For regular cleaning of tiles or other compatible hard floors, a floor cleaner could be a good fit if you’re happy to maintain it after use. A corded model avoids interruptions to recharge, while a cordless one is easier to move around, but its battery life needs to suit the area you want to clean. If your main requirement is picking up dry dust, keep your vacuum cleaner and consider mopping by hand: UFC-Que Choisir points out that a floor cleaner is not a replacement for a vacuum.
You want to clean tiles, lino or another floor covering regularly, and its care instructions allow wet cleaning. UFC-Que Choisir describes floor cleaners as appliances mainly designed for this type of surface, and advises against using them on wooden parquet flooring.
A roller or pad cleaner can take over some of the work usually done with a mop. You’ll still need to clean the parts you’ve used after each session, so make sure you’re happy with the maintenance involved.
If you move from room to room, not having a cable to manage could be a real advantage. For a longer cleaning session near accessible sockets, a corded model avoids the need to recharge, but the cable determines how far you can reach.
Worth considering: if you regularly clean compatible hard floors, have accessible sockets and want to avoid stopping to recharge.
The trade-off: the cable limits how far you can move, and the appliance won’t replace a vacuum cleaner for dry dust.
Worth considering: if you want to move between rooms without having to manage a cable while you clean.
The trade-off: how long you can use it depends on the battery, and you may need to pause for a recharge.
Worth considering: if picking up dry dust is still your main priority, or you prefer to keep vacuuming and mopping separate.
The trade-off: vacuuming and then mopping means doing two jobs.
| Factor | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Flooring | Check the model’s instructions for the surfaces it can be used on, as well as your floor’s care guidance. This option is for washable hard floors, not wooden parquet flooring. | I want to clean my tiles or another compatible hard floor without using the appliance on a delicate surface. |
| Dry dust | Decide whether you need a separate vacuum before mopping. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a floor cleaner’s main purpose is wet cleaning, not replacing a vacuum cleaner. | I also need to pick up debris and dust from dry floors regularly at home. |
| Maintenance | Check how to remove and clean the tanks, roller or pads, and filters. An automatic cleaning cycle doesn’t mean you can skip the instructions. | I’d like to know what I’ll need to do after each clean, not just while using the appliance. |
| Moving around | For a corded model, check the cable length and where your sockets are. For a cordless one, compare the stated battery life and charging time with the size of the area you usually clean; UFC-Que Choisir measures both as part of its testing process. | I have several rooms to clean: can I finish without constantly changing sockets or waiting for a recharge? |
| Consumables | Check which rollers, filters and detergents are compatible, and how they should be replaced. UFC-Que Choisir says these consumables are generally specific to each brand. | I want to be able to maintain the appliance over time and use only products approved for my model. |
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between wet cleaning hard floors and picking up dust and debris from dry floors. A floor cleaner may not meet your needs for the latter.
If vacuuming dry floors is essential in your home, keep a separate vacuum cleaner and choose a floor cleaner for regular mopping.
Emptying the dirty water and cleaning the parts that come into contact with the floor are still jobs to factor in, even if the appliance has an automatic cleaning cycle.
Before you buy, check the instructions to see how to access the tanks, remove the roller and leave the cleaned parts to dry.
Rollers, filters and detergents need replacing in line with the model’s instructions. UFC-Que Choisir says these consumables are generally specific to each brand.
Make a note of the compatible parts for your chosen appliance and check the detergent guidance before adding anything to the tank.
Replacing consumables means extra purchases over the lifetime of the appliance.
A ‘hard floors’ label doesn’t mean an appliance is suitable for every type of flooring. UFC-Que Choisir specifically advises against using floor cleaners on wooden parquet flooring.
Rule out wooden parquet flooring for this option. For other floor coverings, check the appliance instructions against the flooring manufacturer’s care guidance.
The FC range includes hard floor cleaners, such as the cordless FC 7 Cordless.
The X-Clean range includes cordless appliances designed for washing hard floors.
The CrossWave and SpinWave ranges let you compare, among other things, the accessories needed for maintenance.
These two cordless appliances offer a wet-cleaning option for hard floors. Compare their maintenance requirements and check that they’re suitable for your flooring before choosing. This selection doesn’t replace the decision between a floor cleaner and a vacuum cleaner with manual mopping.
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Designed for wet cleaning compatible hard floors, this cordless model features an automatic cleaning system. Check the instructions for approved floor types and the maintenance needed after use. Wooden parquet flooring is not included in this option.
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This cordless model, designed for hard floors, features an automatic cleaning function. Before use, check that it’s suitable for your flooring and follow the instructions for emptying and cleaning it. Don’t use it on wooden parquet flooring.
Not if your main need is picking up dry dust and debris. UFC-Que Choisir explains that a floor cleaner is primarily for wet cleaning hard surfaces, so you’ll need a separate vacuum cleaner for dry vacuuming.
A corded model is a good fit if you have accessible sockets and want to clean without stopping to recharge. A cordless model means there’s no cable to manage, but compare its battery life and charging time with the area you usually clean.
Wooden parquet flooring isn’t suitable for this option: UFC-Que Choisir advises against using floor cleaners on it. For other floor coverings, check both the flooring manufacturer’s guidance and the appliance instructions.
No. An automatic cleaning cycle may take care of some tasks, but you still need to follow the model’s instructions for emptying the tanks and cleaning removable parts.
No. Use only a product approved in the model’s instructions. UFC-Que Choisir says detergents for floor cleaners are generally brand-specific, so check which product is compatible before use.