For regular, light spills on hard floors that are suitable for wet cleaning, a roller cleaner or wet and dry vacuum can make mopping easier. However, keep a dry vacuuming solution if you need one: collecting debris while washing does not prove that a machine can replace a vacuum cleaner. Also check that the floor covering is compatible and find out what maintenance is required after use.
You’re mainly looking to wash the hard floors in your kitchen or living spaces regularly, rather than replace all your cleaning tools. Kärcher says the FC 7 Cordless collects dry and wet dirt, while Dyson describes the WashG1 as a hard floor cleaner.
You want to distinguish between picking up debris while washing and genuine vacuuming before deciding whether a new machine will complement your existing kit. The Journal du Geek describes the WashG1 as a cleaner without suction.
What you need to clean after use matters just as much as the floor-washing itself: washable rollers, an automatic cycle and space for the docking station all play a part in your decision. Kärcher, Rowenta and Dyson offer different maintenance features on specific models.
Worth considering: for regularly washing light spills on a floor covering that is suitable for wet cleaning, while keeping a separate solution for other vacuuming needs.
Bear in mind: collecting debris does not necessarily mean the machine can vacuum dry; you’ll also need to factor in maintenance of the wet-cleaning system and recharging. The Journal du Geek describes the WashG1 as working without suction.
Worth considering: if you want to combine vacuuming and washing hard floors. Rowenta says the X-Clean 10 does both in one pass.
Bear in mind: the term ‘wet and dry vacuum’ doesn’t prove that the machine can replace a dry vacuum cleaner for all your needs. Check the modes and instructions for the exact model.
Worth considering: if you want to choose separately how to remove dust and wash your floors, without relying on a combined machine’s wet-cleaning function for vacuuming.
Bear in mind: cleaning still involves two steps. Que Choisir Ensemble advises against assuming that a floor cleaner will always replace a vacuum cleaner and mop.
For regular hard-floor care in France, each row below relates to a different main concern among the consumers surveyed.
| Concern | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Washing light spills | Check which types of dirt the model is claimed to handle. Que Choisir Ensemble points out that washing and vacuuming are not the same thing. | When I often deal with small marks in living spaces, I’m mainly looking to make regular floor washing easier. Around 28 % of consumers surveyed put frequent light cleaning first. |
| Keeping dry vacuuming separate | Tell the difference between dry vacuuming, water collection and debris collection. The Journal du Geek describes the Dyson WashG1 as a cleaner without suction. | If I want to keep removing dust with a suitable function, I check what the new machine actually does before replacing my vacuum cleaner. Around 22 % of consumers surveyed prioritise having separate vacuuming. |
| Reducing post-use maintenance | Compare the instructions for the rollers, tanks and docking station: Kärcher says its compatible rollers can be washed at 60 °C; Rowenta specifies an automatic 65 °C system for the X-Clean 10; and Dyson gives a 140-second rinse cycle for the WashG1. | When I want to cut down on tasks after cleaning, I also consider storage and what still needs doing. Around 22 % of consumers surveyed prioritise easier maintenance and storage. |
| Reaching edges and under furniture | Look at the shape of the head and the stated recline angle. Rowenta lists two-sided cleaning and a 180° recline as features of the X-Clean 10; these are not measures of how closely it cleans along skirting boards. | If dirt often gathers near walls or under furniture, I check how easily the head and body of the machine can reach those areas. Around 17 % of consumers surveyed prioritise edges and hard-to-reach spots. |
| Protecting your flooring | Check the instructions for the model and your floor’s finish: the French FC 7 manual limits use to water-resistant hard floors and excludes untreated cork, among other surfaces. | If my floor is sensitive to moisture, I first check that the cleaning method is suitable for its material and finish. Around 11 % of consumers surveyed put compatibility first. |
A machine may collect some dirt while washing without having a dry-vacuum function. The Journal du Geek describes the WashG1 as a cleaner without suction.
Check how the exact model works and what modes it has before deciding to get rid of your vacuum cleaner.
You may need to keep a separate vacuuming solution for tasks the floor cleaner can’t handle.
The French Kärcher FC 7 manual is for water-resistant hard floors and excludes untreated cork, among other surfaces. These instructions apply to this model only, not every machine or floor covering.
Check the instructions for both the machine and the flooring, taking its finish into account.
Dyson’s stated 140 seconds for the WashG1 refers to a rinse cycle; Rowenta’s stated 65 °C automatic system describes a different feature. Neither tells you everything that needs doing after use.
Read the full instructions to find out what still needs emptying, cleaning or drying.
You’ll also need space for the docking station and time for any remaining maintenance.
Rowenta lists two-sided cleaning as a feature of the X-Clean 10; this isn’t a measure of how much dirt remains along skirting boards.
Separate advertised features from tests of corners, edges and the types of stain you want to tackle.
The FC 7 Cordless is an example of a hard floor cleaner advertised as collecting dry and wet dirt.
The X-Clean range includes wet and dry vacuums; the X-Clean 10 GZ7540WO is a model to consider for its maintenance features and access to edges.
The FLOOR ONE S7 PRO is an example of a floor-washing system that uses clean water and collects dirty water.
The WashG1 is an example of a hard floor cleaner with two rollers, rather than a wet and dry vacuum.
This selection features wet and dry vacuums designed for hard floor care, with different features for reaching under furniture and maintenance after use.
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An option to consider for wet and dry hard floor care, with a self-cleaning function mentioned in the product name.
The model name specifies 16 000 Pa; check the maintenance instructions and compatibility with your flooring.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a wet and dry machine designed to recline flat and reach under furniture.
The name specifies 20 000 Pa and a 180° recline. Avoid using it on delicate floors that could be damaged by water.
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Worth considering for washing and vacuuming dirt from sealed hard floors, subject to the conditions of use specified for this model.
After use, expect to empty the dirty water tank and refill the clean water tank as instructed for this product.
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Worth considering if reaching under low furniture is important when cleaning your hard floors.
The name specifies a 180° recline design, a height of 13 cm, 70 °C FlashDry drying and a runtime of 40 minutes.
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An option to consider for washing and vacuuming dry dirt from hard floors, with edge cleaning and a self-cleaning function mentioned in the product name.
The name specifies a runtime of 35 minutes. The product information advises against using it on rugs and carpets.
Some machines claim to collect debris while washing, but that doesn’t prove they can vacuum dry. The Journal du Geek describes the WashG1 as a cleaner without suction; keep a separate solution if you need to remove dust.
No, compatibility depends on the material, finish and model. The French FC 7 manual requires water-resistant hard floors and excludes untreated cork, among other surfaces. Don’t assume these instructions apply to another machine.
No, Dyson’s stated 140 seconds for the WashG1 refers to the system’s rinse cycle on its docking station. It doesn’t represent the total time needed to empty, clean or dry the parts after use.
No. Rowenta gives this temperature for the X-Clean 10’s automatic cleaning and drying system; it isn’t a measure of how long the floor takes to dry.
Allow space for the docking station and make sure it’s easy to access for maintenance. The WashG1 rinses on its docking station while charging; check the dimensions and installation instructions for your chosen model before deciding where to put it.