If you mainly need to clean compatible hard floors, choose a steam mop. To tackle grout, windows and other washable surfaces too, consider a cylinder steam cleaner with accessories, or a handheld model for smaller jobs. If you want to wash floors without steam, consider a cold-water floor washer; if you also want to vacuum, check that the model genuinely combines both functions. Whatever you choose, the instructions and the exact flooring material matter more than the product name. Floor washers may also need more cleaning after use.
If you want to clean hard floors as well as grout, bathroom fittings or windows, check the accessories supplied with a cylinder or convertible model. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these uses according to the surface, so check the instructions for every task you have in mind.
A steam mop is designed for cleaning hard floors, with an upright format that’s easy to use. Check the precise flooring material before choosing a model: the words ‘hard floors’ don’t mean it’s suitable for every material.
If space is limited or you want to keep post-cleaning jobs to a minimum, check the appliance’s size and the parts that need cleaning. UFC-Que Choisir highlights tanks, rollers, pads and filters as parts of floor washer maintenance.
Start with the surfaces you actually have at home, then choose the format and accessories to suit the jobs you need to do.
| Consideration | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Surfaces and accessories | Check which uses are permitted in the instructions and which accessories are included for floors, grout or windows. | If your cleaning tasks range from floors to grout or windows, one attachment may not do everything. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise this versatility. |
| Flooring material | Check the exact material and finish, and whether there’s a steam setting. UFC-Que Choisir advises against using steam on wood and electrical appliances. | Before you clean a hard floor regularly, make sure its surface is compatible with the appliance you choose. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this compatibility. |
| Vacuuming and washing | Check that the model genuinely offers both functions, which floors it can be used on and how its washing components need to be maintained. | Combining vacuuming and washing in one cleaning routine may matter more than using steam. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Maintenance and storage | Check how much space you’ll need and whether tanks, pads, rollers or filters are easy to access and clean. | In a home with limited storage space, the steps needed after each use may affect your choice. Around 19% of consumers would put easy maintenance and storage first. |
UFC-Que Choisir advises against using steam on wood surfaces and electrical appliances. You can’t tell whether an appliance is suitable for a particular flooring material just from its format.
Identify the material and finish of each surface, then check the instructions for your chosen model before buying and using it.
A floor nozzle won’t necessarily be suitable for grout, windows or small areas. UFC-Que Choisir assesses how appliances perform according to the surface and accessory used.
List the tasks you need to do and compare them with the exact box contents and compatible accessories.
You may need to buy compatible brushes, squeegees or pads separately.
UFC-Que Choisir highlights tasks such as emptying the tanks and cleaning the rollers, pads or filters after use.
Before choosing this type of appliance, check what you’ll need to do to maintain it and whether the routine suits you.
Allow time to empty and clean these parts; a suitable detergent is usually required.
A technical figure alone doesn’t tell you how well an appliance will tackle every type of dirt. UFC-Que Choisir’s test programme assesses performance on different floors and surfaces.
First check which materials the appliance can be used on, which accessories you’ll need, and what’s involved in storing and maintaining it.
These product ranges offer useful points of comparison across different formats. Check the features and accessories for each specific model.
The SC range includes steam cleaners for hard floors and other washable surfaces, depending on the model.
The Vaporetto range includes cylinder steam cleaners and convertible steam mops that can be used as handheld appliances.
Some Rowenta models combine vacuuming and steam cleaning for hard floors.
These models are for steam cleaning: two steam mops for hard floors, one of which converts for smaller jobs, and a handheld cleaner. For each one, check the instructions to see which surfaces you can clean.
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Worth considering if you want to switch between cleaning floors and tackling smaller areas with a convertible appliance. The title lists 1 200 W, steam pressure of 3 bar, a 25 s heat-up time and a 6 m cable. These specifications alone don’t determine how well it will work on a particular surface. Check which accessories are included and whether each material is suitable in the instructions.
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This steam mop is designed for sealed hard floors, rather than cleaning windows or awkward corners. The title mentions two washable pads and a 6 m cable. Don’t use it on unsealed hard floors; check the exact flooring material in the instructions.
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Its handheld design is suited to occasional cleaning of small washable areas, rather than large floor spaces. If you want to clean grout or windows, check which accessories are included and which materials are suitable for each use in the instructions.
No. UFC-Que Choisir advises against using steam on wood surfaces and electrical appliances. For any other material, check both the steam cleaner’s instructions and the guidance for the surface.
According to UFC-Que Choisir’s guide, a steam cleaner turns water into steam and doesn’t need detergent. A cold-water floor washer works differently and usually needs a suitable detergent, so follow the instructions for your chosen model.
Depending on the appliance, you’ll need to empty the tanks and clean the rollers or pads and filters. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this maintenance routine, so check what’s involved before choosing a floor washer for frequent use.
Look for the commitment that applies to the exact model and the parts you need. Rowenta states that parts are available for 10 to 15 years, depending on the product; this brand commitment doesn’t automatically apply to every model.