Shark Floor & Handheld Steam Cleaner, Steam Mop for Hard Floors with Klik n' Flip, Clean Tiles, Surfaces, Taps & Glass with Lift-Away, Garment Steamer & 5 Accessories, 2 Settings, Grey/White S6005UK

Product Information

Attaching the larger-than-average detail nozzle straight to the main unit, I set about cleaning some soap scum and limescale off my kitchen sink. The cleaner managed to rid most of the marks, with the last bits requiring a bit of a scrub with the brush. We used Shark’s floor and handheld steam cleaner on a wide range of surfaces, ranging from stone flooring and hardwood to tiles and vinyl. A before and after finger test proved just how much grime it removed from an area of dark stone flooring (as well as, scarily, how much dirt the stonework had concealed) and it worked equally well on vinyl, for which we took a cautious approach and switched to “low” mode rather than “high.” However, we’d still advise following Shark’s guidance and consulting your flooring manufacturer if using it on this type of material.

It’s a steam cleaner that looks good, too, with a high-gloss, grey-and-white chassis, an ultra-slim handle and flexible mop heads with a chevron design which wouldn’t look out of place on a racing car (the jury’s out on whether or not this will speed up your cleaning sessions). It feels incredibly tactile, with an ultra-smooth finish and extra cushioning in all the right places, such as the top of the handle. The smaller the water tank, the more often you’ll have to top it up. The larger the tank, the longer it’ll take to heat up before it’s ready to use, but it will last longer. Cylinder models tend to have large capacities, with some holding up to two litres, while steam mops tend to hold up to 450ml. Note whether the tank is detachable and easy to fill at the tap, or if you need to fill it with a jug (these are sometimes included).However, the handle is supplied separately from the frame and needs to be attached with a screw (included). This was easy enough, but you’ll need a screwdriver. It’s clear this steam cleaner has a quality build, but you’d be wise to remove the main unit for storage; it reduces the weight of the appliance meaning it will be less likely to topple over. A padded tool features a spatula-shaped plastic frame, which is covered with a removable and washable pad that’s microfibre on one side and metallic fibres on the other. This tool is only to be used with the pad attached, and is meant for “small, uneven surfaces, corners, and edges”. However, it also works for smoother surfaces, such as mirrors and shower screens. Cylinders and two-in-one mops, meanwhile, tend to feature extra tools such as scrubbing brushes, scrapers and grout cleaners for a super-thorough finish. Other attachments for specific surfaces may include upholstery tools, ironing attachments for curtains and squeegees for windows and glass. Some models come with detergent, but this merely provides a fresh scent, rather than extra cleaning power. How we test steam cleaners The handle and the frame both feature hooks for storing the generously long cable; you can easily release the cable by turning one of the hooks. Additionally, the handle has a smaller side clip, which helps to keep the closest bit of cable out of the way when mopping. I started by mopping up muddy prints from a textured wooden floor. On the Lo setting, some pressure was required. But switching to the Hi setting, the floor head slid along with ease. Most of the water residue was confined to the grooves in the wood, and there were no noticeable marks once this had dried.

There are three main types of steam cleaner. To help you choose the right one for your home, here’s all you need to know. This is a lightweight steam mop which can be used as both a corded and handheld device, and which weighs just 2.27kg but has a reassuring rigidity. It’s easy to assemble – the steam mop handle and steam mop body slot together, although you’ll need a flathead screwdriver to secure them in place.The ultimate test was the oven, for which we used the copper brush. Our oven’s seen better days so we had no concerns about doing so, but we’d recommend the concentration nozzle if you’re worried about scratching your shiny new kitchen appliance. Most of the mops in our list are two-in-one models that also double up as handheld units for cleaning hobs and tiles.