Compare the best floor cleaners

A clean floor is a crucial part of a healthy home, and the right cleaner can make getting it in tip-top shape much easier. Compare and choose the best product for the job, and get ready for your freshly tidied floors to spark joy.

Compare top floor cleaners

Name	Avg. price (USD)	Size	Floor type	Scent	Purchase
Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Spray	$8	32 oz	Hardwood flooring	Scent-free	Shop on Amazon
Swiffer Wetjet Hardwood Floor Mopping and Cleaning Solution Refills	$10/2-pack	1.25 liter	Multi-surface	Lavender vanilla	Shop on Amazon
Mop & Glo	$17	64 oz	Wood, vinyl, tile	Citrus	Shop on Amazon
Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover	$17/2-pack	32 oz	Carpet and upholstery	Scent-free	Shop on Amazon
Grout-EEZ Super Heavy Duty Tile & Grout Cleaner	$40/2-pack with brush	1 qt	Tile and grout	Scent-free	Shop on Amazon
Better Life Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner	$12/2-pack	32 oz	All floor types	Citrus mint	Shop on Amazon
Method Squirt + Mop Hardwood Floor Cleaner	$5	25 oz	Wood floors	Almond	Shop on Amazon

What is a floor cleaner?

The floor cleaners we’re comparing are meant for hard floor surfaces. They’re good for getting up dirt, grease and grime from floors made of materials like tile and wood. And you usually need to apply them with a mop or spray bottle.

If you’re looking for ways to clean carpet flooring, check out our guide to the best carpet stain removers.

What types are available?

The main way to distinguish between the different types of floor cleaners is to look at the surfaces they clean. For example, some products are specifically for hardwood floors, and are designed to avoid damaging the surface.

Hardwood floors in particular can be quite difficult to clean, as harsh chemicals can potentially strip the finish. A good hardwood floor cleaner needs to be gentle enough to use without damaging or discoloring your floorboards, but powerful enough to remove dirt and other gunk.

Other products better suit tile and laminate floors. Tile cleaners, for example, are made to cut through dirt and grime on both tile and grout without leaving behind streaks or a greasy finish.

Whichever floor cleaning product you choose, read the label closely to make sure it’s safe to use on your chosen surface and fits the type of cleaning you’ve planned.

How to compare floor cleaners

Rather than buying the least-expensive floor cleaner you see on the supermarket shelf, try comparing your options and find a product that’s right for you.

Surface type should be considered first, followed by:

• Type of cleaning. Check the label to find out exactly what sort of cleaning a product does. You can find specialty cleaners for removing mold and mildew stains, getting rid of scuff marks or even polishing stone and tile flooring.
• Ease of use. Check the instructions on the label to find out how quick and easy it is to apply the cleaner. Consider if you want to use a spray-on cleaner, or one you have to mix and mop up.
• Smell. A freshly disinfected floor can have an overpowering odor, and products with chemicals tend to have a harsher scent than chemical-free cleaners.
• Performance. Take a look at some independent customer reviews online to find out what sort of experience other users have had with the product. Pay close attention to both the pros and cons, and if the person would recommend it going forward.
• Safe to use. If you have children or pets at home, you can find non-toxic products that are safe to use around them. Hypoallergenic options also exist for those with allergies. If strong chemicals are present in a product, the manufacturer may recommend using gloves and a mask while using it.
• Biodegradable. If you’re an environmentally conscious person, look for a product that claims to be chemical-free and biodegradable. Once again, the MSDS will inform you exactly what substances are present in a cleaning solution.
• Antibacterial. Plenty of cleaners take care of the dirt and mess you can see, but what about the germs you can’t? A floor cleaner with antibacterial properties can help rid your home of unseen nasties.

Compare premium floor cleaner products

Hard floor cleaners and steam mops

If you want to wave goodbye to your old-fashioned bucket and mop, a specialized hard floor cleaner might be the answer. Available in corded or cordless form, these appliances look much like a regular upright vacuum but allow you to wash, scrub, dry and vacuum hard floors. Prices range from around $100 to $500.

Another option you may want to consider is a steam mop. These increasingly popular appliances allow you to use steam cleaning power on a wide range of hard surfaces.

Bottom line

Before choosing a floor cleaner for your hard surfaces, take a moment to consider what material it’s made of, whether you need to be mindful of toxicity and allergens and how much you want to spend.

Compare a few options to help find the perfect product that suits your cleaning needs and your budget.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best homemade floor cleaner?

Baking soda and vinegar are two of the most common DIY floor cleaners.

What is the best product to clean laminate floors?

Use a cleaner that specifically lists laminate floors on the bottle as a suitable material. Test a small area first before using on your entire floor.

Don’t use steam cleaners on laminate floors, as they may cause permanent damage.

What is the best floor cleaner for wood?

Many products are formulated specifically for use on hardwood floors. Look for this information on the label before using a product on wood flooring. Test in a small area first before using it on the entire floor.