Tiles and grout can be especially hard to clean. Mildew, soapy deposits, and cooking grease all build up layer-by-layer over time, adding to the challenge.
Thankfully, a good quality steam mop cuts through the dirt and easily removes the muck on tiles and grout. Steam cleaning even removes deep-seated grime and eliminates 99.9% of all germs and bacteria too!
What would usually take more than half an hour to clean by hand, can be finished in under 5 minutes without any backache.
You’ll also save tons of money on cleaning chemicals because they replace the need for detergents!
The tricky part is finding the absolute best steam mop for tiles and grout on the market. We’ve meticulously reviewed more than 20 and finally found our favorites.
Best Tile Floor and Grout Steam Mop
1. Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner – Our Absolute Winner!
The Dupray Neat Steamer is superior in every possible way. There’s even a 2-year warranty on the product and a lifetime warranty on the boiler!
You can grab it at Amazon or directly from Dupray.
Thanks to the multitude of accessories, it can be used as a steam mop for wood and tile floors, a steam brush with grout cleaner, a steam cleaner for sofas, and even a clothes steamer! By the way, it excels in every single one of those applications.
Since the water tank can be connected by a 6″ hose to the steam output nozzle, it’s much easier to move around and get into really difficult places.
It also means that the tank can hold a massive 54 oz (1.6 liters) of water and produce steam for up to 50 minutes!
The steam output is incredible and there’s absolutely no comparison with the models below. If you want to get the right product once and have it do essentially everything, this is the one.
- Best All-round Steam Cleaner
- Compact Yet Ultra-versatile
- Massive 54 oz (1.6 liter) Water Tank
- Steams Up to 50 Minutes!
- Super-long Detachable 6’6″ (2 Meter) Hose
- Incredible Value for Money
2. Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Tile Steamer System
The Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off is the ultimate winner when it comes to handling any cleaning challenge you can throw at it, including the proficient cleaning of tiles and grout. This two-in-one appliance has a detachable handheld steamer that reaches just about anywhere. The adjustable output settings also allow you to turn up the heat on tough stains while gently cleaning more sensitive surfaces.
It cleans both tiles and grout very effectively. It isn’t just for cleaning tiles though…
The appliance comes with 13 professional attachments that make it versatile and practical for cleaning walls, floors, and windows throughout the house. This multi-purpose steam mop and its collection of attachments, allow you to get into those hard-to-reach places. (It includes a grout brush tool, specifically designed for this purpose).
Another unique feature is that it comes with odor-eliminating disks that clip into the front of the device. So while you’re cleaning, you’re leaving a refreshing scent behind… a big plus for pet owners!
As with all the products on this list, the Bissel floor steamer includes Microfiber pads that are reusable and machine washable. All these features justify the slightly higher price, especially considering that the Bissell includes an impressive 2-year warranty.
It has a cleverly designed lift-off pod that transforms into a handheld steamer in a snap. This is ideal for cleaning upholstery. It heats up in 30 seconds, ready to eliminate germs, bacteria, and pet odors. Some may feel its 13.5 Ounce tank capacity is too small, but this keeps it light and easy to work with. Plus, it’s easy to refill if needed.
This is the ideal solution for family homes that have a variety of cleaning demands, including pets. It suits both light cleanings for day-to-day messes as well as deeper cleaning in those high traffic areas.
- Multi-purpose with a detachable handheld steamer
- Adjustable settings
- Odor eliminating disks
- 13 cleaning tools
- 2 Year Warranty
- Slightly heavier than the other reviewed products
3. Light ‘n Easy Floor & Garment Steamer
The Light ‘N’ Easy is another multi-purpose appliance that not only allows you to clean tiles and grout expertly, but the detachable handheld steamer gives you easy access to kitchen counters and bathroom fixtures too. It can even be used as a clothes steamer thanks to the handy garment nozzle.
It delivers steam in 30 seconds and has a clever safety feature that only delivers steam while your hand is on the sensor. Like with the Bissell PowerFresh, it has 3 settings so you can adjust the strength accordingly.
The floor mop rotates 360 degrees making it easy to maneuver and it includes multiple accessories so you can adjust the machine to suit the task at hand.
The water canister has been known to leak, but this is due to overfilling. Keeping the water level a little lower than recommended, ensuring no additional mess.
It comes with a 1-year warranty and free lifetime support from Light ‘N’ Easy.
If you’re not one for too many attachments, but want the versatility of a steam mop and handheld steamer, this is a great fit. It suits not just floor tiles but is designed to clean stovetops, ovens, and microwaves, and to freshen up upholstery.
- Detachable handheld steamer
- Safety sensor on the trigger
- Multi-purpose and versatile
- Adjustable settings
- Light and easy to maneuver
- The floor mop rotates 360 degrees
- The water canister may overflow (Don’t overfill)
4. Shark Steam Pocket Mop Review
The Shark Pocket Mop is a great budget appliance and the lightest model on our list. It may not have all the bells and whistles of our first two choices, but if an affordable, quality tile cleaner is what you’re after, this powerful contender is perfect.
It uses a pump-action to release the steam and get to work (10-12 Pumps to get started). The “mopping” action of pushing forward and backward compresses the handle and releases the steam.
There is no “on/off” switch, so the machine starts working and heating the water as soon as it’s plugged into a power source. It will have you cleaning within 30 seconds.
The Shark is designed to tackle light to medium stains. On the occasion where you have stubborn dirt to eliminate, like in grouting, pre-treat the area with detergent to help loosen the grime. It will then steam and sanitize the remaining stains. The Microfibre lifts the dirt into the cleaning pad, leaving the surface clean and germ-free.
Like all the products in our review, it has a swivel head to help with steering and cleaning around obstacles and the cleaning pads which attach with Velcro are reusable. The mop head can be flipped over so you can clean with both sides of the micro pad.
If you are looking for an affordable steam mop for tile floors and walls in regular use areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and patios, the Shark floor steamer is a great choice.
- Great value for money
- Perfect for regular use
- Incredibly light
- Lifetime warranty
- Extendable Handle for taller people
- Not ideal for heavy stain removal
5. Bissell PowerFresh Slim Floor Steamer
This Bissell Powerfresh Slim has a beautiful slim profile which makes it light and easy to use, anywhere. It boasts 3 in 1 functionality.
First, it can be used as an upright steam cleaning mop. Secondly, it can be transformed into an extended-reach cleaner for accessing any tricky spots from floor to ceiling. Thirdly, by removing the extension wand, but can be used as a handheld steamer with a selection of tools to choose from, all conveniently encased in the base.
This is where its grout cleaning capabilities outshine traditional steamers. It allows you to target problem areas like mildew in the grouting of showers and grease build-up on kitchen tiles. (Grout cleaning tool included.)
It utilizes the same swivel design to get around awkwardly shaped objects like toilets, or furniture that is difficult to move when cleaning.
It comes with a wall-mount for easy storage so you can simply hook it into its caddy where you’re done cleaning.
If you are looking for a home steam cleaner that is multi-purpose, sleek, and modern, this machine is for you. It can even be stored in plain sight as its storage bracket leaves it looking neat and tidy.
- 3-in-1 mop
- Low and high setting
- Extension wand for better reach
- Converts into handheld
- Multiple tools for different cleaning tasks
- Snap-on toolbox
- Convenient Wall Mount
- We just couldn’t find any
6. O-Cedar Microfiber with Triangle Base
The O-Cedar Microfiber is a unique triangle design that makes corner cleaning effortless.
It is also the only machine that’s steam ready in 20 seconds, making it ideal to handle spills and stains, fast. It’s simple to use, with no steam trigger, only an “on/off” switch.
It has adjustable settings so you can treat different areas according to their unique needs. For example, tiles can handle full steam whereas wooden floors require gentler cleaning.
The Microfiber pads are also super absorbent to ensure the surface dries quickly. The pads can be machine washed and reused up to 25 times. Triangle replacement pads are available online in a pack of two.
- Unique triangle-shaped swivel head fits neatly into corners
- Lightweight
- Heats up in 20 seconds
- For grout cleaning, pre-treating is required
- Relatively short power cord
Top Rated Steam Mop Buyer’s Guide
Best for Grout
The Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner is hands-down the best tile and grout steam cleaners in our selection. It comes with fittings that allow you to target or spot clean specific areas and in the case of grout, there are often areas that need more direct attention.
Both the Bissell models also come with grout cleaning tools.
The Shark and the O-Cedar Microfiber will need a little help when it comes to cleaning grout. If grouting is pre-treated with a grout cleaner, this will help loosen heavy dirt build-up or stains. The machines will be able to finish up the job and remove any cleaning product residue.
Best on a Budget
The Shark Steam Pocket Mop and the O-Cedar Microfiber are the best value for money. Both perform impressively and are easy to use. They are super light so ideal for regular, quick cleaning.
They would be a good choice if you’re looking for a portable option.
Most Versatile Option
Again, Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner gets the most done because of its multi-functional fittings.
The Bissell PowerFresh is a pretty good machine in our review. It has an additional feature which none of our other products can boast. It is designed to eliminate pet mess after cleaning by freshening the air with its odor-eliminating disks.
We also love the reach of these products. You can get low under tables and reach elevated surfaces. Both Bissell Machines have 25-meter power cords so you never have to hassle with reaching a power source, the only thing better would be a cordless design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Floor Steam Cleaners Damage Grout?
The short answer is no.
If grout has not been sealed properly, it is prone to stains and will get darker and dirtier quickly. Grout is porous, being made from cement and sand, so naturally absorbs spills. This leaves stains that are harder to remove and need a deeper cleaning.
If the grout is not sealed, the grout will absorb the water released by the steam mop and look darker when it’s wet. Once it dries thoroughly, you will have a clean, germ-free surface. It would be advisable to fix areas where there is no sealant.
This is an easy DIY project that anyone can manage (You don’t need to be a professional). Your local hardware store will be able to recommend the right product which you can apply with a small brush. Sealants also come in spray bottles which seem easier to apply, but the residual spray that lands on your tiles can be difficult to clean.
Your tile floor should be sealed every few years depending on the traffic and wear on the area.
Check out this article “Do steam mops damage grout?” for more information.
Important Features to Look For
There are a few features you should look for in a steam mop to make your cleaning experience quick and painless.
- Choose a quality product. It’s worth spending an extra $ to ensure you invest in a machine that lasts.
- Select a machine with variable settings. This allows you to use it on both tough and sensitive surfaces.
- Tools are extremely useful. If you plan to use the machine for various surfaces in the house, cleaning tools allow to you transform your steam mop to suit the cleaning challenge. For example, a grout tool helps you get into the cracks and clean out stubborn dirt while a steam nozzle will let you get into tight corners.
- Quick heating time. For convenience, a machine that heats up quickly helps you get the job done faster, most quality machines take 30 seconds to heat up.
- Tank Capacity. To avoid refilling too often, choose a machine that gives you at least 20 minutes of steam cleaning at a time.
- Power Cord Length. This is great for large tile areas to allow better reach.
- Weight. A lightweight machine will make light work of almost any cleaning job.
- Warranty. A manufacturer’s warranty is recommended should you ever need support or replacement parts.