Which format is right for you?

Regular cleaning of hard floors

If you often clean compatible hard floors without adding detergent, look for a suitable floor head and check the model’s steam settings.

Cleaning several compatible areas

If you want to clean floors as well as grout or bathroom fittings approved in the instructions, the attachments matter just as much as the format. Make sure you have room to store them, too.

Occasional touch-ups and limited storage space

A handheld model is best suited to smaller jobs. If you regularly clean a large floor area, check instead for a suitable floor-cleaning attachment.

What should you look for?

Steam mop

Consider it if: regular cleaning of compatible hard floors is your main use.

Bear in mind: cleaning other areas will depend on whether it has a detachable handheld unit and which accessories are included.

Cylinder steam cleaner

Consider it if: you’ll also use attachments designed for grout and other compatible surfaces.

Bear in mind: the unit, hose and accessories take up more storage space.

Handheld model

Consider it if: you only clean occasionally, mainly tackling small areas.

Bear in mind: for large floor areas, you may need a separate floor-cleaning kit, and another format may be more practical.

Factor What to check Who it matters to
Floor compatibility Identify the exact floor covering, then check which surfaces are approved and which floor head is recommended in the model’s instructions. Avoid wood and electrical appliances. I want to avoid using steam on a floor that can’t withstand it; around 42 % of consumers rank compatibility as their top priority.
Accessories and versatility Check what’s included in the box, particularly the floor head and any accessories for the other areas you plan to clean. To clean floors, grout or compatible bathroom fittings, I need the right accessories to be included; this versatility would be the top priority for around 33 % of consumers.
Storage and occasional use Consider how much room the complete set takes up. For a handheld model, check whether a floor-cleaning kit is included. I have limited space and mainly clean small areas from time to time; storage and occasional use would be the main considerations for around 25 % of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming “hard floors” means every type of flooring

    Approved uses vary by material and model. UFC-Que Choisir advises against using steam on wood surfaces and electrical appliances.

    Make a list of the floors in each room, and only consider non-wood coverings explicitly approved in the instructions for your chosen model.

  • Confusing a handheld cleaner with a steam mop

    Kärcher describes the SC 1 Multi as a handheld cleaner that can be converted into a steam mop with an accessory kit; don’t assume the kit is included.

    Check what’s in the box, particularly the floor head, extension tubes and cleaning pads.

    Depending on the configuration you choose, you may need to buy the floor kit separately.

  • Underestimating how much storage space you’ll need

    A cylinder steam cleaner and its accessories need room to be stored. UFC-Que Choisir lists weight and bulk among the drawbacks consumers mention about steam cleaners.

    Measure the space you have available and check how the accessories can be stored before choosing a more versatile format.

  • Forgetting about limescale maintenance

    Polti says limescale can reduce steam output, and maintenance systems vary between ranges.

    Check the procedure in the instructions and make sure any filters or cartridges are compatible with the model you’re considering.

Steam cleaner brands to know

Kärcher

The range includes steam mops for hard floors, cylinder models with floor-cleaning attachments and handheld cleaners.

  • Model specifications cover details such as accessories, settings and storage options.
  • Check the approved uses and kit contents for each model; don’t rely on information about wood for the use described here.

Polti

The Vaporetto range includes steam mops, models with a detachable handheld unit and cylinder steam cleaners.

  • According to Polti, the SV620_Style combines a steam mop with a handheld unit, while the Smart 100_T is a cylinder model with a floor brush and accessories.
  • Filters and maintenance procedures vary between ranges, so check the consumable part numbers and the instructions.

BLACK+DECKER

The range includes multi-purpose steam mops and models with a handheld cleaner.

  • BLACK+DECKER describes the FSMH13E10-QS as a steam mop with a handheld cleaner and ten accessories.
  • The brand’s statement about sealed floors applies to this model; check your floor covering’s compatibility rather than assuming it applies to the whole range.

Model available on Joybuy

This steam mop with a handheld mode is suited to floor-focused cleaning, with the option of tackling other approved surfaces for touch-ups. Check that your non-wood floor covering is compatible and find out which accessories are included before choosing it.

ROUNY STEAMO X steam mop and handheld steam cleaner

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

Worth considering if you’re looking for a steam mop for compatible floors, with a handheld mode for touch-ups on approved surfaces.

Specifications stated in the product name: 1 200 W, 3-bar steam pressure, heats up in 25 s, 6 m cable and five accessories.

Before buying, check the instructions to confirm your non-wood floor covering is compatible and see exactly which accessories are included. Do not use steam on wood or electrical appliances.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do you need to add detergent when steam-cleaning hard floors?

No. The steam cleaning described here uses water without detergent. However, check that your floor covering is approved in the model’s instructions, and don’t use steam on wood surfaces.

Is a handheld cleaner enough if you mainly want to clean floors?

A handheld cleaner is best for touch-ups. For regular floor cleaning, a steam mop with a floor head is better suited to the job. If a handheld model can take a floor-cleaning kit, check that it’s included with the configuration you’re buying.

What should you check for limescale maintenance?

Follow the maintenance procedure in the model’s instructions. Polti says limescale can reduce steam output, so check whether the model you’re considering uses specific filters or cartridges, and which consumables are compatible.

What should you do with a steam cleaner at the end of its life in France?

Take it to a collection point for electrical and electronic equipment rather than putting it in your ordinary household waste. France’s Ministry for Ecological Transition describes a national collection and recycling scheme; ask the retailer, your local authority or a collection point for advice.