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Often found in kitchens and bathrooms, tile is waterproof, durable, relatively easy to clean, and attractive. Yes, you can use an all-purpose cleaner to keep tile looking sharp, but to clean, polish, and protect tile thoroughly, a specialty cleaner gets the job done. To help you select the right cleaner, we’ve put some of the most popular products through real-world hands-on testing.
Tile is made from different materials, many of which have specific cleaning needs. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are smooth and require minimal maintenance, but coarse tile materials—such as slate, marble, granite, and limestone—require the best tile-cleaning product available to cleanse and protect them.
Since cleaning tile usually involves cleaning the more porous grout lines between the tile, it’s also important to know how to clean grout. When grout lines are dingy, even freshly cleaned tile can look dirty.
This guide explores several important considerations to keep in mind as you shop for a tile cleaner, plus our findings when putting these best tile cleaners through tests to see how effective the products were at keeping the tile surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms sparkling clean.
- BEST OVERALL: Aunt Fannie’s Vinegar Floor Cleaner
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Sheiner’s Floor Cleaner Concentrate
- BEST FOR NATURAL STONE: Black Diamond Stoneworks Marble & Tile Floor Cleaner
- BEST FOR BATHROOMS: Clorox Clean-Up Disinfecting Bleach Cleaner Spray
- BEST ECO-FRIENDLY: Better Life Tub and Tile Cleaner
- BEST FLOOR CLEANER: Bona Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner
- BEST FOR PETS: Nature’s Miracle Hard Floor Stain and Odor Remover
- BEST GROUT CLEANER: Black Diamond Stoneworks Ultimate Grout Cleaner
- BEST SPIN MOP: O-Cedar EasyWring Microfiber Spin Mop & Bucket System
- BEST STEAM MOP: Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
How We Tested the Best Tile Cleaners
We tested each tile cleaner according to an established rubric that includes cleaning abilities on tile, versatility to clean other hard surfaces, scents, and ease of use. We rated the cleaners on a scale of 0 to 5 to determine their score.
We mixed the cleaners (if applicable) according to the manufacturer’s directions and sprayed them on ceramic tile surfaces for testing. We tested each cleaner on bathroom tiles to see if it would remove soap scum if the product claimed it could. Finally, we tested the cleaners on other surfaces that the product label indicated it could clean in addition to tile.
Our Top Picks
After testing tile cleaners to find out which delivered the best results based on the shopping considerations below and our scoring criteria, these top picks were organized into categories. They reflect a selection of some of the best tile cleaners available today in a variety of categories to clean, shine, and protect kitchen and bathroom tile.
Best Overall
Aunt Fannie’s Vinegar Floor Cleaner
Pros
- Neutralizes odors and degreases while cleaning; suitable for messy pets or young children
- Formula is safe for pets, people, and the environment
- Available in various scents to meet multiple users’ preferences
Cons
- Can leave a haze on floors if not properly diluted
Our Ratings: Cleaning Ability 5/5; Versatility 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Liquid
- Scented: Yes
- Concentrate: Yes; mix with water
Vinegar is an all-purpose cleaner by itself, but this vinegar-based floor cleaner from Aunt Fannie’s takes the humble kitchen essential to an entirely new level at an affordable price. This cleaner has a vinegar base and contains plant-based ingredients and essential oils that break down dirt, food, grease, and grime without leaving a sticky residue. Since it’s nontoxic, the cleanser is safe for people and pets. With an “A” rating from the Environmental Working Group, it’s not harmful to the environment.
The 32-ounce bottle of liquid cleaner is a concentrate, so dilute it before use. Mix ½ cup of cleaner with 2 gallons of water, and mop it on ceramic tile and other hard surfaces like hardwood, bamboo, vinyl, and laminate. It has a strong vinegar and essential-oil smell that dissipates as the floor dries. Choose from eucalyptus, mint, lavender, lemon, and mandarin scents. We use white vinegar to clean our kitchen and bathrooms all the time; however, the strong scent of vinegar makes family members cringe. While Aunt Fannie’s vinegar floor cleaner has a slight vinegar scent, it’s nowhere near the same intensity as basic white distilled vinegar.
Aunt Fannie’s floor cleaner did an excellent job of removing dust, dirt, and greasy grime from tile and laminate flooring. We tried it on soap scum and mildew, and it did a moderate cleaning job. When paired with dish detergent, the cleaner removed scum easily (we have always used a mixture of the two to clean soap scum). We liked this cleaner because it’s simple and inexpensive. Although white vinegar is less expensive than Aunt Fannie’s cleaner, the latter is a better option because of the scent.
Get the Aunt Fannie’s tile cleaner at Amazon, Walmart, or Chewy.
Best Bang for the Buck
Sheiner’s Floor Cleaner Concentrate
Pros
- Nontoxic and eco-friendly formula is safe for use around kids and pets
- Usable on any hard surface including tile, laminate, engineered, and linoleum floors
- Highly concentrated formula makes up to 128 gallons
Cons
- Scent smells like chemicals; may not be pleasant for some users
Our Ratings: Cleaning Ability 4/5; Versatility 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Liquid concentrate
- Scented: Yes
- Concentrate: Yes; mix with water
This pH-neutral all-purpose multisurface professional liquid cleaner from Sheiner’s is suitable for use on a variety of hard surfaces, including marble, granite, vinyl, linoleum, and stained concrete. It eliminates both tough stains and odors. This 1-gallon container is a liquid concentrate; mix 1 ounce with 1 gallon of water and mop or wipe with no need to rinse.
Although it’s a professional-grade product, the lavender-scented cleaner is nontoxic. It contains no dangerous chemicals or abrasive cleaning agents, so it is safe to use around people and pets. Sheiner’s floor cleaner concentrate cleaned our tile and laminate floors very well. Designed for maintenance cleaning on floors and other hard surfaces, it can be used on countertops as a multipurpose cleaner.
We tried it on soap scum and mildew, but it didn’t remove them. The only downside is the scent. The bottle says it’s lavender, but we thought it smelled more like chemicals and didn’t find the scent refreshing. However, for a multipurpose cleaner, it’s a good value.
Get the Sheiner’s tile cleaner at Amazon.
Best for Natural Stone
Black Diamond Stoneworks Marble & Tile Floor Cleaner
Pros
- Eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and biodegradable formula is safe to use in homes with children and pets
- Easy to mix and use; simply dilute and mop as usual
- Leaves a pleasant aroma behind after use
Cons
- For light maintenance cleaning only; may not be ideal for heavy-duty cleaning
Our Ratings: Cleaning Ability 4/5; Versatility 3/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Liquid
- Scented: No
- Concentrate: Yes; mix with water
The Black Diamond Stoneworks marble and tile floor cleaner is part of the manufacturer’s premium line of natural stone and tile cleaners. Many household cleaners, especially acid-based products, can dull or damage natural stone surfaces. This cleaner is designed specifically for natural stone, so it safely lifts dirt, dust, spills, grease, and stains from granite, marble, quartz, and other natural stone surfaces—even brick.
The liquid cleaner comes as a 32-ounce biodegradable concentrate. Simply mix 2 to 4 ounces with 1 gallon of water and then mop. It’s hypoallergenic, streak-free, and safe for people and pets—and it has a fresh smell. The manufacturer notes that some floors may require rinsing after use.
This cleaner did an excellent job of cleaning natural stone and tile in our tests. On sealed flooring (tile and laminate), it worked well as a light cleaner. It did not lift sticky grime from floors easily, but required extra effort. The cleaner smells refreshing, and we like that it’s a concentrate that can be mixed as needed. However, it’s best for natural stone only and cleans light debris on sealed hard surfaces.
Get the Black Diamond Stoneworks marble and tile cleaner at Amazon.
Best for Bathrooms
Clorox Clean-Up Disinfecting Bleach Cleaner Spray
Pros
- Kills 99.9 percent of bacteria and viruses; perfect for the germ-conscious cleaner
- Eliminates odors, stains, mold, and mildew for added peace of mind
- Available in 2 scents to meet multiple users’ preferences
Cons
- The odor may be too strong for some users
- Will ruin clothing if applied; coveralls or old clothes may be required while using
Our Ratings: Cleaning Ability 5/5; Versatility 3/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Liquid spray
- Scented: Yes
- Concentrate: Ready to use
Bathrooms are humid environments, which makes them a logical place for mold to grow, especially on tile and grout surfaces. Clorox Clean-Up disinfecting bleach cleaner spray is a bleach-based formula that is effective at removing mold, mildew, soap scum, and limescale. It’s safe for use on all nonporous surfaces, including tile. The 32-ounce spray bottle features a trigger handle, and the cleaner needs only 30 seconds to dissolve dirt and grime from bathroom surfaces. It also kills up to 99.9 percent of viruses and bacteria. Since the cleaner contains bleach, it has a strong odor and should only be used in a well-ventilated room.
Clorox Clean-Up cleaner with bleach easily removed soap scum, mold, mildew, and stains from our shower and floor tiles. However, it does have a strong odor. We used it sparingly because it made our eyes water, and the bleach smell lingered for a while after cleaning. Opening windows and turning on the ventilation fan in the bathroom are highly recommended while using the cleaner. It also can bleach clothing and other fabrics, so be careful with overspray. Although it may be hard on the sinuses, this cleaner is a solid performer and is worth having on hand for deep bathroom cleaning.
Get the Clorox tile cleaner at Amazon (2-pack), The Home Depot, or Target.
Best Eco-Friendly
Better Life Tub and Tile Cleaner
Pros
- Nontoxic and biodegradable formula is safe for use in homes with children and pets
- No added dyes, synthetic fragrances, or harsh chemicals for added peace of mind
- Leaves behind a pleasant eucalyptus and tea tree oil scent
Cons
- Scent may be too strong for some users’ preferences
Our Ratings: Cleaning Ability 5/5; Versatility 3/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Liquid spray
- Scented: Yes
- Concentrate: Ready to use
Better Life tub and tile cleaner is made from natural ingredients that dissolve mold, mildew, soap scum, hard-water stains, and mineral deposits on tile, grout, and other bathroom surfaces. This two-pack of 32-ounce plant-based cleaner leaves a fresh scent without synthetic fragrances. It’s nontoxic, ensuring safe use for people and pets. The liquid cleaner must be rinsed, and it shouldn’t be used on marble or granite tile surfaces. It’s safe for ceramic, porcelain, fiberglass, and acrylic tile surfaces.
This cleaner removed soap scum and mild stains from tile and porcelain tubs. It also did a pretty good job at removing mold and mildew, although it doesn’t claim to do so. We love that Better Life tub and tile cleaner is made from plant-derived ingredients, and we don’t have to worry about wearing gloves to protect our skin while using it. Although no harsh chemicals are in the cleaner, it has a strong scent (eucalyptus and tea tree oil), and we had to open windows while using this product.
Get the Better Life tile cleaner at Amazon.
Best Floor Cleaner
Bona Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner
Pros
- Dries fast and leaves the surface residue-free; suitable for frequent cleanups
- Safe for pets, people, and the environment for reliability and peace of mind
- Good for all-around cleaning of hard surfaces like ceramic, stone, and terrazzo
Cons
- Should only be used on lightly soiled surfaces
Our Ratings: Cleaning Ability 4/5; Versatility 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Liquid spray
- Scented: No
- Concentrate: Ready to use
The Bona hard-surface floor cleaner is formulated to be safe for sealed tile, stone, laminate, and other hard surfaces, including ceramic, sealed natural stone, terrazzo, and marble. Its pH-neutral formula dries fast and is residue-free. It’s also U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Safer Choice certified because it contains ingredients that are safer for people, pets, and the planet. There is no need to rinse; the cleaner effectively removes dust, dirt, and grime without stickiness or streaks. The water-based formula comes ready to use in a 32-ounce bottle; just spray it on the floor and then mop. However, the product is best for regular maintenance cleaning, not stain removal, so pair it with a targeted stain remover as necessary.
The Bona hard-surface floor cleaner works remarkably well as a hard-floor cleaner. It easily removed dust, dirt, and other light debris from tile and hard surfaces. We also used it to clean laminate, porcelain, and vinyl. We loved how fast it dried and that it left behind a streak-free surface. We used it to clean soap scum and grease splatter on hard surfaces, even though the cleaner is not intended for those purposes. It tackled greasy splatter fairly well, but it does not remove mildew, soap scum, or other tough stains. We especially liked that it’s safe to use around pets and children and doesn’t have a strong scent.
Get the Bona tile cleaner at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best for Pets
Nature’s Miracle Hard Floor Stain and Odor Remover
Pros
- Works well on new and deep-set stains and odors
- Can clean more than animal messes; can be used for general spot-cleaning
- Safe around kids, pets, and the home with the bio-enzymatic formula
Cons
- It has a strong (but not unpleasant) odor
Our Ratings: Cleaning Ability 4/5; Versatility 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Liquid spray
- Scented: Yes
- Concentrate: Ready to use
Pet stains and odors are notoriously hard to remove. Nature’s Miracle hard floor stain and odor remover is a dual-action, enzymatic-based cleaner and pet stain and odor remover. Designed to remove stains and odors caused by urine, fecal matter, grease, oil, fats, and other organic matter, the cleaner’s bio-enzymatic formula provides a deep clean while protecting the natural floor finish. Bio-enzymatic cleaners use nonpathogenic “good” bacteria to digest wastes, soils, and stains. Nature’s Miracle cleaner safely removes new and deep-set stains and odors from sealed wood, linoleum, vinyl, concrete, and ceramic tile.
We first learned about Nature’s Miracle when fostering puppies with a pet rescue. We now have three dogs and a cat and always keep a bottle of Nature’s Miracle on hand. We’ve used the hard-floor cleaner on laminate, tile, vinyl, and concrete, and it effectively removed pet urine and fecal stains and odors. Best of all, it eliminates urine odors around toilets. We grab our bottle of Nature’s Miracle whenever we have an organic-based stain or odor to clean up. However, the cleaner has a strong odor that smells slightly like almonds. It’s not unpleasant, but it’s strong and lingers for a while.
Get the Nature’s Miracle tile cleaner at Amazon, Walmart, or Chewy.
Best Grout Cleaner
Black Diamond Stoneworks Ultimate Grout Cleaner
Pros
- Lifts dirt, oil, and grime from grout lines in 3 minutes or less
- Product does the heavy work; only requires very light scrubbing
- Safe for ceramic tile, natural stone, white grout, and colored grout
Cons
- Won’t clean calcium deposits, mold, or water spots from grout lines
Our Ratings: Cleaning Ability 5/5; Versatility 2/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Liquid spray
- Scented: Yes
- Concentrate: Ready to use
Black Diamond grout cleaner is an acid-free formula safe for white and colored grout and all tile, including ceramic and natural stone. This gentle cleaner can lift soap scum, dirt, grease, and grime without bleaching or releasing harsh fumes.
We tested Black Diamond grout cleaner in a bathroom with ceramic tile. The grout was originally a light pearl gray but had turned to a dingy orangish shade. We followed the directions on the bottle, which included spraying the cleaner on the grout lines, waiting 1 to 3 minutes, and then scrubbing. After 3 minutes, we used the included grout brush to clean. It took almost no effort, and our grout lines returned to their previous light color. We wiped away the excess product with a towel and then mopped the floor with water. Black Diamond grout cleaner worked much better than expected. We were genuinely impressed by how clean our grout was after using it. We also like that it’s compatible with steam-cleaning, which makes grout restoration even quicker. It is important to note that Black Diamond grout cleaner isn’t effective on calcium deposits or mold. Those with hard water stains in their tile shower will need a different product.
Get the Black Diamond grout cleaner at Amazon.
Best Spin Mop
O-Cedar EasyWring Microfiber Spin Mop & Bucket System
Pros
- EasyWring mop bucket features a foot pedal for hands-free mop wringing
- Microfiber mophead can remove up to 99 percent of bacteria with water only
- Machine-washable mophead is suitable for all hard, sealed floors
Cons
- Telescopic handle is hard to adjust and lock in place
- Not well suited for tough messes or cleaning grout; best for light/everyday use
Our Ratings: Cleaning Ability 4/5; Versatility 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Microfiber spin mop
- Scented: No
- Concentrate: Not applicable
Spin mops are popular for their versatility, and the O-Cedar microfiber mop is one of the most coveted. It features a washable microfiber mophead that can remove up to 99 percent of bacteria with water only. Its EasyWring bucket lets users wring the mop via a foot pedal, eliminating the mess of traditional hand-wrung spin mops.
The O-Cedar spin mop picked up lots of dirt from our floors, as evidenced by the brown water in our bucket after use. The mop was lightweight and easy to move around the floor, and we used it on all our hard floor surfaces, including ceramic tile, hardwood, and vinyl. The O-Cedar proved to be a good choice for everyday cleaning but didn’t scrub stuck-on messes or clean grout as thoroughly as steam mops or floor scrubbers.
One of our favorite features was the foot pedal on the mop bucket, which made it easy to control the moisture in the mophead. We also liked that the mop bucket had a handle so we could carry it easily from room to room. The biggest con was the telescopic handle, which was hard to adjust. We couldn’t get the handle to extend and lock, so we had to use it on the shortest setting.
Get the O-Cedar tile cleaner at Amazon, Lowe’s, Walmart, or Target.
Best Steam Mop
Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
Pros
- Comes with 5 nylon brushes for grout cleaning and 3 microfiber mop pads
- Superheated steam can kill 99.9 percent of bacteria and viruses without chemicals
- Works on a variety of surfaces, including tile, sinks, faucets, showers, mattresses, and more
- Handle, wheels, and long hose make this steam cleaner easy to maneuver
Cons
- Takes 8 minutes to warm up, which can be inconvenient for small jobs
Our Ratings: Cleaning Ability 5/5; Versatility 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Steam cleaner
- Scented: NA
- Concentrate: NA
The Dupray Neat steam cleaner can clean, deodorize, detail, and sanitize various surfaces. This multipurpose steam cleaner comes with 17 accessories, including five nylon brushes for grout cleaning, three microfiber mop pads, and a range of tools for cleaning windows and other hard surfaces. It produces superheated steam that reaches 275 degrees Fahrenheit and can kill 99.9 percent of bacteria and viruses.
The Dupray Neat steam cleaner did an excellent job cleaning our tile floors, dislodging stuck-on grime, and cleaning grout lines. To use it, we filled the tank with water via the built-in funnel. We then let the steam cleaner heat for 8 minutes. When it was ready to use, the indicator light turned green. We first used the nylon brushes, which fit nicely into grout lines. We then switched to the mop attachment and cleaned the floors. After use, our floors looked spotless and streak-free.
The Dupray Neat steam cleaner produced so much steam that we were able to blast away embedded dirt around the toilet and up against baseboards. We also found other uses for this handy steam cleaner, such as cleaning our sinks, faucets, toilets, and showers. The attachments were easy to switch out, and the steamer featured a lockable trigger so that we could control the amount of steam or set it for a continual blast.
Get the Dupray tile cleaner at Amazon, Lowe’s, Wayfair, or Walmart.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Tile Cleaner
If cared for properly, tile can last a lifetime. Because it’s waterproof and attractive, tile is a popular surface for flooring, backsplashes, and bathtub and shower surrounds. The location of the tile and its composition determine the right type of cleaner to use. Cleaning and caring for the various types of tile often differs, which is another factor to consider when picking the best tile cleaner.
Type
In general, tile is tough, but some materials are more susceptible to scratches and stains. While many popular tile cleaners won’t harm ceramic, porcelain, or any tile with a protective coating, shoppers will want to choose the tile cleanser that’s specifically formulated for the material.
Most multipurpose cleaners won’t harm the majority of surfaces. However, when cleaning natural stone tile, avoid cleaners with acidic ingredients because they can damage it. Also, avoid using cleaners with abrasives on glass and acrylic tile because they can scratch the surface.
Purpose
Tile cleaners are often classified according to their cleaning effects. Many products are multifunctional and can rid a tile surface of a wide variety of stains. However, some are more effective at removing mold, while others are made to brighten both the tile and the grout. Many people keep more than one tile cleanser on hand to target specific issues.
Tile cleaners typically fall into these categories:
- Maintenance/daily cleaning: To keep tile cleaner for a longer time, these tile cleaners cut through residue from soap and shampoo before they can dry on tile.
- Grout: This type of tile cleaner targets tough stains in grout and other porous surfaces.
- Hard water: These tile cleaners remove lime stains from hard water, mineral deposits, and rust.
- Mildew/mold: This kind of tile cleaner contains ingredients that kill both of the types of fungi commonly found in moisture-rich areas, including kitchens and bathrooms.
Ingredients
Because it’s durable, most tile can handle vigorous scrubbing. However, if not used properly, the ingredients in tile cleaners can wear away the tile’s protective layer. To preserve the surface and prevent discoloration, use a tile cleaner that contains the appropriate ingredients. Tile cleaners are available in natural/organic and chemical formulas.
Natural tile cleaners are made with organic materials with stain-lifting properties, such as citrus oils, baking soda, and vinegar, which cause less harm to the environment than chemical cleansers. However, natural tile cleaners may not be as effective at removing stubborn stains.
Chemical tile cleaners are made with synthetic materials designed to remove stains, debris, and hard-water deposits effectively from tile surfaces. However, since many of these ingredients are strong, they can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs if not used in a well-ventilated area.
Application
Tile cleaners also are classified based on the type of application or format. Typically, tile cleaners come in these forms:
- Liquid: In a convenient spray bottle, these cleaners are available in a variety of strengths and scents. The ingredients vary depending on their purpose.
- Foam: These tile cleaners contain an added foaming agent. When sprayed on the tile, small bubbles form that extend the ingredients to cover more tiles and lengthen the amount of time the ingredients stay on the tiles.
- Gel: This type of tile cleaner is concentrated and designed for direct application to targeted areas, such as grout. Gel tile cleaners typically come in bottles with narrow tips or in pen form.
- Powder: These tile cleaners are abrasive and renowned for their stain-busting abilities. To use a powder cleaner, add a little water to form a paste before applying it. These cleaners require a bit of elbow grease to remove stains and grime effectively.
FAQs
This list of some of the best tile cleaners for the kitchen and bathroom provides a lot of information, but you may still have some questions about application and ingredients. Keep reading to find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about properly cleaning tile.
Q. What’s the best thing to use to clean tile?
No matter the type of tile surface, one of the most important steps for maintaining tile is weekly maintenance with an appropriate cleaner.
Q. What’s the easiest way to clean tiles?
Prevention is the most important factor when cleaning tiles. Frequent use of a multipurpose cleaner ensures dirt and debris don’t have a chance to stick to the surface for long.
Q. How do you deep-clean tiles?
Lightly wet the tile surface. Spray the appropriate cleaner onto the surface, and let it sit for 10 minutes or longer. Once the dirt and debris have softened, use a soft-bristle brush (if applicable) or sponge to wipe down the surface.
Q. How do I make dull ceramic tiles shine?
Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray on to ceramic tile and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
Meet the Testers
Debbie Wolfe is a photographer, author, and freelance writer in various niches. She has contributed hundreds of home, garden, and crafting articles and DIY tutorials for leading media outlets and retailers, including HGTV, Real Simple, Forbes Advisor, The Spruce, The Home Depot, Walmart, and Mother Earth News. She is the author of two DIY books: Do-It-Yourself Garden Projects and Crafts and Crafting with Herbs from Skyhorse Publishing. Her testing approach is straightforward and budget minded.
Katie Barton has more than 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.
