Hard floor cleaner machines are one of the more innovative floor-cleaning appliances. Rather than sweeping, mopping, and treating stains manually, floor cleaner machines do the hard work for you.
They vacuum, wash, and polish your floors without much effort or elbow grease from you. With these appliances, maintaining the condition of your floors has never been easier!
If you’re in the market for a hard floor cleaner, you’re in the right place. Here, we have reviewed the best hard floor cleaner machines in the UK. You’ll also find a handy buying guide to help you choose the right product for your floors, household, and preferences.
The Best Hard Floor Cleaner Machines in the UK
1. BISSELL SpinWave 2052E Hard Floor Cleaner and Polisher
Cleaning methods: Mopping and scrubbing
Cord length: 6.7 m
Water tank capacity: 0.83 litres
Weight: 4.3 kg
The BISSELL SpinWave 2052E Hard Floor Cleaner is a game-changer for maintaining hard floors.
Equipped with an impressive 830 ml water tank (which is removable for easy refills), the SpinWave ensures you can tackle extensive cleaning sessions without the need for frequent top-ups. This is valuable for larger spaces, allowing you to clean with fewer interruptions.
Another standout feature is the on-demand spray capability, providing an extra burst of cleaning solution to tackle stubborn stains. This is a great addition for cleaning spills or high-traffic areas that require extra elbow grease.
The easy edge cleaning pads are another thoughtful addition, ensuring that every nook and cranny receives the attention it deserves—no dirt will be left behind.
We also love the convenience and practicality of the BISSELL SpinWave Floor Cleaner. The lightweight design and swivel steering make for fantastic manoeuvrability.
It also features a 6.7-metre cord, providing a wide reach without changing outlets. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use floor cleaner suitable for a wide range of hard floors, this is the best option.
2. Shark S6003UK Klik n’ Flip Automatic Steam Mop
Cleaning method: Steam cleaning
Cord length: 6 m
Water tank capacity: 0.35 litres
Weight: 2.7 kg
The Shark S6003UK Klik n’ Flip Automatic Steam Mop is another fantastic hard floor cleaner, this time relying on steam cleaning technology.
Cleaning using steam sanitises 99.9% of common household bacteria using water alone. This eliminates the need for chemical cleaners, making it an eco-friendly choice for health-conscious households.
Equipped with three steam settings, this steam mop can be used on various floors, from hardwood to marble, tile and stone.
However, it cannot be used to clean unsealed wood or laminate floors, which is something to consider.
The Steam Blaster mode, activated with a flip of the mop head, also delivers a direct blast of steam. This feature is great at effortlessly lifting stubborn, stuck-on messes.
Another great feature is the Klik ‘n’ Flip Technology, with a double-sided mop head that allows you to clean double the floor area before needing to switch or replace pads.
Weighing in at a mere 2.7 kg and featuring swivel steering, the Shark S6003UK is incredibly easy to manoeuvre around furniture. Plus, the 6-metre cord provides great reach for a more efficient cleaning process.
3. BISSELL CrossWave 1713 Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner
Cleaning methods: Vacuuming, mopping, and drying
Cord length: 7.5 m
Water tank capacity: 0.83 litres
Weight: 5 kg
The CrossWave 1713 Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner is another fantastic product from BISSELL. It combines vacuuming, washing, and drying into a single process, streamlining the cleaning process and saving you valuable time.
And it isn’t only for hard floors—its powerful 560W suction can also freshen up rugs, removing the need for multiple cleaning tools.
The ability of the CrossWave to switch between floor types is controlled by digital fingertip controls for unbeatable convenience.
The pivoting head also makes it a breeze to manoeuvre around furniture, while the separate dirty and clean water tanks simplify the filling and emptying process.
This also ensures a consistent application of detergent and fresh water on floors, enhancing cleaning efficiency.
The unique brush of the CrossWave features a combination of microfibre and nylon. This material goes beyond basic cleaning—it scrubs, washes, and dries hard floors, area rugs, and carpets for a deeper, more thorough clean.
The only downside is that it is slightly heavier than other hard floor cleaners and is more pricey than our other recommendations.
4. Dyson Omni-Glide Hard Floor Cleaner
Cleaning method: Vacuuming
Cord length: Cordless
Water Tank Capacity: N/A
Weight: 1.9 kg
The Dyson Omni-Glide Hard Floor Cleaner is another of the best hard floor cleaners in the UK.
It is the first product on our list that features a cordless design, providing unbeatable agility.
This is improved further with its unbelievably lightweight design. Weighing 1.9 kg, it’s suitable for all ages, can easily be carried up and down stairs, and requires less effort to push around.
The Omni-Glide further stands out with its first-of-its-kind omnidirectional Fluffy™ cleaner head. With its articulating neck and four 360° castors, this vacuum glides in all directions – forwards, backwards, and even sideways.
The motorised Fluffy™ rollers are powered by the Dyson Hyperdymium™ motor. Spinning at up to 105,000 rpm, it creates powerful suction for incredible cleaning power.
The Fluffy™ cleaner head has soft nylon brushes that capture large debris, while the black anti-static carbon fibre filaments simultaneously remove fine dust. In fact, the filtration system captures fine particles down to 0.3 microns, ensuring an allergen-free home environment.
It’s highly recommended for those seeking cutting-edge technology and exceptional performance in a compact design.
5. BISSELL Vac & Steam 1977E Hard Floor Steam Cleaner
Cleaning methods: Vacuuming and steam cleaning
Cord length: 7.6 m
Water tank capacity: 0.95 litres
Weight: 4.8 kg
The BISSELL 1977E Hard Floor Steam Cleaner can vacuum and steam clean simultaneously. Many hard floor cleaners can vacuum and mop, but the combination of vacuuming and steam cleaning is somewhat unique—and it’s a powerful fusion of technologies.
The all-in-one solution effortlessly eliminates up to 99.9% of germs while also picking up all dirt and debris.
However, if you don’t want to use both cleaning methods simultaneously, you don’t have to. You can switch the vacuum and steam features on and off with the touch of a button located on the handle.
Whether you’re dealing with light dust or a more substantial spill, the versatile Vac & Steam allows you to choose the type of clean that best suits the situation and floor type.
With this hard floor cleaner machine, you can also say goodbye to dirty hands during disposal. The unique Drop-It dirt tank simplifies the process of getting rid of hair and debris, making maintenance a breeze.
If you’re looking for a versatile, time-saving, and effective solution, the BISSELL Vac & Steam is a must-have.
6. Shark WD210UK HydroVac Hard Floor Cleaner
Cleaning methods: Vacuuming and mopping
Cord length: Cordless
Water tank capacity: 0.5 litres
Weight: 5 kg
The Shark WD210UK HydroVac Hard Floor Cleaner is a revolutionary 3-in-1 cordless cleaning solution that combines vacuuming, mopping, and self-cleaning capabilities.
It has two primary modes: Hard Floor Mode and Freshen Mode. The former ensures a deep clean on all sealed hard floors, while the latter is perfect for removing surface dirt or cleaning rugs and mats.
The cordless design ensures brilliant manoeuvrability, while its powerful battery ensures you can clean your entire home on one charge.
Additionally, LED headlights illuminate hidden debris, making sure no dirt goes unnoticed. When you’ve finished cleaning, run the self-cleaning mode. This feature washes and dries the brush and internal tubing in minutes, ensuring it’s ready for the next use.
We also love that Shark’s floor cleaner machine not only cleans floors, but can also eliminate stubborn odours when used with Shark’s multi-surface floor cleaning solution.
The antibacterial roller in the cleaning head also prevents bacterial growth to keep the mop smelling nice. The result is a home that not only looks clean but smells nice and fresh, too.
7. Kärcher FC 7 Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner
Cleaning methods: Sweeping and mopping
Cord length: Cordless
Water tank capacity: 0.4 litres
Weight: 4.3 kg
Our final recommendation is the Kärcher FC 7 Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner. The FC 7 takes the hassle out of cleaning by picking up both fine and coarse dirt while simultaneously washing the floor.
The unique four-roller design of the FC 7 allows you to clean right to the edge of skirting boards and cupboards, leaving no inch untouched.
With this floor-cleaning machine, you’ll also never have to wait for your floors to dry again.
Thanks to the dirty water removal blades and super-absorbent microfibre rollers, the FC 7 achieves a remarkable drying time of two minutes—your floors are dry almost immediately after cleaning.
You can also adjust the roller rotation and amount of water based on the floor type and dirt level.
Another notable feature is the cordless design, allowing you to clean without being tethered to an outlet.
You won’t need to worry about running out of charge either, as the powerful lithium battery provides 45 minutes of continuous cleaning from one charge.
The 71 dbA noise level also makes it one of the quietest cordless cleaners, but be prepared to pay a premium for these high-tech features.
What Cleaning Methods Do Hard Floor Cleaners Use?
The term “hard floor cleaner” is an umbrella term used to describe any machine explicitly designed to clean various hard floor types. Therefore, you can find hard floor cleaners that rely on different cleaning methods.
There are three main cleaning methods in general: vacuuming, steam cleaning, and scrubbing.
Some hard floor cleaners exclusively use one cleaning method, whereas the best floor cleaners are versatile appliances that utilise multiple methods for all-in-one applications.
Below is a closer look at the various cleaning methods, helping you understand the best option for your flooring types and preferences.
Steam cleaning
Steam cleaners use hot steam to break down and lift dirt, grime, and stains from the floor surface.
The high-temperature steam effectively disinfects floors without the need for harsh chemicals. It’s particularly useful for removing stubborn stains and killing bacteria and germs.
However, while suitable for a variety of hard flooring types (cleaning tiled floors and sealed hardwood, for example), some materials may not withstand high levels of moisture.
Always ensure your flooring is compatible with steam cleaning, or you may cause irreversible damage. Additionally, be mindful of the time it takes for the floor to dry after steam cleaning.
Vacuum cleaning
Vacuuming hard floor cleaners operate similarly to traditional vacuum cleaners, using suction power to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris from the floor. Some models may also have brushes or rollers to agitate and lift deeper-set dirt.
Vacuuming is suitable for hard floors that primarily accumulate loose dirt and debris, effective on hardwood, tile, and laminate surfaces.
However, you might need different brushes and attachments for effective results.
Moreover, if your floors require deeper cleaning or have stubborn stains, a vacuum cleaner alone may not be sufficient.
Combination cleaning (vacuum and steam)
Some advanced hard floor cleaners combine both vacuuming and steam cleaning functionalities.
These machines often have separate chambers for vacuuming and steam cleaning, allowing you to switch between the two functions as needed.
Combination cleaning machines are versatile and can be used on various hard flooring types. They are suitable for users who want the benefits of both vacuuming and steam cleaning in a single device.
The main caveat is that combination cleaners tend to be bulkier and more complex than single-function machines, so consider your storage space and ease of use when opting for this type.
Scrubbing brushes
Some hard floor cleaners have scrubbing brushes or rollers that agitate the floor surface to loosen dirt and stains.
These brushes may rotate or move back and forth to provide a thorough cleaning. They are effective for dealing with tough stains and dirt.
Cleaners with scrubbing brushes work well on surfaces like tile and grout and can be used to clean laminate floors and sealed hardwood. However, they may damage more delicate hard surfaces.
Check if the scrubbing brushes or rollers are adjustable to different settings, allowing you to adapt the cleaning intensity based on your flooring type.
What to Look for in a Hard Floor Cleaner Machine
When choosing a hard floor cleaner, choosing the right cleaning method is the first step. As mentioned above, you must consider the specific needs of your floors, the level of cleaning required, and your preferences regarding the use of water, steam, or chemicals.
The ideal machine is one that aligns with both the characteristics of your flooring and your personal cleaning preferences.
However, there are several other considerations when choosing a hard floor cleaner machine. Make sure you compare the following factors when deciding which product to purchase:
Floor type compatibility
Not all hard floor cleaners are suitable for use on every type of hard flooring, and some machines may work better on certain surfaces than others.
For example, steam mops should only be used on sealed hard floors. Before purchasing a product, always ensure that it is suitable for the type of flooring you have in your home — whether it’s hardwood, tile, laminate, vinyl, or other materials.
If you have several different hard floor surfaces in your home, you’ll want to find a versatile appliance compatible with all floor types.
Many of our top-rated machines are suitable for a wide range of hard floors, including the Bissell SpinWave 2052E, which can “leave any hard floor looking like new.”
Manoeuvrability
Opt for a cleaner that is easy to manoeuvre, especially if you have a large area to clean.
- Swivel steering: Swivel steering refers to the ability of the cleaner head to rotate smoothly. It allows for better navigation around furniture and tight spaces, making it easier to reach corners and navigate through rooms without constantly lifting and adjusting the machine.
- Lightweight design: Having a lightweight design means cleaning is more manageable, making the cleaner machine less strenuous to push or carry. They are also more suitable for multi-level homes, as carrying the cleaner up and down stairs becomes less of a challenge.
- Adjustable handle height: Some cleaners come with adjustable handle heights. These accommodate to users of different heights, reducing strain on the back and shoulders during extended cleaning sessions.
- Power cord: Long power cords provide greater reach without having to frequently change power outlets, while a cordless cleaner allows for even more convenient cleaning. Both designs are particularly beneficial in open spaces where access to outlets may be limited.
Water capacity and consumption
If the hard floor cleaner machine uses water for mopping or steaming, check the water tank capacity.
Machines with larger tanks typically don’t need to be refilled as frequently. This is a great advantage for busy homeowners, as well as making it more effortless to clean large hard floor areas.
However, when comparing tank capacities, it’s also wise to consider the water usage efficiency. Some machines may have larger capacities but consume more water.
In these cases, having a larger tank won’t mean fewer refills. Plus, you’ll be using more water to clean a similar size area, which is less eco-friendly and can increase your water bills.
Compact design and storage
Another design feature worth considering relates to compactness. Cleaners with space-saving design features (e.g. foldable handles or collapsable designs) don’t occupy excessive storage space and are easier to put away when not in use. They’re ideal if you have limited storage options.
Compact cleaners are also often more portable, making them easy to move around the home or carry between rooms.
This adds to the convenience of the hard floor cleaner. You can effortlessly move the cleaner from one room to another without struggling with a bulky or heavy machine, which is particularly beneficial in homes with multiple levels.
Conclusion
The best hard floor cleaner machine in the UK depends on your floor type, personal preferences, and the level of cleaning needed. However, if we had to recommend one product, it could be the BISSELL SpinWave 2052E Hard Floor Cleaner and Polisher.
This machine is a stellar addition to any home cleaning arsenal. With its powerful cleaning capabilities, user-friendly design, and stain-busting features, your hard floors will stay spotless with minimal effort.
It’s also extremely versatile and suitable for various floor types. Whether you’re cleaning wood floors or tiles, this flexibility guarantees all floors in your home will look immaculate.
Hannah has a passion for cleaning. She worked her way around Australia by cleaning hostels in exchange for free accommodation and used her cleaning skills to bag a job as a chalet host for a luxury ski company in France.
