We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
Keeping hard floors looking their best is a matter of consistency. Whether it’s hardwood, vinyl, ceramic, stone, tile, or laminate flooring, manufacturers recommend sweeping and vacuuming several times each week as the primary cleaning method. Aside from sweeping, mopping with one of these hand-tested floor cleaners can keep your hard surfaces in tip-top shape.
Although steam mopping can help cut through built-up dirt and effectively kill germs, some finishes can be damaged by excess moisture and high heat. A good solution is to use a floor cleaner specially designed for your type of flooring. Often, floor cleaners are pH-balanced to protect finishes while cutting through built-up dirt, stains, scuff marks, and residue. Read on to discover how eight of the best floor cleaners on the market stood up to our real-world testing.
- BEST OVERALL: Rejuvenate All Floors Cleaner
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner
- BEST NATURAL CLEANER: Better Life Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner
- BEST FOR VINYL FLOORS: Quick Shine Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner
- BEST FOR LAMINATE FLOORS: Method Squirt + Mop Floor Cleaner
- BEST FOR CERAMIC FLOORS: Black Diamond Marble & Tile Floor Cleaner
- BEST FOR STONE FLOORS: Black Diamond Limestone & Travertine Stone Wash
Before You Buy a Floor Cleaner
With so many products on the market today, there are some things to think about before selecting a floor cleaner for your home. For example, some cleaners currently available are made with synthetic chemicals and ingredients that may not be ideal for those who live near wildlife and waterways or have children and pets. Instead, you might want to consider one of the many formulations made with water-based, biodegradable, and hypoallergenic ingredients for safety and peace of mind.
When selecting the best floor cleaner for hardwood, laminate, stone, tile, and more, always consider the list of ingredients, the compatible flooring varieties of the product, and any safety concerns noted by the manufacturer.
How We Tested the Best Floor Cleaners
Not all floor cleaners work for all surfaces; we considered this when researching the best floor cleaners for our tests. We also looked at the number of customer reviews, average customer rating, price, and value. Once we narrowed down the product pool, we selected eight final contenders and began testing.
For our first tests, we mopped regular household dirt and grime buildup, following the manufacturers’ directions. We used the same microfiber mop with a new mop pad for every cleaner so that our results were consistent. More extensive testing included dribbling soda, pasta sauce, and mud on the floor. Once these substances had dried, we used each cleaner to wipe them up. We tracked the results in a rubric survey, rating each product on its ease of use, effectiveness, scent, and value.
Testing Stats
- Products tested: 8
- Hours spent testing: 4.25
- Tests performed: 5
- Average price: $20.25
Our Top Picks
Be sure to use the right floor cleaner to keep your floor looking its best. We’ve put the following cleaners through extensive testing. They are some of the best floor cleaners on the market today.
Best Overall
Rejuvenate All Floors Cleaner
Pros
- Ready-to-use formula; suitable for spray mop, floor-cleaning machine, mop and bucket, or with the spray nozzle
- Water-based formula is safe for homes with children and pets
- Suitable for routine cleanings, tough dirt, grease, grime, and stains
Cons
- Smaller quantity compared to similar floor cleaners available
- Cumbersome to carry around a full bottle of mop spray while cleaning
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Scent 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Spray
- Compatible flooring types: Hardwood, tile, vinyl, linoleum, and laminate floors
- Scent: Lemon
Rejuvenate’s popular floor cleaner comes in a nonconcentrated, ready-to-use formula. No bucket is required; simply spray the cleaner directly on the floor and wipe it up with a microfiber mop. The neutral, pH-balanced formula is safe for regular cleaning of hardwood as well as most tile, vinyl, linoleum, and laminate wood flooring. It removes dust, tough dirt, grease, and grime without leaving a residue.
During testing, this cleaner handled it all. It removed regular dirt, sticky soda, dried-on pasta, and a thick layer of mud from our hardwoods. One of our favorite features was the nozzle, which distributed a wide mist of cleaner with each spray, making it easy to cover our floors. The bottle dispensed enough product to clean messes but not so much that our floors were saturated, which was ideal.
We also used Rejuvenate’s All Floors cleaner on luxury vinyl plank and ceramic tiles. It cleansed every surface we tried it on, picking up dirt and drying fast and streak-free. The scent was mild, making it a good choice for those who aren’t fans of heavily fragranced products. The only con was that carrying around the full bottle while mopping felt a bit cumbersome.
Read our full review: Rejuvenate All Floors Cleaner
Get the Rejuvenate floor cleaner at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Menards (64 ounces).
Best Bang for the Buck
Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner
Pros
- Residue-free cleaning solution; safe for humans, pets, and the environment
- Ready-to-use formula does not require dilution before use; simply apply and wipe with a mop
- Large quantity is economical and suitable for large spaces and multiple cleanings
Cons
- Wasn’t as effective on food and drink spills as other cleaners we tested
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Scent N/A; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Liquid
- Compatible flooring types: All unwaxed, unoiled, polyurethane-finished wood floors
- Scent: Unscented; also offered in cedar wood and lavender thyme
The Bona hardwood floor cleaner utilizes a water-based formula consisting of residue-free cleaning ingredients to keep hardwood floors looking their best. Compliant with the certification requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) voluntary Safer Choice program, the cleaning solution is safe for people, pets, and the environment. Apply the ready-to-use Bona floor cleaner with a spray bottle before wiping it up with a microfiber mop, or load a refillable cartridge into the reservoir of your spray mop. It is safe for unwaxed, unoiled, polyurethane-finished wood floors.
We used Bona’s hardwood floor cleaner on dusty bedroom floors, and it left them shiny and clean. The gentle formula lifted all regular dirt and left no residue behind. We also tested it on some tougher stains, including a sticky spot on the floor and dried-on pasta. Unfortunately, it took some serious scrubbing to get all the remnants of the sticky mess off the floor. While we think this is a good choice as an everyday floor cleaner, food-littered floors may benefit from a more potent product.
We appreciated the 128-ounce economical bottle. Since wood floors only require damp mopping, the large refill jug provides enough cleaning solution for plenty of mopping sessions. The unscented formula is also ideal for sensitive noses.
Get the Bona floor cleaner at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best Natural Cleaner
Better Life Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner
Pros
- Comes with an ample supply of cleaner; good option for large interior spaces
- Made from plant-derived ingredients; contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), alkylphenol surfactants, or petroleum products
- Made with botanical extracts that leave a fresh citrus mint scent behind
- Squirt bottle makes it easy to control the amount of solution one sprays
Cons
- Overuse leads to a sudsy floor; a little goes a long way
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Effectiveness 4.5/5; Scent 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Liquid
- Compatible flooring types: Hardwoods, ceramic tile, stone, marble, bamboo, vinyl, laminate and other sealed floors
- Scent: Citrus mint
This floor cleaner from Better Life is made with 100 percent plant-derived cleaning agents, such as corn and coconut. It contains no VOCs, alkylphenol surfactants, or petroleum products. It safely cleans and restores a bright shine to hardwood, ceramic tile, stone, vinyl, laminate, bamboo, and other sealed flooring.
At first use, we appreciated the squirt bottle application. It made it easy to apply and allowed us to control the amount of mopping solution that hit our floors. The smell was also a big hit. The citrus mint scent was light and fresh and had no chemical smell since it’s made from botanical ingredients. It was our favorite scent of all the floor cleaners we tried.
We first used Better Life on our hardwoods, squirting it on and cleaning it with a damp microfiber mop. The cleaner lifted regular dirt and dried-on food, but we noticed that the floor would get sudsy if we used too much product. When this happened, we redampened our floor scrubber and glided it over the soapy spots. We also used it to clean luxury vinyl plank, ceramic tile, and linoleum. In every test we did, this cleaner dried streak- and residue-free.
Get the Better Life floor cleaner at Amazon (2-pack).
Best for Vinyl Floors
Quick Shine Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner
Pros
- Dirt-dissolving, streak-free, and ready-to-use formula restores the shine and luster of floors
- Can be used with a spray mop, vac mop, or applied from the pour bottle
- Recognized by the EPA Safer Choice program; adds reliability and peace of mind
Cons
- Pour-bottle design can lead to sloppy application and cause product overuse
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Scent 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Liquid
- Compatible flooring types: Vinyl plank, hardwood, laminate, tile, and stone
- Scent: Clean Breeze Essence
Vinyl plank flooring can be difficult to care for, especially when it receives a lot of foot traffic on a daily basis. If you struggle to keep your vinyl flooring clean, consider trying Quick Shine’s multisurface floor cleaner. Offered in a 64-ounce bottle, this cleaner is plant-based, dirt-dissolving, streak-free, and ready to use right out of the box.
We tested the Quick Shine floor cleaner on our luxury vinyl plank floors, giving them a thorough sweep and then applying the mopping solution straight from the bottle. The pour bottle wasn’t our favorite applicator. The lack of a spray nozzle or squirt top made it hard to control the amount of solution we were dispensing. However, the cleaner did an excellent job removing stuck-on food, a sticky drink, and all the regular household dirt our LVP floors accumulate. We only had to make a few swipes with our damp microfiber mop to dislodge tough messes.
This cleaner was named a Partner of the Year by the Safer Choice program, making it safe for the environment and ideal for homes with children and pets. Even though it’s a gentle cleaner, it proved to be a powerhouse, passing all our cleaning tests. We also enjoyed the Clean Breeze Essence scent, which was reminiscent of baby powder.
Get the Quick Shine floor cleaner at Amazon, The Home Depot (27 ounces), or Walmart (27 ounces).
Best for Laminate Floors
Method Squirt + Mop Floor Cleaner
Pros
- Cruelty-free and made with plant-based ingredients for a natural clean
- Squirt bottle provides control over how much solution is dispensed
- Ready-to-use formula requires no mixing or rinsing from floor
Cons
- Expensive; high cost per ounce compared to similar floor cleaners
- Overuse of product can cause a soapy buildup on the floor
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Effectiveness 4.5/5; Scent 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Liquid
- Compatible flooring types: Laminate, vinyl, linoleum, and tile
- Scent: Ginger yuzu; also offered in spearmint sage and lemon ginger
Frequent sweeping can keep wood laminate flooring clean and scratch-free, but occasional damp mopping is needed to remove dirt and grime. Method’s plant-derived Squirt + Mop cleaner comes in a squirt-top bottle that makes it easy to prevent floor oversaturation on delicate laminate. The gentle cleaning ingredients lift grime and give floors a shine—no rinsing required. This cleaner is also suitable for linoleum, vinyl, and tile floors.
For our first tests, we cleaned regular buildup on our laminate floors, and this mopping solution worked well, leaving them clean and streak-free. The ginger yuzu scent was refreshing and filled the room as we mopped. We also used Method floor cleaner to tackle dried-on pasta sauce, mud, and dribbles of soda. The squirt bottle was ideal for adding extra mopping solution to break up these tougher messes. It took several swipes with our microfiber mop, but eventually, we got the job done, eliminating the food and mud.
While we appreciated the plant-based ingredients, this product did have one downside: When we used too much, the mopping solution became soapy and streaky on the floor. We learned that a little of this product goes a long way.
Get the Method floor cleaner at Amazon (2-pack) or Method.
Best for Ceramic Floors
Black Diamond Marble & Tile Floor Cleaner
Pros
- Suitable for use on any tiled flooring variety; leaves a streak-free finish
- 1 gallon of this concentrate makes 64 gallons of cleaning solution
- Hypoallergenic, biodegradable formula is safe for use in homes with children and pets
- Can customize the dilution ratio for light versus heavy jobs
Cons
- Only safe for tile; not suitable for hardwoods, luxury vinyl plank, or laminate floors
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Scent 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Concentrate
- Compatible flooring types: Marble, limestone, travertine, granite, slate, ceramic, and porcelain tile
- Scent: Lemon
Black Diamond’s floor cleaner is specially formulated for use on marble, limestone, travertine, granite, slate, ceramic, and porcelain tile. One gallon of this concentrated formula can make up to 64 gallons of cleaning solution. Users can customize the dilution level by adding 2 to 4 ounces of cleaner to 1 gallon of water for light cleaning, or up to 16 ounces of concentrate to 1 gallon of water for tough messes. The formula is hypoallergenic, biodegradable, and safe for use around children and pets.
We tested this cleaner on a ceramic tile bathroom floor, allowing dust and dirt to accumulate for a week before our first mopping session. We then mixed the solution for light cleaning, adding about 2 ounces of concentrate to a gallon of water. The formula lifted all dirt from our floors and dried streak-free, with no rinsing required.
The formula also broke down a food and drink spill, requiring only light scrubbing to remove the mess. We liked that we could add more concentrate to our mop bucket if we needed extra cleaning power, but we didn’t. This cleaner passed our mess tests at its light cleaning dilution. We also enjoyed the subtle yet fresh lemon scent.
Get the Black Diamond marble and tile floor cleaner at Amazon or BDStoneworks.
Best for Stone Floors
Black Diamond Limestone & Travertine Stone Wash
Pros
- Enhances the color and texture of natural stone varieties through regular use
- pH-neutral biodegradable formula is safe for homes with pets and children
- 1 gallon of concentrate makes up to 32 gallons of cleaning solution
Cons
- Expensive compared to other gentle pH-neutral floor cleaners suitable for stone
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4.5/5; Scent 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Concentrate
- Compatible flooring types: Limestone, travertine, marble, slate, and porous stone surfaces
- Scent: Fresh Natural
This floor cleaner from Black Diamond is specially formulated to clean pH-sensitive stone surfaces like limestone, travertine, marble, slate, and porous stone surfaces. It enhances color to highlight the beauty of natural stone. It also works well on polished concrete. The formula is pH neutral, biodegradable, and safe for use around children and pets. The 1-gallon concentrated formula makes up to 32 gallons of cleaning solution.
For testing, we added 4 ounces of concentrate per gallon of water. We then cleaned our limestone, and this gentle mopping solution removed a large amount of dirt and grime. To test it more rigorously, we allowed soda and pasta sauce to dry on our stone surface and attempted to use this cleaner to remove the messes. It successfully cleared our test substances but required some scrubbing on our part.
We enjoyed the light and fresh scent of this product. It dried streak- and residue-free, and our limestone didn’t feel sticky after use. Although this cleaner is pricier than some other natural stone-mopping solutions, we appreciate the eco-friendly formula. It’s a good option for those with multiple stone surfaces in their homes.
Get the Black Diamond limestone and travertine floor cleaner at Amazon or BDStoneworks.
ALSO TESTED
Zep Neutral pH Floor Cleaner Concentrate
We also tested the Zep Neutral pH floor cleaner. Zep is a brand we like, but unfortunately, this product didn’t meet our standards. It cleaned well, lifting dirt and stains from our floors. However, after it dried, it left a sticky residue behind—even though we diluted the product for light cleaning. The sticky residue turned slick when wet, causing a potential slipping hazard.
Or, DIY Your Own Floor Cleaner
Buying a floor cleaner is a viable option for dirty flooring. But there are also simple ways to make a household floor cleaner with basic ingredients that can be found around the house. Here is Bob Vila’s basic recipe for DIY hardwood floor cleaner:
- Gather 1 teaspoon of pure castile soap, 5 to 10 drops of essential oil (optional), a spray bottle, and a mop.
- Combine the castile soap and the essential oils with 4 cups of water in a spray bottle or mop bucket. Screw on the top and shake well or mix well with a mop.
- Test the mixture with a microfiber cloth on a piece of flooring to ensure the mix provides the desired effect.
- Spritz the mixture all over the floor and wipe with a mop in a back-and-forth motion along the grain of the wood. Tip: Ensure that the flooring is lightly misted with cleaning solution to prevent damage.
For other flooring varieties such as ceramic, vinyl, and even carpeting, there are a few other recipes that can be used.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Floor Cleaner
When choosing a floor cleaner, match the cleaner to the floor type for best results. Read on to learn more about the different kinds of floor cleaners and how to select the best one for your needs.
Floor and Cleaner Type
Each type of floor covering has unique characteristics that require slightly different treatments. Some cleaner formulations could be used for general household use and different floor types, while others are made for specific surfaces.
- Vinyl floors are easy to clean with any pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid film-forming cleaners, abrasives, and ammonia-based products to protect the finish.
- Wood flooring is susceptible to damage from excess moisture, and finishes are easily damaged by acidic cleaners, scouring cleaners, and solvents. Instead of wet mopping hardwood floors, use a pH-balanced hardwood floor cleaner to spot-treat soiled areas or in a spray-and-wipe solution while damp mopping.
- Stone floors are easily damaged by acidic cleaners, lime and scale removers, abrasives, and strong cleaners such as bleach. For everyday cleaning, use a damp cloth and a drop of pH-neutral soap. Only use products that are formulated specifically for natural stone. Use a soft bristle brush to remove crusted soil and soap scum.
- Ceramic tiles and grout are sealed to keep dirt from penetrating the surface, so it’s important to avoid using abrasives that would damage the finish. Clean tile floors with a neutral pH tile cleaner. Avoid abrasives and acidic cleaners.
- Laminate flooring is often made with wood, so it is important to limit moisture exposure. For routine cleaning, avoid wet mopping and steam mops. Instead, damp mop with a spray-and-wipe cleaning solution. Clean up stains and deep-clean with a neutral pH cleaner and a microfiber cloth.
Natural vs. Chemical
Conventional chemical-based floor cleaners have been around for generations. They use ingredients like chlorine, ammonia, and alcohol to dissolve dirt, disinfect surfaces, and remove odors. Household chemical cleaners are safe when used as directed. However, some users experience eye, nose, or throat irritation from the odors of these chemicals, especially when used in enclosed spaces. Also, a higher exposure level to some of these products is linked to a variety of chronic health problems.
Natural floor cleaners use concentrated forms of recognizable ingredients such as vinegar, citrus oil, baking soda, and essential oils to get the job done. These products can be as effective as chemical cleaners. They generally use less toxic ingredients and show reduced rates of user discomfort, although some ingredients might cause allergic reactions. Users will want to choose products that will not damage surfaces due to abrasion or acidity.
Scent
Ideally, your floor cleaner’s scent shouldn’t irritate your eyes, skin, or nose. While the smell of bleach may make you reminisce about days at the pool, a less potent aroma might be more desirable in your living space. Some of the more popular cleaner scents include citrus, pine, lavender, or floral aromas. For those with a sensitive nose, fragrance-free cleaners are the best way to go.
Polish
Floor polishes are products that leave a microfilm on the floor. This film rejuvenates worn-looking floors by filling in tiny scratches, dings, and divots in the finish, leaving behind a fresh, smooth, clear coat. Polish is meant to be used infrequently. If used too often, these products cause a buildup on the floor and might even trap dirt beneath the polish layer.
Daily and weekly cleaning should be done with a vacuum and a damp mop, using a floor cleaner that does not form a film. When the time comes to polish the floors, use floor polish recommended by your flooring manufacturer, following the instructions on the label.
Application
The most effective way to apply floor cleaner for routine maintenance is to lightly apply the product directly to the floor with a squirt or spray bottle, then wipe it up with a damp microfiber mop. Concentrated products should be diluted before application.
For large rooms, dilute the concentrated cleaner in a bucket of water. Use the best mop for your flooring surface. Dip a mop into the solution and wring it out thoroughly before wiping down the floor. Rinse and redampen the mop frequently with this method, and be sure to change dirty water as often as needed.
FAQs
A new floor cleaner can help keep your place looking great day in and day out. Read on to learn more about buying, storing, and using the best floor cleaners.
Always check the label on the cleaner and familiarize yourself with your floor’s needs. Some cleaner formulas are meant for general-purpose use, while certain floor types and finishes require specific treatments.
Exposure to both chemical and natural cleaning products can cause side effects, including mild irritation, allergic reactions, and with prolonged exposure, chronic illness. Be sure to read warning labels for specific hazards and possible side effects. Floor cleaners should always be stored securely where children and pets will not have access to them.
If you mop a floor that has traces of dirt and debris, this can lead to streaking. Mopping with dirty mop water can also cause streaking. Always sweep and vacuum loose dirt from the floor before mopping. Mop several times per week to remove fine dust and debris that the broom leaves behind. While mopping, change the water in the mop bucket once it becomes dirty.
Better yet, switch to a spray-on cleaner and microfiber mop. Spray the surface and wipe with the mop. Change the microfiber cover when it becomes visibly dirty.
Meet the Tester
Katie Barton has over 10 years of experience in product writing, has tested dozens of cleaning products, and has authored hundreds of articles for major media outlets. Her cleaning and organizing advice has been featured on GOBankingRates, Realtor.com, Yahoo!, Cabin Life, and more. She takes an unbiased approach to product testing, using each product multiple times or for several days/weeks to determine efficacy. Her goal is to help readers decide which products are worth their hard-earned money and which fall flat.
Additional research provided by Mark Wolfe.
