Households that mop tiled floors often
If you regularly wet-clean tiles, lino, PVC or vinyl, a floor cleaner could meet your needs, as long as you’re prepared to empty and clean the appliance after use.
Which solution is right for you?
Households dealing with crumbs and pet hair
Some appliances combine picking up small bits of dirt with wet cleaning. However, don’t assume they’ll replace your vacuum cleaner for dry dust or general cleaning: UFC-Que Choisir notes that this varies between models.
People who take appliance maintenance into account
If you plan to use the appliance often, compare how easy it is to access the rollers and filters, which detergents are approved, and whether parts are available for the model you’re considering. These checks matter just as much as how easy the floor is to clean.
What should you look for?
Corded floor cleaner
Worth considering: if you regularly clean a large hard-floor area and don’t want to stop to recharge the appliance.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, the cable restricts your movement and corded models are heavier.
Cordless floor cleaner
Worth considering: if you value freedom of movement when frequently cleaning tiled or lino floors in several rooms.
Bear in mind: run time and charging vary by model; check the battery replacement terms too.
Separate vacuum cleaner and mop
Worth considering: if picking up dry dust and debris matters as much as washing the floor.
Bear in mind: vacuuming and mopping are still two separate steps.
| What matters | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Frequent wet cleaning | Floor types approved for the exact model and tank capacity. | When I regularly clean tiled or lino floors, I’m mainly looking for a wet-cleaning routine that suits these surfaces. This is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Everyday small messes | Types of debris it can pick up and whether you need to vacuum first. | For everyday crumbs or pet hair, I’d like to pick up small bits of dirt while cleaning, without giving up my vacuum cleaner too soon. This is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| After-use maintenance | Emptying and manual cleaning steps still required after any automatic cycle. | If I clean the floor several times a week, I want to be able to get the appliance ready for next time without a lengthy process. Around 21% of consumers prioritise easy maintenance. |
| Consumables and repairs | Compatibility and availability of rollers, filters, detergents, batteries and parts. | Before choosing an appliance for long-term use, I want to know whether I’ll be able to replace worn parts. This is the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing wet cleaning with general vacuuming
A floor cleaner is primarily designed to wash hard floors. UFC-Que Choisir points out that its ability to pick up dry dust and debris does not mean it can always be considered a conventional vacuum cleaner.
Work out whether your main task is washing away marks or picking up dry dirt. If both matter, consider a floor cleaner as an additional appliance or stick with a vacuum cleaner and mop.
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Underestimating the steps involved after cleaning
An automatic cleaning cycle can make rinsing a roller easier, but it won’t necessarily remove the need to empty the dirty-water tank or clean the filters.
Check the manual to find out what you need to do after each use and how the parts should be left to dry.
Emptying, rinsing and drying take time after every use.
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Forgetting about consumables and spare parts
UFC-Que Choisir notes that rollers, filters and detergents can be specific to a brand or product range. It’s worth checking their availability for the model you’re considering.
Check the product codes for approved consumables, and find out about spare parts and repair options before you choose.
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Assuming that approved surfaces apply to an entire range
Instructions can vary by appliance and floor type. Although Kärcher lists certain parquet floors as compatible with the FC 7, this guide focuses only on tiles, lino and other hard, non-wood floors.
Check the manual for the exact model and your floor type. Don’t assume that approval listed for the FC 7 also applies to a different model.
Brands to know
Kärcher
The hard-floor cleaner range includes the FC 2-4, FC 4-4, FC 7 and FC 8.
- According to Kärcher France, some models have a replaceable battery; the brand also lists spare parts for its range.
- Compare the run time and spare parts for the exact model. Wooden parquet is not among the floor types covered in this article.
Rowenta
The X-Clean range brings together several cordless hard-floor cleaners.
- Rowenta France describes the X-Clean 7 GZ5735E0 as having a three-minute self-cleaning cycle and 60 °C hot-air drying.
- These features don’t remove the need to check what maintenance is still required and whether accessories are compatible with your chosen model.
Dreame
Dreame France features cordless wet-and-dry cleaners designed for hard floors.
- For some models, the brand describes edge cleaning and self-cleaning functions; the H15 Pro Heat is presented as a hot-water model.
- These descriptions don’t guarantee how well a stubborn stain will come out. Check which consumables are available and which floor types are approved for the exact model.
Bissell
The CrossWave range includes appliances and accessories for caring for hard floors.
- Bissell France lists accessories and cleaning solutions for the CrossWave range.
- Check the manual for your chosen model to see which floor types it can be used on and which cleaning products are compatible.
Tineco
The Floor One models are among the cordless cleaners to consider for washing hard floors.
- UFC-Que Choisir includes Tineco appliances in its floor cleaner comparisons.
- For the model on sale, check which floor types are approved, which accessories are compatible and what maintenance is required.
Cordless cleaners available on Joybuy
These two cordless appliances are suited to anyone looking to wet-clean hard floors while picking up small bits of dirt. Start by checking which floor types are approved and what maintenance you’re prepared to carry out; keep a separate vacuum cleaner if picking up dry dust remains a priority.
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Tineco Floor One Stretch S6 wet-and-dry cleaner
Worth considering if you regularly clean hard floors without a cable, while picking up small bits of dirt as you go.
The product title lists a 180° lie-flat position, a height of 13 cm, FlashDry drying at 70 °C and a 40 min run time. Check the manual for approved floor types, compatible detergents and what you need to do after the self-cleaning cycle. Wooden parquet is not included in the uses covered here.
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Lubluelu T6, 16,000 Pa wet-and-dry cleaner
Worth a closer look if you want to combine wet cleaning with picking up small bits of dirt on a suitable hard floor.
The title mentions wet-and-dry cleaning and a self-cleaning system. The stated run times differ, so confirm the operating time, approved floor types, compatible detergent and maintenance requirements for this T6. Don’t use it on wooden parquet.
Frequently asked questions
Can a floor cleaner replace a conventional vacuum cleaner?
Not for every job: UFC-Que Choisir describes a floor cleaner primarily as a wet-cleaning appliance and notes that suction is limited on some models. Keep a separate vacuum cleaner if you regularly need to pick up dry dust or clean rugs and upholstery.
Can I use a floor cleaner on wooden parquet?
Not as part of this guide, which is limited to tiles, lino and other hard, non-wood floors, in line with the precaution in the UFC-Que Choisir guide. Approval from a manufacturer for a particular model and type of parquet doesn’t apply to other appliances or floor types.
Can I pour any detergent into the tank?
No. Check the manual for your exact model to see which products are approved before filling the tank. A detergent that’s suitable for your floor may not be compatible with the appliance’s components.
What should I do after each clean?
Follow the instructions for your model on emptying and cleaning, especially for the dirty-water tank, rollers or pads, and filters. A self-cleaning cycle doesn’t mean these steps are no longer needed.
Can the repairability index help me choose?
Yes, if the appliance you’re buying falls into a category for which this label is required in France. The French Ministry of the Economy says the repairability index applies to vacuum cleaners, among other products. Check which category your model falls into, and also find out whether spare parts are available.