Our experts have answered some of your most frequently asked questions about hard floor cleaners, to help you decide if they could be right for you.

What is a hard floor cleaner?

A hard floor cleaner is an excellent, time-saving machine that both vacuums and washes your floors. That means you can clean both wet & dry messes, sucking up debris and mopping up spills, all at the same time. 

Can I use a hard floor cleaner on carpet?

As the name suggests, hard floor cleaners are designed to be used on hard floors. So, most models can’t be used on carpet (largely because they mop as the vacuum!).

Some models do offer a suction-only mode and could, theoretically, be used on carpets as a vacuum.  However, as this isn’t the intended purpose of the machine, it’s unlikely to achieve the same level of results you’d get from a standard vacuum when used on carpet.

Can I use a hard floor cleaner on wooden floorboards? 

You sure can! Hard floor cleaners can be used on all hard floor surfaces — whether tiles, polished concrete, or hard wood floors!

What is better a hard floor cleaner or steam mop?

While people often want to compare hard floor cleaners and steam mops, the reality is their functions are quite different!

A steam mop sanitises and kills bacteria — such as mould and mildew — and adds a nice fresh shine to your floors, but it isn’t a mop that’s designed for picking up debris or mopping up spills. So, you should always ensure floors have been vacuumed first.

Another great benefit of a steam mop is that some can be used as multipurpose hand steamers. If so, it can be used to kill dust mites on bedding, furniture and upholstery, or be used on shower doors, faucet taps, stove tops to remove soap scum, water spots and other visual nuisances!

Hard floor cleaners, however, are made for cleaning up spills and debris and leaving your floors sparkling. That’s great for saving time when cleaning messes, but it’s not going to offer the heat needed to kill off and remove mould or mildew. 

Does a hard floor cleaner polish floors?

While a hard floor cleaner can certainly give your floors are fresh and clean finish, they don’t exactly ‘polish’ your floors per say. 

Floor polishing usually involves a polishing liquid that is applied to floors and then buffed out with a specific polishing machine. This is great for giving floors that classic shine, but it doesn’t actually do any cleaning…

A hard floor cleaner, on the other hand, will result in clean and hygienic floors that shine and look great, even without adding a polish. 

Although, there is always the option to do some polishing of your own post-clean. 

What will a hard floor cleaner pickup?

A hard floor cleaner will pick up most everyday messes you find around the home. Spilt cereal, spaghetti bolognaise or 2-minute noodles — both the solid and liquid aspects of these messes can be easily picked up all in one go while floors are freshly washed at the same time, removing any leftover sauces and residue.

If I have a hard floor cleaner, will I need to vacuum?

A hard floor cleaner is a great way to roll your vacuuming and mopping into one and, in most scenarios, can eliminate any need to pre-vacuum.

However, while it may replace the need to vacuum before mopping, it doesn’t replace vacuuming altogether.

After all, a hard floor cleaner isn’t designed for carpets or any above-floor cleaning, so you’ll need something for those. Furthermore, it’s unlikely you’ll need to use your hard floor cleaner daily, so having a vacuum to pick up dust and do daily cleans of your hard floors could be beneficial.

What can you use in a hard floor cleaner?

It’s crucial that when using your hard floor cleaner, you only put products that are designed for that model into the machine. If you’re unsure, speak to our staff who will be happy to outline the compatible cleaning solutions or, if you already have a hard floor cleaner, be sure to consult the product manual.

Can I use a hard floor cleaner with pet urine?

So long as your pet has made their mess on hard floors, then a hard floor cleaner will be the ideal solution to clean it up!

Find your cleaning solution at Godfreys

Shop our range of hard floor cleaners, or any of our other great cleaning solutions here. Or visit our friendly team of in-store experts for more information, advice, and demonstrations! Find your nearest store here.