sanitize sealed hard flooring surfaces including hardwood, linoleum, ceramic, tile, marble, and granite.
The kit includes a washable microfiber pad to safely clean your various hard floor surfaces. While steaming your floors, the fragrance disc in the built in tray releases a burst of scent into the air. As an added bonus, the detachable SpotBoost Brush targets and removes the stubborn, stuck-on messes.
In just 30 seconds from being switched on the steam will begin to sanitize your surface. It is a continuous steam system with two settings, high or low, to meet your steaming needs.
The unit weighs just 6 pounds and has a large 16-ounce tank.
You can easily fill the attached water tank with the included measuring cup. When not in use, the measuring cup conveniently attaches to the steam mop for easy storage.
Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop
The Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop sanitizes sealed hardwood, ceramic tile, linoleum, granite, marble, and carpets. The washable microfiber pads easily trap the dirt and germs on your hard floor surfaces. To refresh your carpet you just attach the carpet glider tool and glide over the carpets gently steaming and sanitizing every fiber. It is that simple.
The flip-down easy scrubber will help you remove tough messes quickly. As an additional benefit to sanitizing your home, the fragrance discs will fill your home with a pleasant scent. The pads for this unit are machine washable. You have a choice between using the microfiber soft pad for everyday cleaning or the microfiber scrubby pad for those hard to clean surfaces.
You will have continuous steam at your finger tips and ready to use in just 30 seconds. With the smart-set digital steam settings of high, medium, or low choosing the right amount of steam needed to get the job done is easy.
The Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop weighs in at just 6 pounds. The user guide indicates the 16 ounce water tank is removable to allow for easy filling and refilling. Swivel steering and a 23-foot power cord will allow you to reach all the hard to get to flooring areas.
Light ‘N’ Easy Multifunctional Steam Mop
The 5-in-1 Light ‘N’ Easy Steam Mop is a versatile steam cleaner for all your surfaces! The steamer is perfect for cleaning hard surfaces like glass, sealed stone, stainless steel, and sealed hardwood. You can even steam mop carpet and garments, too.
The kit comes with a washable cloth for mopping floors and a terry cloth pad for cleaning other surfaces. The jet steam nozzle and flexible hose allow you to target the hard to reach areas.
Continuous steam begins in just 30 seconds. The direct steamer and 3 adjustable settings help you to hit exact spot with the right amount of steam.
The unit weighs 6.3 pounds and has a long reaching 20-foot cord. A removable 11.5 ounce tank and the included cup make filling and refilling easy. The low setting allows for 20-25 minutes of steaming maximizing your cleaning time while minimizing the time spent refilling.
Bissell 1544A Powerfresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop
The Bissell Powerfresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop deep cleans and sanitizes sealed hardwood, ceramic, linoleum, granite, and marble hard surfaces. In addition, the lift-off canister allows you to steam garments, windows and multiple above floor surfaces.
This unit features 13 versatile tools for use with the handheld steam cleaner including a window squeegee, flat surface tool, fabric steamer, bristle tools, angle concentrator tool, grout tool, and a flat scraper tool. The microfiber soft pad and microfiber scrubby pad trap dirt, dust, and remove hard to clean messes from your flooring surface.
Odor eliminating fragrance discs freshen your air while you sanitize your surfaces. The attachable water cup, tool bag, and a microfiber towel keep your tools organized and complete the cleaning kit.
Within 30 seconds the unit will provide continuous steam while you clean. You have the option of two steam settings, high or low.
The unit weighs in at 10 pounds with a detachable 13.5-ounce tank. A 25 foot cord allows you to cover large areas at one time.
Bissell Symphony Pet Steam Mop and Vacuum Cleaner
The Bissell Symphony Pet Steam Mop and Vacuum removes the need for multiple machines to clean your floors from start to finish. The unit is designed to clean and sanitize sealed hardwood, ceramic, linoleum, granite, and marble flooring surfaces.
Designed with pet owners in mind, the tool kit includes disposable pads, a machine washable microfiber soft pad, and a machine washable microfiber scrubby pad. The scent discs remove odors from the air while you steam. To give you that extra boost when you need it, the detachable steam booster tray is also included.
With the on-demand steam system you are only releasing the steam where and when you are ready. You are in control of how much steam you release with the high and low steam options. The steam can be used alone or simultaneously with the vacuum.
The vacuum features the exclusive Drop-IT Tank Emptying System. This canister simply drops open to release the dirt keeping your hands from getting dirty. The entire unit weighs 9.74 pounds and has a long reaching 25 foot cord. The attached water tank has an easy fill opening and holds 12.8 ounces of water.
Tips for Steaming Tile
First and foremost you must choose the right steam mop to fit your needs. If your tile is just on the floor, a unit without the above floor cleaning tools will work for you. Consider the condition of the tile and grout and how much targeted cleaning they will need when making your decision.
Choose a basic steam mop if…
- You are only steam mopping sealed hard floor surfaces
- Your tile is not in need of a deep cleaning
- Your grout does not need a targeted cleaning
Choose an advanced steam mop if…
- You are cleaning only sealed hard floor surfaces
- Your grout needs a targeted cleaning
- Your tile needs a deep clean
- Your tile is exposed to hard to clean messes
Choose a multi-functional steamer if…
- Your tile is located above the floor
- Your grout needs targeted cleaning
Once the correct steamer has been chosen let the cleaning begin! Start by filling your unit with distilled or mineral free water as directed by the user manual. Before you begin any steam cleaning project you should consult the user manual and adhere to warnings and direct instructions they provide. If the grout needs a deep clean begin by steaming the grout lines.
Once you have completed the steaming of the grout it is time to focus on the tiles. If your tiles have a lot of buildup you will want to consider using a tool like the SteamBooster or the microfiber scrubby pads with a high steam setting to remove the built-up residue.
Follow up with a gentle cleaning with the standard microfiber pad and low steam setting to clean any leftover dirt and grime. After the initial deep cleaning you will only have to do regular light cleaning to maintain the beautiful tile you just restored.
FAQ for Steam Mop for Tile
Why should I use steam to clean my tile?
Steam cleaning safely eliminates 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria..
All households can benefit from utilizing steam to clean instead of chemicals.
Is steam really as effective at sanitizing as they claim?
Steam that reaches 175 degrees or more will kill 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria. However, for sanitizing to occur the consumer must follow the steam mop directions. A quick pass over an area will not be enough time for the steam to penetrate the area and kill the germs and bacteria.
What is the best steam mop for cleaning tile?
There are many options on the market to meet a variety of needs. You need to establish what you need from the tile steam mop to narrow down which steam mop would be best for you. For example, are you just cleaning tile floors, or do you need tools that clean tile locate above the floor? Are you in need of tools that will do targeted grout cleaning?
Can I use the tile steam mop on other surfaces?
The short answer is yes. You need to consult the user guide for your steam mop to see what surfaces are recommended for steaming and which surfaces to avoid. If you are just deciding on a steam mop to purchase, make sure you make a list of the features you would like your steam mop to have and do your research.
You will find everything from a basic hard floor surface cleaner to multiple use steamers that will steam hard floors, carpets, garments, glass, and more.
I have tried scrubbing, harsh chemicals and bleach, but my grout is still dirty. How does the steam get the grout clean?
Chemicals and scrub brushes are only getting to the surface of the grout. Grout is porous and has lots of nooks and crevices for the dirt to hide. Steam uses the high temperature and moisture to invade the pores loosening the dirt, mold, bacteria, and debris.
The pressure from the steamer then forces all the dirt, mold, bacteria, and debris to the surface where they can finally be removed leaving your grout sanitized and looking new.
Is steam safe for cleaning all types of tile?
You will need to consult the user guide for your steam mop to make sure it is safe for your tile surface. If you are currently looking to purchase a great steam mop, shop for a tile mop that states it works on your specific type of tile. Before you make your final purchase, though, make sure you are buying a steam mop that will meet all of your steaming needs.
There are several models to choose from and they offer everything from basic tile floor cleaning and multi-surface cleaning to vacuuming while steaming at the same time.
Can I add chemicals to enhance the effects of the steam cleaning my tile?
It is not recommended to add chemicals to your steamer. Consult your user manual to find out if your steamer will allow the adding of anything to tank.
Some companies do offer an additive for fragrance or demineralization, but any additive not approved by the manufacturer could damage the machine, damage your surfaces, and/or void any warranty.
