Housekeeping House Cleaning Products and Tools The 9 Best Vacuums for Tile Floors of 2023 The best vacuums for tile floors have strong suction, lightweight design, and useful attachments By Terri Williams Terri Williams Twitter Terri Williams is a freelance journalist and product writer specializing in smart tech, consumer A/V products, small appliances, home office essentials, bedding, furniture, and other home goods. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on May 8, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews The Bottom Line What to Know Before Shopping Your Questions, Answered Who We Are We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Better Homes & Gardens / Lecia Landis Tile flooring comes in various materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, and glass, that can mimic wood, marble, and stone. Tile flooring is popular because it’s relatively easy to clean and maintain. However, you still need to use the right vacuum to keep your tile floors looking new. “In general, vacuums for tile floors must remove soil without the use of an agitator—as when cleaning carpet—to prevent the vacuum from marring the surface,” says Allen Rathey, director of the Indoor Health Council. “That said, airflow and suction are very important factors, and canister vacs with a suction-only wand and floor tool and stick and upright vacuums that offer a suction-only option are great at cleaning smooth floors.” A soft roller head brushbar is also ideal for cleaning and polishing tile floors without scratching them. To arrive at the best vacuums for tile floors, we researched various choices and also tested quite a few, considering performance, weight, attachments, and ease of use. We also received expert advice from Allen Rathey, director of the Indoor Health Council, along with Leanne Stapf, chief operating officer of The Cleaning Authority, as well as Vera Peterson, president of Molly Maid. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Samsung Jet 90 Cordless Stick Vacuum at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: LG CordZero Auto-Empty Stick Vacuum Tower at Amazon Jump to Review Best Robot: Roborock S8 Pro Ultra at Amazon Jump to Review Best Handheld: Shark WANDVAC Cordless Handheld Vacuum at Amazon Jump to Review Best Steam: Bissell PowerFresh Vac & Steam All-in-One Steam Mop at Amazon Jump to Review Best Upright: Dyson Ball Animal 3 Vacuum at Amazon Jump to Review Best Canister: Bissell MultiClean Allergen Lift-OFF Pet Slim Upright Vacuum at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Pet Hair: Shark Navigator Pet Upright Vacuum at Amazon Jump to Review Best Wet/Dry: Tineco Floor One S5 Wet/Dry Vacuum at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Samsung Jet 90 Complete Cordless Stick Vacuum with Dual Charging Station VS20R9046T3 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Lowe's View On Home Depot Why You Should Get It The turbo action brush, soft brush, and long-reach crevice tool can handle anything on your tile floors. Keep in Mind There aren’t any LED headlights to help you see in dark spaces. The lightweight Samsung Jet 90 Cordless Stick Vacuum tops our list of the best vacuums for tile floors for several reasons. The powerful 200 air watts provide intense suction to scoop up any type of dust, hair, and other debris on tile floors. In addition, the jet cyclone traps dirt and pushes it down into the dust bin to ensure it doesn’t get clogged in the filter. The turbo action brush efficiently and effectively cleans tile floors, and there’s also a long-reach crevice tool for getting into corners. The telescopic wand can be adjusted in height, so it’s never too tall or too short for any user and can also be used to clean on top of tall items or reach far underneath furniture. The digital display lets you view the power level and brush type and provides visible alerts in the event of a missing filter or airflow issue. Other attachments include a combination tool for dusting and upholstery, a soft brush for hardwood floors, and a mini motorized tool for furniture and rugs. The lack of LED lights, however, makes it difficult to see in dark areas. The vacuum’s battery lasts 60 minutes, and the self-standing dual charging station can hold and house two batteries at the same time. The five-layer filtration system includes a washable micro filter, and the dust bin is also washable. Price at time of publish: $649 Product Details: Vacuum Type: Cordless stick | Weight: 6.17 pounds | Runtime: 60 minutes | Recommended Surfaces: Tile, hardwood, carpet, furniture | Number of attachments: Four Best Splurge LG CordZero Auto-Empty Cordless Stick Vacuum Tower Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Lowe's Why You Should Get It This versatile self-emptying vacuum for tile floors has two batteries, a telescopic wand, and a mop attachment. Keep in Mind Three disposable bags are included, but you’ll need to purchase the rest. The LG CordZero All-in-One Auto Empty Tower really is an “all-in-one” device. It comes replete with a docking station that includes a self-empty tower, so you don’t even need to open the dust bin; the tower automatically empties the contents of the dust bin into a disposable bag. The universal nozzle can be used on tile, hardwood, and carpets. There’s also a power mop nozzle attachment, which includes washable microfiber pads and a removable water tank, which converts the vacuum to a mop for cleaning tile and hardwood floors with tap water. The LG CordZero All-in-One has powerful suction and includes a five-step HEPA filtration system that features two cyclones to keep dust and allergens out of the air. The telescopic wand is adjustable for users of different heights and provides convenience for various cleaning functions. It can also transform into a handheld vacuum and comes with a two-in-one combination tool with a brush and hard nozzle, a power mini nozzle for stairs and furniture, and a crevice tool for getting into tight spaces. The cyclone and filters are washable, and all the tools and accessories can be stored in the tower. The vacuum has two 60-minute batteries and can connect to the LG ThinQ app. Price at time of publish: $1,000 Product Details: Vacuum Type: Cordless stick | Weight: 5.95 pounds | Runtime: 120 minutes (60 minutes per battery) | Recommended Surfaces: Tile, hardwood, carpet, furniture | Number of attachments: Five Best Robot Roborock S8 Pro Ultra 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Best Buy View On Roborock.com Why You Should Get It With strong suction power, a mop system, an auto-empty dock, and obstacle avoidance, you don’t need to lift a hand to clean your tile floors. Keep in Mind There may be a learning curve for nontechies. The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra takes robot vacuums to the next level. With 6000Pa suction power and a sonic mopping system, it vacuums and mops tile and hardwood floors as well as rugs and carpet, so it's a great pick for homes with multiple floor types. We really appreciated the mop's ability to self-dry before docking to prevent mold growth. In addition, the robot vacuum has structured light 3D scanning, which can recognize and avoid objects on the floor—even in the dark. We found it was able to easily fit underneath couches and reach tricky areas, though it did bump into a table from time to time. If you aren't particularly tech-savvy, this model may take a bit of time to learn how to operate, since there are multiple modes and it needs to be connected to wifi to work properly. We were impressed with its ability to pick up hair and dust, and to clean messes in small areas such as crumbs after a meal. The robot vacuum has an auto-empty dock, so you don’t have to touch the dustbin’s contents. One bag holds several weeks’ worth of debris, meaning you don’t need to empty it often. The robot vacuum has a runtime of 180 minutes and can also be controlled via your smartphone using the app. Price at time of publish: $1,600 Product Details: Vacuum Type: Robot | Weight: 31.1 pounds (vacuum and dock) | Runtime: 3 hours | Recommended Surfaces: Tile, hardwood, and carpet | Number of attachments: Two The 8 Best Robot Vacuums of 2023, According to Lab Testing Best Handheld Shark WV201 WANDVAC Cordless Handheld Vacuum 4.3 View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Target Why You Should Get It The sleek handheld has an ergonomic design and powerful suction and comes in many cool colors. Keep in Mind It doesn’t have a long runtime before it needs to be recharged. Although it’s a handheld model, the Shark Wandvac has a high-speed brushless motor that provides strong suction, making it one of the best vacuums for tile. There’s also a boost button when you need even more suction. It can clean tile floors, hardwood floors, and carpets. The vacuum has an ergonomic design, so your hand won’t get tired when holding the lightweight (1.4 pounds) handheld vacuum. The tapered nozzle is designed to fit into the corners and crevices of your tile floors and other tight spaces on hard floors or carpets. It’s also a good choice for cleaning vehicles, furniture, and tabletops. The vacuum cleaner also has a multi-surface pet tool to remove pet hair, as well as a duster crevice tool. It has a compact charging dock and dual onboard accessory storage to keep the attachments neatly stored. The battery lasts 10 minutes before you’ll need to recharge it–not long, but standard for handheld vacs. The LED indicator light lets you know the remaining battery life and the charging status. This hand vacuum is available in several colors, including blue, gold, graphite, and rose gold. Price at time of publish: $130 Product Details: Vacuum Type: Handheld | Weight: 1.4 pounds | Runtime: 10 minutes | Recommended Surfaces: Tile, hardwood, carpet, furniture | Number of attachments: Two Best Steam Bissell PowerFresh Vac & Steam All-in-One Vacuum and Steam Mop 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Why You Should Get It It can vacuum or steam—or vacuum and steam your tile floors. Keep in Mind The steam function can’t be used on carpets. The Bissell PowerFresh Vac & Steam is a vacuum and steam mop combo that vacuums or steams tile floors (but does not steam carpet); you can also choose to vacuum, steam, and sanitize your floors at the same time. According to the brand, the vacuum can eliminate 99.9% of bacteria and germs. The microfiber soft pad can be for routine hard floor cleaning, and the microfiber scrubby mop pad can be used to clean really tough messes. Both pads are used on the mop pad tray, which is detachable—and both pads are machine washable, so there isn’t the additional expense of buying replacement pads. The cyclonic vacuum function can also clean hardwood floors and carpets. It uses dry tank technology, which keeps moisture out of the dirt tank. Once finished, by the press of a button, the contents of the dust bin are ejected into the trash. The handle can be adjusted to find the desired height for comfort, or it can be completely collapsed, and the cord can be wrapped on the back side of the vacuum for easy storage. Price at time of publish: $186 Product Details: Vacuum Type: Upright steam | Weight: 9.74 pounds | Cord Length: 25 feet | Recommended Surfaces: Tile, hardwood, carpet | Number of attachments: Two We Tested 11 Steam Mops—Here Are the 8 Best for Cleaning and Sanitizing Your Floors Best Upright Dyson Ball Animal 3 Upright Vacuum 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Target Why You Should Get It Twelve cyclones, 50 feet of cord, and a detangling cleaner head are just some of the features of this upright vacuum. Keep in Mind At 17.3 pounds, it’s rather heavy. If you’re looking for the best vacuum for tile in an upright style, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 is our choice. The oddly-shaped design actually serves a purpose; the ball helps the vacuum curve and turn so it can easily navigate your floors without requiring much effort. Compared to a stick vacuum, the vacuum is heavy, but the ball makes it rather lightweight compared to other upright options. Also, the self-adjusting cleaner head can clean tile and hard floors and automatically adjust the suction for carpet—and it can automatically detangle hair to keep it from clogging the head. The vacuum has 12 cyclones and whole-machine filtration to capture and trap dust and debris. The generous 50 feet of cord consists of 35 feet of cord and 15 feet of long-reach hose, which helps clean stairs without dragging the vacuum with you. Accessories include a stair tool and a combination tool with a brush and wide nozzle for cleaning in tight places as well as up high and on/under furniture. The large bin can be emptied with the touch of a button. Price at time of publish: $389 Product Details: Vacuum Type: Upright | Weight: 17.3 pounds | Cord Length: 50 feet | Recommended Surfaces: Tile, hardwood, carpet, furniture | Number of attachments: Two Best Canister Bissell MultiClean Allergen Lift-OFF Pet Slim Upright Vacuum 3.2 Amazon View On Amazon View On Bissell.com Why You Should Get It Lightweight and compact with a removable canister, this vacuum is easy to use but doesn’t skimp on suction power. Keep in Mind The cord is 25 feet long, but Bissell makes models with 27-foot and 30-foot cords. The Bissell MultiClean Allergen Lift-Off Pet Slim is a lightweight canister with a compact design that doesn’t take up as much space (or weigh as much) as the regular MultiClean Lift-Off. However, it includes all the other features we look for in one of the best vacuums for tile, such as a multi-cyclonic cleaning system and a tangle-free brush roll to keep hair from twisting around the brush and clogging it. The brush roll can also be turned on or off, depending on the flooring type. The LED headlights make it easy to see in the dark and under furniture. The two-in-one Lift-Off Technology consists of a removable canister to provide more functionality, and the quick-release extension wand can reach more than 12 feet, allowing you to vacuum stairs and reach high places as well as far under furniture, which is helpful considering the cord is slightly shorter than other Bissell models. The HEPA-sealed allergen system keeps all the dust and debris inside instead of releasing it back into the air. The one-touch easy-empty mechanism means you simply push a button to empty the canister. Attachments include the combination crevice tool dusting brush and pet turbo eraser tool, which removes embedded pet hair. Price at time of publish: $250 Product Details: Vacuum Type: Canister | Weight: 15.7 pounds | Cord Length: 25 feet | Recommended Surfaces: Tile, hardwood, carpet, furniture | Number of attachments: Two The 8 Best Grout Cleaners of 2022 for Cleaning Any Surface Best for Pet Hair Shark ZU62 Navigator Pet Upright Vacuum with Self-Cleaning Brushroll 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Lowe's View On Wayfair Why You Should Get It The self-cleaning head keeps hair from wrapping around the brush roll, and the swivel steering makes the vacuum easy to handle. Keep in Mind The 25-foot cord is not as long as some other Sharp models, and there’s no LED light. Pets are lovable, but it can be a pain to clean their hair from your home. The Sharp Navigator Pet Upright makes that job a lot easier. The self-cleaning brush roll is designed to keep pet hair (and human hair) from becoming entangled, so you never need to stop and cut the hair out of it. The relatively lightweight vacuum has a 25-foot cord, including 12 feet of extendable hose to help you clean stairs and reach as high, low, or far as you need to. The vacuum is also easy to maneuver and easily tilts left and right and goes around furniture without much effort, which is it's one of the best vacuums for tile. The suction can be adjusted depending on the floor type. Also, the vacuum uses a complete seal technology along with a HEPA filter to capture and keep allergens in the machine and out of the air. Attachments include a duster crevice tool, upholstery tool, and dusting brush, however, there is no LED light to help see in dark spots. Price at time of publish: $280 Product Details: Vacuum Type: Upright | Weight: 16 pounds | Cord Length: 25 feet | Recommended Surfaces: Tile, hardwood, carpet, furniture | Number of attachments: Three We Tested 37 of the Best Vacuums for Pet Hair, And These 8 Are a Lifesaver for Dog and Cat Owners Best Wet/Dry Tineco Floor One S5 Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Why You Should Get It This vacuum has separate clean and dirty water tanks, cleans itself, and allows you to vacuum and mop your floors simultaneously. Keep in Mind The vacuum can’t be used on carpets. The Tineco Floor One S5 Series vacuum cleaner makes it easier to care for your tile floors since you can vacuum and wash them simultaneously. The vacuum has two water tanks, so clean water flows out of one onto the floors, and dirty water comes back into the vacuum into the dirty water tank. This means that you’re never just recirculating dirty water—which defeats the purpose of mopping the floors in the first place. The iLoop Smart Sensor Technology automatically adjusts the brush roller speed, suction level, and water flow depending on the amount of debris it detects. The brush roller is designed to fit right up against baseboards and into corners for a more thorough clean, which is especially important when cleaning your bathroom floors. The cordless vacuum has a 35-minute run time, and the digital display lets you view remaining battery time, selected modes, and debris that has been detected and/or cleared. In addition, the built-in voice assistant and app connectivity makes it even easier to operate the vacuum. After the cleaning session is over, put the vacuum on the docking station, press the self-clean button, and it flushes dirt and debris out of the roller brush. Take note this cannot be used on carpeting. Price at time of publish: $500 Product Details: Vacuum Type: Cordless Wet/Dry | Weight: 9.9 pounds | Runtime: 35 minutes | Recommended Surfaces: Tile and hardwood | Number of attachments: None The Bottom Line The lightweight Samsung Jet 90 Cordless Stick Vacuum tops our list of the best vacuums for tile floors because it provides strong suction, and the jet cyclone traps dirt and pushes it down into the dust bin to ensure it doesn’t become clogged in the filter. Also, the turbo action brush efficiently and effectively cleans tile floors, and there’s also a long-reach crevice tool for getting into corners. The telescopic wand and digital display, along with numerous attachments, are other reasons we like this vacuum. What to Know About Vacuums for Tile Floors Before Shopping Weight The weight of the vacuum is important for several reasons, depending on your usage. If you’re using the vacuum on a single level, weight may not be as much of a factor; however, if you plan to use the same vacuum on several levels or stairs, weight becomes more important. A vacuum that’s too heavy won’t be used often because you’ll find it burdensome. We included a variety of stick vacuums for tile floors on the list since they’re lightweight and easy to maneuver. We also included relatively lightweight canisters and upright vacuums (along with a robot vacuum) and ensured that our choices were easy to maneuver. Cord Length or Runtime If you prefer a corded vacuum, you want to ensure that the cord is long enough that you don’t need to keep stopping to change outlets. On the other hand, if you choose a cordless vacuum, you don’t want to stop every few minutes to charge the battery. Some people opt to purchase an extra battery, and some of the cordless vacuums on our list of the best vacuums for tile also include two batteries. Recommended Surfaces The best vacuums for tile floors can also be used on hardwood floors, and some can be used on carpeting as well. In addition, certain models also work on furniture and other surfaces. However, most—but not all—vacuums that include a mopping feature tend not to be recommended for carpets. (Robot vacuums represent one class of vacuums that can be used on both types.) Number of Attachments Attachments like crevice tools and brushes can help you get more bang for your buck since it’s like having two vacuums for the price of one. Vacuums that convert to handheld models that use these tools provide even more functionality. Cordless stick vacuums are more likely to include these additional features. Your Questions, Answered Is it better to vacuum or sweep tile floors? According to Leanne Stapf, chief operating officer of The Cleaning Authority, it depends on the type of tile, and she recommends sweeping for everyday cleaning and touch-ups. “Most vacuums that are designed for tile floors come with roller brushes and attachments,” she says. “If you are allergy-prone, have pets, or just simply need to remove small particles from in between grout lines, vacuuming is your best option.” However, if your floor is natural stone tile, she advises being careful when you vacuum since the stone is fragile. “In this instance, you will want to stick to sweeping,” Stapf says. “Make sure to avoid using harsher cleaning tools on tile, like bristle brushes or scrubbing pads, to avoid scratching the surface of the floor.” “Plus, using different attachments on a vacuum can be great for that stubborn debris in grout lines.” How often should you vacuum tile floors? How often you should vacuum tile floors will depend on the level of foot traffic, according to Peterson. “Any room you spend most of the time in such as hallways, foyers, mudrooms, children’s playroom, and the kitchen should be vacuumed weekly,” she says. And during allergy season, she recommends vacuuming these areas twice a week. “Less-often used spaces such as guest rooms, sunrooms, or formal dining rooms can be vacuumed less frequently or just before you’re expecting company.” Should you use steam on tile floors? Peterson wholeheartedly endorses using steam on tile floors, adding that tile flooring will only look as good as the grout that holds it together. “To do a deep clean in those grout lines, we recommend either using a steam mop or renting a grout-cleaning machine from your local hardware store.” Stapf agrees that steam mops are perfect for cleaning your tile flooring. “They prove to be highly efficient cleaners and are also a much safer, eco-friendly alternative to using harsh chemicals on your floors.” However, she warns against using a steam mop on peel-and-stick vinyl flooring/tile as this will weaken the adhesive. “Additionally, while you may use a steam mop to clean your marble, ensure that you are keeping the moisture level to a minimum.” Who We Are Terri Williams is a freelance journalist and product review writer with bylines at Architectural Digest, Realtor.com, The Daily Beast, CNN, NBC News, USA Today, Popular Science, and more. To find the best vacuums for tile floors, she spoke with Allen Rathey, director of the Indoor Health Council, Leanne Stapf, chief operating officer of The Cleaning Authority, and Vera Peterson, president of Molly Maid. Terri has also tested several dozen vacuums and relied on her experience, in addition to conducting extensive research. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit