A floor cloth that slips, an all-purpose cleaner that leaves streaks or a steam cleaner that needs refilling after just a few minutes: the wrong choices cost time and money. There is a huge range of household cleaning products available, but product names and marketing claims do not always tell you how practical an item really is in a Dutch home.
So pay particular attention to the construction, dimensions, care instructions and intended use. This will help you choose more purposefully between a microfibre mop, mop set, steam mop or cleaning accessories.
Words such as “streak-free”, “extra powerful” or “suitable for all surfaces” sound clear, but they say little without technical information. For example, check whether a floor cloth is washable, what temperature is permitted and whether a steam appliance has adjustable settings.
You should also follow the label when using cleaning products. A product that is suitable for tiles may be less suitable for untreated wood, natural stone or delicate lacquered surfaces.
A cloth that is too small makes cleaning floors unnecessarily slow. A cloth without a secure fastening can come loose while mopping. So check the size of the mop cloth, the number of pieces in the pack and how the cloth attaches to the handle or mop plate.
A hook-and-loop fastening can be practical, but also check that the dimensions are compatible with your mopping system.
A steam cleaner can help loosen dirt, grease and build-up, but steam is not suitable for every surface. Do not automatically use a steam mop on untreated wood, sensitive plastics or surfaces that the manufacturer says are not resistant to heat or moisture.
Also check the heating time, tank capacity, cable length and included accessories. A large accessory kit is only useful if you actually need the brushes, window squeegee or grout-cleaning accessory.
Microfibre consists of fine fibres that can absorb dirt and moisture. Do not just look at the material name; also check:
Do not use fabric softener if the care label advises against it. Fabric softener can affect the properties of microfibre.
An all-purpose cleaner is useful for everyday cleaning of kitchen surfaces, cupboards and some floors, for example. Check:
According to Ajax’s product listing, the Eucalyptus variant has a pH-neutral formula, a capacity of 1,000 ml and is listed as suitable for floors, kitchen surfaces and furniture. According to the brand’s own information, the formula contains 93% biodegradable ingredients. Use the product according to the label and, if in doubt, test it first on a small, inconspicuous area.
Do not mix cleaning products with one another. Keep them out of the reach of children and avoid contact with the eyes and skin.
With a steam cleaner, technical specifications are more important than wattage alone. Look out for:
An appliance with a wide range of cleaning accessories may be suitable for cleaning bathrooms, kitchens, windows and grout. Use water only if the manual specifies this.
Why it suits this profile: This set contains three 50 × 70 cm floor cloths for everyday cleaning and rotating while others are being washed.
The size and pack contents are clearly stated, so you do not have to rely solely on general terms such as “extra absorbent”.
Set of 3; 50 × 70 cm size; machine washable according to the product listing.
Why it suits this profile: The combination of microfibre, a 50 × 60 cm size and hook-and-loop fastening is practical for smooth floors in a busy household.
The hook-and-loop fastening is designed to reduce the risk of the cloth coming loose during use. However, check that your mop plate is the same size.
Microfibre material; set of 3; washable at 60 °C according to the product information; do not use fabric softener.
Why it suits this profile: This model is designed for households that want to tackle floors, grout, windows, the kitchen and the bathroom with one appliance.
The tank capacity, pressure, temperature and number of accessories are clearly stated. This makes it easier to compare than a vague “multifunctional” claim.
1500 W; maximum 4 bar; 1.5-litre water tank; 21 accessories; heating time of approximately 5 minutes according to the product listing.
We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
For most households, a microfibre cloth, a floor cloth or mop set, a suitable all-purpose cleaner and a bucket are sufficient. A steam cleaner is an optional extra for anyone who also wants to clean grout, windows or difficult-to-reach areas.
Their lifespan depends on how they are used, the washing programme and how they are maintained. Follow the care label, do not use fabric softener if this is discouraged, and replace a cloth when it becomes thin, starts producing a lot of lint or no longer releases dirt effectively.
A steam cleaner generally uses water and electricity, while an all-purpose cleaner requires product each time you clean. The total cost depends on the purchase price, frequency of use, energy consumption and maintenance. So do not compare only the price on the shelf; also consider what you actually need for your home.