I Thought My Floors Were Clean—Until I Tried the Tineco iFloor 3 Vacuum Mop
Updated: Apr. 19, 2024
We're obsessed with how well the Tineco iFloor 3 vacuum mop cleans up all sorts of spills, even after two years of daily use.
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I consider myself a clean freak. Getting to use my vacuum cleaner daily on the vinyl floors and wool rugs in my apartment actually brings me joy. When I bought a steam mop a few years ago, I thought I’d reached cleaning nirvana.
I’d confidently eat anything that dropped on the ground. After all, my floors were super clean, right? Right? Wrong. I tried the Tineco iFloor 3 Vacuum Mop and the dirty water tank told a completely different story. Spoiler alert: I love this vacuum mop and would recommend anyone picking it up if it becomes a Amazon Prime Day deal. It’s a smart home gadget I can’t live without!
What is the Tineco iFloor 3 Vacuum Mop?
Tineco vacuums aren’t as well known as robot vacuums or Shark VacMops, but the Tineco iFloor 3 Vacuum Mop has stand-out features that put it ahead of the competition. The Tineco iFloor 3 reviews went viral on TikTok with videos of people vacuuming up insane messes like broken eggs, coffee grounds and spaghetti.
My floor doesn’t get quite that messy (I don’t have toddlers yet!), but I was tired of using an upright vacuum to remove dust and debris, then pulling out the steam mop to clean sticky spots and sanitize. There had to be a better way to clean my floors, and after checking out the Tineco iFloor 3 reviews, the vacuum mop combo appeared to come with an impressive cleaning reputation.
Tineco iFloor 3 features
The Tineco iFloor 3 has a dual tank that separates dry gunk and dirty water. Hair and debris go into the dry filter while spilled liquids and soiled water from the brush roller go into the dirty water tank. After vacuuming, simply pour the dirty water down the drain and tap the filter into the trash. It’s super satisfying to see how much yuck the vacuum finds—similar to the Bissell Little Green machine.
The vacuum cleans itself on the charging dock. Press a button on the handle and the vacuum flushes the brush roller and interior tubes with fresh water so it stays clean. I also click the roller out of its holder every month or so and give it a quick wash in the sink. I have noticed that if I skip the step of cleaning the roller, it can start to smell, a cleaning mistake that takes a toll on the vacuum. Thankfully, washing and letting it air dry solves the problem.
The LED display on the top panel shows how much battery life is left, plus other important metrics, such as if it needs fluid, if the filter is full or if the roller is blocked.
How we tested it
After seeing so many positive Tineco iFloor 3 reviews, I finally got one in July of 2021. Since then, I’ve used it multiple times per week—usually every single day. I pull it out for quick kitchen and bathroom touchups before guests come over. I also use it on deep cleaning days when I move furniture to suck up hidden dust. This trusty vacuum mop has never let me down.
To start, simply add a capful of Tineco deodorizing and cleaning solution and tap water to the clean water tank. A 16-ounce bottle comes standard with the vacuum mop. The solution has a light, fresh scent, but it’s not powerful enough to leave a fragrance in the room after vacuuming. The 30 watts of suction take on any mess. The self-propelled motor glides across the floor and there’s a smart LED panel at the top that tells you when there’s a problem or the water tank is low.
Hit the start button on the handle, and the cordless vacuum pretty much glides itself across the floor. The suction pulls up dirt, pet hair, dust and debris while the damp spongy roller washes the floors. I can usually suck up a pile of dry dog food and mop a muddy paw print away with just one gentle pass. There’s also a spot mode button that makes the mop brush spin harder and faster for truly gross spots.
Of course, I had to give it a harder test. I went against all of my clean freak instincts and dumped a bowl of cereal with milk on the floor. The iFloor 3 cleaned up the wet and dry mess, no problem. I was shocked.
My favorite feature? The self-cleaning function on the docking station. Honestly, once I saw how black the water was in the dirty water tank, I felt sorry for my steam cleaner.
I find I can vacuum and mop my 1,200 square feet of floor in about ten minutes. I charge the vacuum every week or so—it’s hard to gauge how long the battery lasts since I do both quick cleans and longer scrubs—but the battery indicator is dependable and one charge lasts 25 full minutes. Just keep in mind that it can’t be used on carpets if you’re looking for a quality carpet cleaner.
Dry time is quick, too. By the time I mop vacuum the bedroom, the kitchen floor is already dry—no streaks. And since it’s cordless, I don’t have to backtrack to unplug and plug. When not in use, the iFloor 3 also fits comfortably in a utility closet as easily as a handheld vacuum.
Pros
- Lightweight! At 17.64 pounds, it’s easy to carry, push and pull
- Powerful suction strong enough for big wet and dry messes
- Cordless—no tripping on wires or having to plug and unplug
- Brush roller does a quick job of messes and dries quickly—no streaks
- Clean and dirty water tanks so you can see how much filthy water it pulled up
- Self-propelled motor and swivel steering are easy to maneuver in tight areas
- Advanced smart digital display shows when the vacuum needs to be charged or is blocked
- Docking station stores, cleans and charges the vacuum
- Quick drying and no streaks left behind
- Very quiet: I can watch TV while I vacuum
Cons
- Sometimes I’m ready to vacuum but the battery needs a charge
- You may have to refill the water tank mid-clean in larger homes (the Tineco S5 has a larger water tank if you want to upgrade)
- Not for use on carpets or fabrics
- There is a self-cleaning feature, but the roller does need to be manually cleaned and air dried once in awhile to prevent odors
FAQ
Does Tineco vacuum and mop at the same time?
Yes! The Tineco’s soft-bristled roller heads loosen and lift dirt like your vacuum does, and scrub the floor as well. You’ll be able to keep your floors clean in one step with one machine.
Can you use the Tineco as just a vacuum?
Tineco advises against using the iFloor 3 as a dry vacuum, as using the unit without water could cause damage to the brush roller.
What other reviewers had to say
The Tineco iFloor 3 reviews on Amazon demonstrate just how much people love their vacuum mop combo. It currently has more than 19,000 five-star ratings!
Verified purchaser Martina calls it “a time and lifesaver.” She says, “This Tineco is a game-changer for us because we no longer have to compromise between time and cleanliness. The battery lasts long enough for us to do the major problem areas (kitchen, dining room, living room) on a single charge. Even when the floor looks ‘clean’ to the naked eye, the Tineco’s dirty water tank tells a different story. You will be cleaning grime you had no idea existed—especially if you have an older hardwood floor with gaps between the boards.”
Five-star reviewer Debra Hendrickson agrees. She writes, “I’m glad I bought the unit. I’ve had fractured vertebrae and major back surgery. This machine is so light and easy to use that even with a very bad back, I can use this! It cleans my textured tile floors spotless. The suction is unbelievable. It’s an amazing device. The efficient, quiet operation has my heart singing. Love the self-cleaning feature! Best money I’ve spent in a long time.”
The final verdict after three years of use
With three years of regular use, I can confidently say that the Tineco iFloor 3 Vacuum Mop changed my cleaning life. I’ve vacuum-mopped my vinyl floors hundreds of times and the water tank still comes out as black as a cup of coffee. (And yes, I have an air filter.) I used to think I could get my floors to a perfectly clean state, but now I know I have to just keep on charging the iFloor 3.
After years of consistent use, and the welcome addition of a baby to my home, the vacuum mop works as well today as it did straight out of the box. The battery life is consistently strong. The mop roller doesn’t need to be replaced yet, though it does need to be cleaned and air-dried occasionally to prevent odors.
The iFloor 3 takes on animal hair (almost better than a pet hair vacuum), baby spit up and stubborn what did I even spill? messes with ease. If I ever wear it out completely, I won’t hesitate to repurchase the iFloor 3, but I have a feeling it’ll remain the star of my cleaning arsenal for years to come.
Where to buy the Tineco iFloor 3 Vacuum Mop
The Tineco iFloor 3 Vacuum Mop is available on Amazon, Target and Walmart—and watch out, because it’s frequently a vacuum deal during major shopping events. Cleaning floors with less work? Priceless.
Originally Published: December 31, 1969
