Best hard floor cleaners UK 2024 – expert tested
<p class=”body-tip”>If you’re replacing an existing floor cleaner, there are plenty of places for you to safely recycle your old one. <a href=”https://www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk/electrical-recycling-near-me/” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Find your nearest electrical recycling point</a>, or read our guide on how to <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/consumer-advice/a30749239/recycle-electric-appliances/” target=”_blank”>donate or dispose of your appliances and tech</a> for extra guidance. </p><h2 class=”body-h2″>What is the difference between a steam mop and a hard floor cleaner? </h2><p>While both are suitable for hard floors, their cleaning methods differ. <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/house-garden/g27450351/best-steam-cleaners/” target=”_blank”>Steam cleaners</a> eliminate dirt using only tap water, converting it into hot steam as they go. They can also be used on carpets, surfaces such as windows and bathroom screens and <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/house-garden/g45019515/best-sofa-in-a-box/” target=”_blank”>upholstery</a>. </p><p>Most hard floor cleaners, meanwhile, have roller brushes that <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/house-garden/g42254924/best-cheap-vacuums/” target=”_blank”>vacuum</a> up <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/house-garden/g43248787/best-air-purifiers/” target=”_blank”>dust</a> and wash the floor at the same time. You can also use many with a cleaning solution, should you wish. </p><h2 class=”body-h2″>Are hard floor cleaners worth it? </h2><p>If you have enough hard flooring in your home, then these are a savvy buy for regular cleaning, especially if you opt for one that <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/house-garden/g39523173/best-upright-vacuums/” target=”_blank”>vacuums</a> and <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/house-garden/g43780823/best-pressure-washers/” target=”_blank”>washes</a>. They’ll save you from mopping or spot cleaning, and give great results. You shouldn’t have to wait long (if at all) for your flooring to be dry either – something that definitely can’t be said for mops.</p><p>Plus, some models can be used on carpets (like the <a href=”https://www.amazon.co.uk/BISSELL-CrossWave-Multi-Surface-Cleaner-1713/dp/B01HZHYSL2/ref=asc_df_B01HZHYSL2/” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>Bissell Crosswave</a>), which may be handy if you have hard flooring downstairs and carpets in the <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/house-garden/g33950275/best-mattress-toppers/” target=”_blank”>bedrooms</a>, or even a lot of rugs – just note they aren’t as effective as dedicated <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/house-and-home/household-advice/g26306043/best-carpet-cleaning-machines/” target=”_blank”>carpet cleaners</a>. </p><p>Be sure to check they are suitable for your flooring before you buy too. This is especially important if you have wooden floorboards, as most are only compatible with sealed surfaces.</p><h2 class=”body-h2″>Other things to note about hard floor cleaners</h2><p>When you’re deciding which hard floor cleaner to invest in, assess its manoeuvrability by looking at its weight. Consider where you’ll store it as well – some are more compact than others. </p><p>Also, think about which functions you want. For example, if you don’t have pets then the lightweight <a href=”https://www.johnlewis.com/dyson-omni-glide-hard-floor-cleaner/p5864044″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Dyson Omni-Glide</a>, which is a dedicated hard floor vacuum, should suffice. But if you regularly contend with muddy paw prints and food stains, opt for a wet and dry cleaner instead.</p><p>Ultimately, the best hard floor cleaner for your home comes down to your interiors and your lifestyle.</p><h2 class=”body-h2″>How we test hard floor cleaners </h2><p class=”body-text”>Our experts at the GHI test each hard floor cleaner according to its different features. If it’s a <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/house-garden/g685066/the-top-5-best-stick-vacuums/” target=”_blank”>vacuum</a> cleaner, then they assess dust pick up on floorboards and laminate, as well as whether it can <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/house-garden/g36552514/best-handheld-vacuums/” target=”_blank”>clean a car</a>. </p><p class=”body-text”>If it’s also a wet cleaner, then testers analyse how well it lifts a variety of set-in and fresh stains, including wine, tea and mud. They check whether it dries as it goes, too. Finally, if it cleans carpets, then they also test this feature, again using common household stains. </p><p>Throughout their cleaning tests, testers evaluate how easy it is to set up and use, what any instructions are like, and which jobs it’s best suited to. </p><p>Ready to ditch the mop and bucket? Then scroll on to invest in one of our expert’s best hard floor cleaners: </p>”/>
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1
Best hard floor cleaner
Vax ONEPWR Glide 2 Hard Floor Cleaner
1
Best hard floor cleaner
Vax ONEPWR Glide 2 Hard Floor Cleaner
Now 17% Off
Score: 97/100
When it comes to floor cleaning products, Vax is hard to beat – just see its stellar showing in our carpet cleaning tests for confirmation. So, we weren’t surprised when this dedicated hard floor model came out top. It washes and dries floors at once, leaving surfaces spick and span, and it lifted all stains well. Only mud required a little more effort, but our testers found that adjusting the brush bar resulted in an impressive clean.
Our experts said it was simple to use from the get-go, with easy-to-remove water tanks and clear instructions. Then when you’re done, a self-cleaning programme means it’s ready to go straight back in the cupboard until you need to deal with muddy paw prints or a spillage once more.
Key specifications
FunctionsVacuum, wash and dryDesignCordlessCapacity0.75LWeight5.4kgDimensions (H x W x D cm)111 x 29.1 x 28.5Battery life20 minute running time, 3 hour charge timeAccessoriesRechargeable battery and charger, floor solution, cleaning and storage tray
2
Runner-up hard floor cleaner
Shark Hydrovac Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner WD210UK
2
Runner-up hard floor cleaner
Shark Hydrovac Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner WD210UK
Now 32% Off
Score: 96/100
This is Shark’s first hard floor cleaner and it’s an impressive debut, easily rivalling other more established brands. The cordless design offers maximum convenience if plug sockets are sparse. And our experts found it excelled at cleaning up spillages and stains, both shortly after they happen and once they’ve been left to set in.
Our floors were left smear-free and dry, and the cleaner didn’t cause any dullness or discolouration either. It’s also easy to reach under low furniture thanks to its flexible head, a feature our testers loved as it allows you to achieve a deeper clean. Its water tank is fairly small, but this is really our only niggle – especially as this makes it easier to handle.
Key specifications
FunctionsVacuum, wash and dryDesignCordlessCapacity0.5LWeight3.95kgDimensions (H x W x D cm)110 x 28 x 24Battery life25 minutesAccessoriesStorage dock and cleaning solution
3
Best lightweight hard floor cleaner
AirCraft Powerglide City+ Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner
3
Best lightweight hard floor cleaner
AirCraft Powerglide City+ Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner
Score: 95/100
Weighing just 2.5kg, this cordless hard floor cleaner is great if you want a light, easy mover. Testers found it had good reach under furniture, and you can adjust the height of the wand to suit too.
Putting the microfibre cloths in place is a tad fiddly, but it comes with a good supply, and they clean well, lifting all the dirt we put in its path on test. Floors were polished too. The round shape of the pads means reaching right into the corners doesn’t always come naturally. But you can use it with tap water or cleaning fluid and it’s gentle enough for wood flooring.
Key specifications
FunctionsMop and dryDesignCordless with AAA batteries in the handleCapacity0.22LWeight2.5kgDimensions (H x W x D cm)127 x 35 x 16Battery life30 minutesAccessories4 pairs of machine-washable microfibre pads
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4
Best for versatility
Bissell CrossWave
4
Best for versatility
Bissell CrossWave
Now 24% Off
Score: 95/100
Designed for hard floors and rugs, the Bissell CrossWave is ideal if you’re in need of a multi-tasker. It vacuums, washes and dries as it goes, and it didn’t disappoint. Testers found it lifted everything from dried mud to wine stains effortlessly from hard floors (although it couldn’t fully eliminate the latter from carpets), leaving them sparkling and streak-free.
Clear and precise instructions made it a doddle to use, while it moved smoothly across all surfaces on test. One to invest in if you’ve used large rugs to bring a touch of cosiness to your hard flooring.
Key specifications
FunctionsVacuum, wash and dryDesignCordedCapacity0.82LWeight5.2 kgDimensions (H x W x D cm)116.8 x 30 x 23Battery lifeN/AAccessoriesCleaning solution, storage tray, multi-surface brush roll
5
Best dry hard floor cleaner
Dyson Omni-Glide
5
Best dry hard floor cleaner
Dyson Omni-Glide
Score: 92/100
Unlike the others on our list, this high-scoring Dyson brings the brand’s trusted vacuuming technology to your hard floors, meaning it’s intended for dry use and not suited to stain removal. But its dust pick-up is excellent, making it a top choice for day-to-day cleans.
It feels lightweight and well-made, gliding across our lab flooring seamlessly. Its head also pivots, meaning you can access trickier areas with ease – it even reaches underneath furniture well. As a handy plus, it impressed when cleaning our tester’s car, although its long design means it’s not the easiest design to use for that job.
It doesn’t have a long battery life either – on test, it ran for 20 minutes, and just five on max. If your home or hard floor area isn’t too big though, it’s a trusty buy.
Key specifications
FunctionsVacuumDesignCordlessCapacity0.2LWeight1.9kgDimensions (H x W x D cm)107.7 x 20.8 x 9.2Battery life20 minute running time, 3.5 hours charging timeAccessoriesCombination tool, charger, mini motorised tool, docking station
6
Best for vacuuming
Dyson V15s Detect Submarine
6
Best for vacuuming
Dyson V15s Detect Submarine
Score: 89/100
If your heart is set on a Dyson and your home has a mixture of carpets and hard flooring, then the brand’s latest innovation should shoot straight to the top of your wish list. The quirkily named Submarine refers to the new mop head that comes with this latest iteration of the brand’s best-in-class vacuums. When the head is on, the vacuum won’t suck up any dust or debris, so you can wash your floors instead.
In use, testers found it cleaned well, lifting set-in stains with just two to three passes – no scrubbing required. The floors were only slightly damp, but a puddle tended to form around the head when left. It was easy to clean though (you just hold the roller under running water).
As for its vacuuming, it was as reliable as you’d expect; it scored full marks in all our dust tests and lifted pet hair in two to three sweeps. It fared well tackling larger crumbs too, although occasionally it was almost too powerful, blowing the odd spec around. It was a dream to use throughout and although it’s pricey, it’s a great multitasker if you just want one floor cleaning appliance in your cupboard.
Key specifications
DesignWet and dry vacuumCapacity0.77LWeight4.1kgDimensions (H x W x D cm)124.6 x 25.3 x 26.8Battery lifeUp to 60 minutesAccessoriesSubmarine wet roller head, digital motorbar cleaner head, combination tool, fluffy optic cleaner head, hair screw tool, crevice tool, docking station
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7
Best budget hard floor cleaner
Beldray Clean and Dry Hard Floor Cleaner
7
Best budget hard floor cleaner
Beldray Clean and Dry Hard Floor Cleaner
Score: 88/100
For about half the price of our winner, this value offering from Beldray doesn’t compromise on cleaning quality. It picked up most dust laid (although a vacuum cleaner is still better for this job) and lifted stains with ease, leaving floors sparkling.
It has a smaller water tank than most and the battery only lasts half an hour, meaning it’s best kept for tackling smaller spaces and homes. It’s fairly compact though, so it’s easier to store if space is tight, and testers found it intuitive to use.
Key specifications
FunctionsVacuums, washes and driesDesignCordlessCapacity0.28L dirty tank + 0.55L clean tankWeight3.3kgDimensions (H x W x D cm)110 x 26 x 27Battery life30 minutes running time, charging time unspecifiedAccessoriesStorage tray, cleaning solution
8
Best compact design
Karcher Hard Floor Cleaner FC2-4
8
Best compact design
Karcher Hard Floor Cleaner FC2-4
Score: 84/100
Of all the hard floor cleaners we tried, this was the easiest to store away. Testers praised the way it glided across all our lab surfaces leaving them clean and dry. That said, more scrubbing was required than some of our higher-scoring cleaners, and mud occasionally trapped in the roller head, then transferring back onto the floor.
Its water tank is small but it’s easy to fill and fit, making it a great buy for lighter cleans. Plus, it boasts clear instructions, and a machine-washable roller head.
Key specifications
FunctionsVacuums, washes and driesDesignCordlessCapacity0.1L dirty tank + 0.2L clean tankWeight2.3kgDimensions (H x W x D cm)120 x 24 x 22Battery life20 minutes running time and 2.5 hour charging timeAccessoriesBattery, charger, cleaning solution, parking station, cleaning brush
Hannah is our homes editor, specialising in reviewing the latest kitchen appliances, cleaning products, mattresses and bedding, and crafting equipment. Hannah has written about hundreds of products, from air fryers to smoothie makers to pillows, and is committed to finding the most reliable and best value for money buys.
Hannah is also interested in sustainability in the home and has completed a course with the University of the Arts London in sustainable textiles, so she can help cut through the noise on what’s green and what’s not. Hannah has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously worked as a freelance lifestyle and women’s sports journalist, working for Stylist, Sky Sports and more.
Hannah has also previously worked in a florist and can normally be found caring for her house plants or sewing something new for her home or wardrobe.
Blossom is our Senior Homes Tester. Passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for our readers, she has tested everything from blenders to pizza ovens. Blossom enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols for hundreds of items. Innovative items like robot vacuum cleaners and wine coolers are among her favourite tests to date, and her most notable accomplishment is toasting 360 slices of bread in a determined bid to find the best toaster. In her free time, Blossom openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
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