If your floor coverings are suitable for steam and you want to clean with water without detergent, choose a steam cleaner format to suit the areas you need to tackle: a handheld model for occasional jobs, a steam mop for floors, or a canister cleaner for several areas. If your main priority is regular wet cleaning of hard floors, consider a cold-water floor cleaner instead, bearing in mind that its tanks and consumables will need looking after. In either case, check the instructions for each floor covering and avoid using it on wooden surfaces.
If you want to clean regularly with water and no added detergent, first check that the flooring in each room is suitable. UFC-Que Choisir explains that steam cleaners use water without added detergent.
If you clean floors as well as other washable surfaces, compare the accessories supplied with a canister cleaner and check whether a steam mop has a detachable handheld unit. Always make sure the instructions permit use on each surface.
A cold-water floor cleaner is worth considering if you mainly clean hard floors that are suitable for it. You’ll also need to maintain the tanks, rollers or pads, and filters of your chosen model.
Start with the floor coverings you need to clean, then choose a cleaning method and a format suited to the number of areas involved.
| Criteria | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Floor coverings | Check the model’s instructions and the flooring manufacturer’s guidance. Also look for any restrictions relating to grout, finishes and accessories. | I want to clean every room without applying steam or water to a surface that isn’t approved for it. Wooden surfaces are not suitable for this choice. |
| Cleaning method | Steam cleaners use water without detergent, according to UFC-Que Choisir. Its guide says that a floor cleaner generally washes with cold water and added detergent, and does not replace vacuuming dry debris from the floor. | I’d prefer to clean with steam and no added detergent, or I’m mainly looking for a regular wet clean for hard floors. If dry debris is common, I’ll plan to vacuum separately. |
| Cleaning area | Compare a handheld model for occasional jobs, a steam mop for mainly floor-level cleaning, and a canister cleaner for several areas. Check which floor-cleaning or above-floor accessories are actually included. | A few awkward corners don’t call for the same appliance as several rooms. If I also want to clean other surfaces, I’ll check that the model and its accessories are approved for that use. |
| Maintenance | For a cold-water floor cleaner, check how to clean the tanks, rollers or pads, and filters. UFC-Que Choisir notes that some consumables need replacing and may be specific to a particular brand. | I want to know what I’ll need to do after each clean and be able to find the right consumables for the model I choose. |
The material, finish and any sensitive areas may restrict the use of a steam or water-based cleaner. A “multi-surface” claim does not mean the appliance is suitable for every type of flooring.
List the surfaces you want to clean, avoid wooden floors and check the appliance instructions against the guidance from each flooring manufacturer before use.
UFC-Que Choisir describes a floor cleaner primarily as an appliance for wet cleaning: it does not replace a vacuum cleaner for dust and debris on dry floors.
If crumbs, hair or pet fur build up, plan to pick them up or vacuum separately. Check what the model can do rather than assuming it will meet your needs based on the “vacuums and washes” claim alone.
The rollers, filters and detergents for some floor cleaners need replacing regularly; UFC-Que Choisir says they are generally specific to each brand.
Check what needs cleaning after use, how often parts should be replaced and whether consumables for the exact model are available.
A general claim does not tell you whether steam can be used on the flooring, grout or finish in your home.
Make your decision based on the surfaces approved for use, the accessories supplied and the care instructions, without assuming a particular disinfection result.
These brands offer examples of different types of appliance. The instructions for the specific model, not the brand name, determine how it can be used.
Polti’s range includes steam cleaners that combine a mop with a handheld unit, as well as canister models.
The range includes an appliance that combines vacuuming with steam cleaning.
Kärcher is one of the floor-cleaner brands mentioned by UFC-Que Choisir and can be compared with steam cleaner options.
UFC-Que Choisir lists Bissell among the brands to consider for a floor cleaner designed for wet cleaning.
This steam mop with a handheld unit is suited to mainly floor-level cleaning, with occasional above-floor use to be confirmed in the instructions. Check that each surface is suitable before choosing it.
Image unavailable
The mop mode is suited to mainly floor-level cleaning, while the detachable handheld unit lets you consider cleaning other suitable surfaces. The product name specifies a 6 m cord, a stated heat-up time of 25 s and five accessories. Before use, check the instructions for approved floor coverings and accessories. Avoid wooden surfaces and do not direct steam at electrical appliances or sockets.
No. Not every hard floor is automatically suitable for steam. Avoid wooden surfaces and, in each room, check both the appliance instructions and the flooring manufacturer’s guidance. For grout or delicate finishes, follow the instructions for your specific model and accessory.
Not for dry debris and dust: UFC-Que Choisir describes this appliance primarily as a wet-cleaning solution for hard floors. If dry debris regularly builds up on your floor, plan to vacuum or pick it up separately.
Follow the model’s instructions for emptying and cleaning its tanks, as well as its rollers or pads and filters, where fitted. Check what this involves before buying if you plan to use the appliance regularly.
Only choose a detergent after checking the instructions for the exact model, including which product is approved and how much to use. UFC-Que Choisir notes that detergents may be among the consumables specific to a particular brand.