Who are these types of cleaner for?

Homes with a range of non-delicate surfaces

You want to clean hard floors and, depending on the appliance, windows, carpets or areas above floor level. Check that each surface is listed as suitable and that the relevant accessories are included.

People who clean their hard floors regularly

Your priority is a manoeuvrable appliance for tiles, lino or other compatible hard floors, without needing lots of uses beyond the floor. A steam mop is worth comparing with bulkier types of cleaner.

Buyers looking for a handy extra

You want to clean small areas or awkward corners without replacing your usual floor-cleaning routine. UFC-Que Choisir describes handheld steam cleaners as being designed for occasional jobs like these.

What should you consider for your needs?

To choose between steam cleaning and cold-water floor washing, start with the surfaces you actually clean. Then consider the accessories and maintenance tasks involved with each appliance.

Cylinder steam cleaner

Consider it: for cleaning several areas of your home in one session, as long as the model and its accessory kit cover each surface.

Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir describes this as the most versatile type of steam cleaner, but it may need more storage space.

Steam mop

Consider it: when regular hard-floor cleaning is your priority. Depending on the model, a handheld unit may also offer a few uses beyond the floor.

Bear in mind: many steam mops are designed mainly for floors; any extra uses depend on the handheld unit and the accessories supplied.

Handheld steam cleaner

Consider it: for a small, washable area or an accessible corner, using the right nozzle.

Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir recommends this type for occasional jobs rather than cleaning large floor areas.

Cold-water floor cleaner

Consider it: if your main need is routine wet cleaning of hard floors, rather than steam cleaning surfaces above floor level.

Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir says these appliances are generally used with detergent, and need to be emptied of dirty water and have their cleaning components washed afterwards.

Consideration What to check Who it suits
Several surfaces Materials approved in the instructions; check that the squeegee, nozzles or brushes you need are actually included. I want to clean my hard floors and a few surfaces above floor level with the same appliance, without assuming they’re all suitable for steam. Around 36% of consumers put this need for versatility first.
Everyday hard-floor cleaning Flooring compatibility, steam settings and pads suited to the model. If I often clean tiles or another compatible hard floor, manoeuvrability matters more to me than cleaning areas above floor level. Around 29% of consumers prioritise regular floor care.
Small areas Handheld format or detachable unit; check that the kit includes a nozzle and small brushes. For spot cleaning, I want a handy appliance rather than one designed for all my floors. Around 14% of consumers put this need first.
Cold-water floor washing Approved surfaces and how to maintain the tanks, rollers or pads after use. I mainly want to wash my hard floors and don’t mind emptying the dirty water and cleaning the appliance. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this type of wet cleaning.

What to avoid before you buy

  • Relying on the words ‘multi-surface’ alone

    Whether an appliance can be used on windows, carpets or areas above floor level depends on its type and accessory kit. UFC-Que Choisir advises against using steam on wood or electrical appliances.

    Make a list of your materials, then check each one against the model’s instructions and the exact contents of the box.

    If the kit doesn’t cover the jobs you have in mind, you may need to buy some accessories separately.

  • Confusing steam cleaners with cold-water floor cleaners

    According to UFC-Que Choisir, the latter are mainly for washing hard floors, usually with cold water and often with detergent. You’ll then need to empty the dirty water and clean the appliance’s components.

    Choose one for wet-cleaning hard floors if that routine suits you. For compatible surfaces above floor level, compare steam cleaner types and their accessories instead.

  • Expecting the same results on every stain

    Cleaning results depend on the dirt, the surface and the accessory used. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol assesses steam cleaners on different types of dirt under controlled conditions. A general claim won’t tell you how an appliance will perform for every household job.

    For a particular model, look at any independent tests available and the conditions in which they were carried out.

  • Forgetting about storage and maintenance

    UFC-Que Choisir notes that complaints about steam cleaners include their weight and bulk, as well as breakdowns and limescale build-up. These are particularly important considerations if you use and store your appliance often.

    Check its dimensions, descaling instructions, consumables for your model and the applicable warranty terms.

    Depending on the model, you may also need to replace anti-scale cartridges, pads or brushes.

Brands to compare, model by model

Polti

Polti’s range includes cylinder steam cleaners, steam mops and models with a handheld unit. Compare individual models based on your surfaces and the accessories you need.

  • According to Polti, the Vaporetto Smart 120 has a removable 2 L tank and 14 accessories. The SV660_Style combines a steam mop with a handheld unit and comes with 19 advertised accessories.
  • These features relate to two separate models. Check the approved surfaces and box contents for each one.

Rowenta

The range includes steam mops designed for hard floors, as well as appliances with extra features for cleaning certain surfaces above floor level.

  • Rowenta lists three steam settings for its Steam Power. The Clean & Steam Multi combines vacuuming and steam cleaning with a handheld unit and accessories.
  • The Clean & Steam Multi’s features don’t remove the need to check its weight, storage requirements and which materials are approved in its instructions.

BLACK+DECKER

BLACK+DECKER’s range includes multi-function steam mops, handheld models and cylinder steam cleaners.

  • The brand’s range includes steam mops with 500 ml tanks and cylinder models with 1,2 L tanks, with different accessory kits available.
  • The type, capacity and accessories vary by model, so the range’s general specifications won’t apply to every appliance.

A steam option for floors and smaller areas

This 2-in-1 steam mop is for consumers who prioritise hard-floor care and would like a handheld unit for certain smaller jobs. Before planning to use it elsewhere, check the instructions and box contents to confirm which surfaces it can be used on and which accessories are included.

ROUNY STEAMO X 2-in-1 steam mop with handheld cleaner

ROUNY STEAMO X, 2-in-1 steam mop with handheld cleaner

The mop format is designed for floor care, while the handheld unit may be used for smaller jobs on approved surfaces.

Features stated in the product title: 1 200 W, 3-bar steam pressure, heats up in a stated 25 s and has a 6 m cable.

Check the instructions for each flooring type and the details of the accessories supplied. Do not use steam on wood or electrical appliances.

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Frequently asked questions

Can you use a steam cleaner on wooden flooring?

Not according to this guide: UFC-Que Choisir advises against using steam on wooden surfaces. Don’t assume your flooring is compatible just because an appliance is described as ‘multi-surface’.

Which accessories should you check for windows, carpets and awkward corners?

Check that the box contains accessories suited to each job you have in mind. These may include a squeegee for windows, a nozzle or small brush for awkward corners, and a dedicated accessory if the model is approved for carpets or rugs. Check the appliance instructions and the flooring manufacturer’s guidance too.

Will steam remove every stubborn stain?

No. You shouldn’t assume the same result on every stain or surface. UFC-Que Choisir tests steam cleaners on different types of dirt using a set protocol. When choosing a model, look at the conditions of any available tests rather than relying on a general claim.

Which legal guarantee applies to a new appliance bought in France?

The legal guarantee of conformity applies to new goods sold by a business to an individual in France. The French Ministry of the Economy explains that it covers defects in conformity that existed when the goods were delivered. Any commercial warranty is separate and has its own terms and conditions.

Can a cold-water floor cleaner replace a vacuum cleaner and a steam cleaner?

Not for every job. UFC-Que Choisir says that a cold-water floor cleaner is mainly designed for washing hard floors and doesn’t replace a vacuum cleaner for dry debris. Nor does it cover the above-floor uses of a steam cleaner fitted with the right accessories.