As someone who tests air purifiers for a living, I know a thing or two about air quality. But I've never been more shocked than in the few weeks I've spent living with the new Shark BreatheClear Air Purifier. Simultaneously horrifying and pleasing, it cleaned up all the insidious, hidden pollutants in my air in minutes and taught me how to keep my home healthier.

The original Shark NeverChange Air Purifier set a high bar in the world of best air purifiers. It has one of the friendliest interfaces and most approachable set of features out of the many (many, many) models I've tested over the years. But the Shark BreatheClear with NeverChange6 takes things up a whole new level.

It comes with filters that last up to 6 years without a single change, exceeds HEPA standards, and offers real-time feedback on air quality. I accidentally tanked my air quality rating to 0 (the lowest) and watched the BreatheClear restore it to a refreshing breeze in under 5 minutes. Is it an air quality hero? That might be an understatement.

Shark BreatheClear with NeverChange6 Air Purifier review

Who would the Shark BreatheClear with NeverChange6 Air Purifier suit?

• Large or high-traffic rooms: Coverage of up to 70m² means it isn't a stretch for bigger, busier spaces, and its sensors check air quality 3,600 times an hour to keep pace with high footfall.
• Super-sensitive people: Exceeding HEPA filter standards with multiple stages of filtration, this is built for anyone with allergies, asthma, or a low tolerance for household pollutants.
• Long-term investors: With filters that last up to 6 years and a saving of up to £220 on replacements, this is one for anyone who'd rather pay once and forget about it.

Whether you're battling dust in a big open-plan living room, dealing with allergies that flare at the smallest provocation, or just tired of forking out for filter replacements every few months, the BreatheClear has an answer. It's flexible enough to handle demanding spaces without breaking a sweat, thorough enough for the most sensitive noses, and cost-effective enough to make the upfront price feel like an investment rather than an expense

Unboxing the Shark BreatheClear with NeverChange6 Air Purifier

Shark is the brand to beat when it comes to packaging. Sustainable, efficient, and self-explanatory, the Shark BreatheClear with NeverChange6 Air Purifier is a joy to unbox and I say that as someone who opens products for a living. Every element of the packaging can be dismantled and put into the recycling, except for the stickers, which sit helpfully on the air purifier itself to guide you through setup. It's rare for a box to keep packaging to a minimal and even rarer for all of that to be sustainably disposed of, so the Shark scores 5/5 from the get-go.

An instruction manual is included, and it does contain handy tips and tricks for getting the most out of your model, including where to put your air purifier, but you won't need it for a quick start. The only extra step involves the HEPA filter, which arrives wrapped in plastic to keep it fresh. To remove this, you'll need to take off the base of the Shark. If you want full visibility on how everything goes back together, it's also worth removing the debris defence washable filter at this stage, though sliding it back into place afterwards is a simple process either way.

Once the plastic is off, a sticker on the front will remind you not to skip this step, the Shark is ready to go. And here's how it went.

What is the Shark BreatheClear with NeverChange6 Air Purifier like to use?

As with everything SharkNinja, this air purifier is easy to use. On top of the unit sits a control panel that lets you power the Shark BreatheClear with NeverChange6 on and off, access settings, check your air quality metrics, and scroll through the menu. All of these functions visible from the front of the machine. The response time for the touch screen is instant and the buttons are pressure-sensitive, so a light touch is all it takes to activate any function.

There's real variation in how air purifiers surface their metrics. Most brands push this to an app, which suits the tech-minded but can feel fiddly and unnecessary day to day. A built-in screen with real-time feedback and onboard controls suits my testing style far better and having it front-facing means I can read the room's air quality index (AQI) from any angle, rather than hovering over the unit for an update.

At baseline, my room's air quality reads 96/100 on the Shark's index. I don't want to brag, but I earn that score: four air-purifying plants, a natural air purifier, and a steady cross-breeze are already doing their part. So a 96 was a pleasing starting point and within 4 minutes, the Shark had brought me to a flawless 100. That's an impressive baseline recovery speed before we even get into the stress tests.

But day to day, ahead of the more intensive trials, I loved living with this. The futuristic build doesn't exactly disappear into the background, but it's quiet, efficient, and excellent at keeping the air moving. The motion and light sensors are standout features: the display dims as the sun sets or the room lights go off, and the unit senses movement and ramps up purification in response. It read my day-to-day activity well, and I felt reassured it was actively working rather than just idling. Now, onto the stress tests.

The first (and most horrifying) is my candle test. I love candles; they're in every room of my home, lit for every occasion. I always choose natural waxes and wicks to protect my air quality, and when I blow one out, I typically open a window and run my Dyson Air Purifier to clear the smoke. It complains, but it gets there.

With the Shark running in the background, I watched my air quality plummet to 1/100 as the candle smoked. It wasn't the flame itself that did the damage. While lit, the reading held around 40/100. It was the plume of smoke after blowing it out that caused the score to plummet. I was initially alarmed by how sharp the drop was, but then impressed: within 4 minutes the Shark had already recovered to 80/100, and by 5 minutes 17 seconds, the reading was back to a clean 100. I could still detect a faint trace of fragrance and smoke in the room, but noticeably lighter, and the Shark, by all appearances, was rather pleased with itself.

Next: sprays and aerosols. Alongside candles, I'm heavy on fragrance, and I know from experience that a makeup routine with setting spray sends a fine mist of powders, particles, and volatile compounds into the air. The Shark clocked it too, dropping to 61/100 as I sprayed, brushed, and blended beside it. Recovery was near-instant though and within the minute, it had climbed back to a solid 87/100. As with the candle test, I could still smell the fragrance lingering, but at a fraction of the intensity.

My final test: burnt food, one of the most common real-world triggers for poor indoor air quality. A single piece of burnt toast dropped the reading to 58/1oo a steeper fall than I expected, even knowing the numbers going in. What impressed me more was the recovery: within 2 minutes, the air quality had climbed back to 92/100. That was one piece of toast in one room, but at that recovery speed, I'd trust it to handle a bigger kitchen mishap too.

I've also run it overnight in the bedroom with the windows shut, and the results held up: quiet enough to sleep through, and consistently strong at maintaining a high air quality reading through the night.

Cleaning and maintaining the Shark BreatheClear with NeverChange6 Air Purifier

Air purifiers are generally low maintenance, and the Shark BreatheClear is no exception. The main element that demands any attention at all is the filter, and this is where Shark's design team deserves credit. The Debris Defence system is a fine mesh pre-filter that catches larger particles (pollen, pet hair, dust) before they ever reach the main HEPA filter, protecting its performance and extending its lifespan. It's washable, so a quick rinse whenever it looks visibly clogged is all it needs to keep working at full capacity; just make sure it's fully dry before sliding it back into place.

As for the main filter itself, it's this Debris Defence layer doing the heavy lifting that allows Shark to estimate up to 6 years of use without a filter change. As a newly released product, I haven't had the runway to sense-check that claim myself yet, but watch this space.

Beyond the filter, upkeep is minimal: a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the exterior and display screen is really all you need to keep it looking as good as it performs. If you want a deeper dive into best practice for keeping any air purifier running at its best, we've got a full guide here.

How does the Shark BreatheClear with NeverChange6 Air Purifier compare?

The Shark BreatheClear with NeverChange6 builds on the original NeverChange formula rather than reinventing it, but the upgrades are meaningful. The filter guarantee has stretched from 5 years to 6, pushing the potential saving on replacement filters even further. Sensing has had a real overhaul too: where the original NeverChange relied on Clean Sense IQ to track particulate levels, the BreatheClear scans the air 3,600 times an hour and automatically adjusts power in response to particles, movement, and VOCs, a faster, more proactive approach to purification. Motion and light detection are new additions as well, dimming the display in low light and boosting purification the moment activity is detected, which the original model didn't offer.

One thing that has been dropped: Odor Neutralizer Technology, a feature on the original NeverChange that released a fresh scent to mask household odours. If that's a feature you relied on, it's worth noting it isn't carried over.

If you already own a NeverChange and it's doing its job, this isn't an urgent swap. The core promise of long-life, HEPA-exceeding filtration is present in both. But anyone weighing up the two fresh is better off with the BreatheClear: the faster, more responsive sensing and motion-aware purification make it noticeably better suited to busy, high-traffic homes, and the extra year of filter life sweetens the long-term running costs further still. The exception is anyone who specifically valued the Odor Neutralizer scent-masking, for them, the original NeverChange may still hold appeal until (or unless) Shark reintroduces that feature in a future model.

Should you buy the Shark BreatheClear with NeverChange6 Air Purifier?

There are some big, bold claims that come with this air purifier: 6 years without a filter change, 99.98% particle capture, 3,600 air scans an hour. And I think it actually lives up to them. Across every test, my air quality was restored quickly and kept exceptionally high, which proves those scans are doing real work: the Shark anticipates drops and counters them, delivering some of the quickest, most thorough cleaning I've seen to date. Not everyone needs this level of purification, but if you're air quality conscious, this is a breath of fresh air.

How we test air purifiers

At woman&home we have a rigorous series of tests that each air purifier has to go through to secure itself a spot amongst the best models on offer on our site. We test it on smoke, perfumes, and food smells, as well as assessing how it looks, what it's like to use, and how it compares to other models on the market.

If you want to read more, you can see our page on how we test air purifiers.

I'm always asked about steam cleaners. Are they worth the hype? Do you really not need chemicals? And are the cheaper models any good, or are you better off saving for a premium name? Having tested these machines almost non-stop for a year, I've found that when they work, they really do work: a scalding blast of water vapour lifts grease, grime and bacteria like magic. However, plenty of models are heavy, limited to a single function, or carry a price tag that's hard to justify for something that lives in a cupboard most of the year.

The Beldray 15-in-1 Steam Cleaner is a little different. At under £50, it's one of the most affordable steam cleaners we've tested, yet it comes with a generous bundle of accessories that turn it from a simple floor cleaner into a window cleaner, grout scrubber and handheld tool.

"For the price, I genuinely wasn't expecting this much kit in the box," says our tester Liz, who put the Beldray through its paces over several weeks. She looked into the long accessory list as well as the performance, testing to find out whether a budget steam cleaner could really compete with pricier, more elaborate models, or whether the savings come at the cost of steam pressure, build quality or ease of use.

Beldray 15-in-1 Steam Cleaner review

• RRP: £47.99
• Dimensions: 26.5 x 15 x 26.6 cm
• Weight: 2 kg
• Power: 1,350 watts
• Cord length: 5m
• Water tank capacity: 550ml
• Accessories/attachments: floor mop, handheld, garment steamer
• Warranty: 1 year

How we test steam cleaners

Before we get into the details of this Beldray 15-in-1 Steam Cleaner review, here's some backstory behind the person who tested this steam cleaner. She's part of our Tester Network, where readers, like you, review products that we think you'll love. If you want to read more about how we test steam cleaners in our home, we also have a page which does a deep dive on the details.

Who would the Beldray 15-in-1 Steam Cleaner suit?

• First time users who want versatility: with 15 different attachments for various jobs and a low price point, it's an affordable way to test whether this suits you
• Homes with hard floors: especially those with children or pets bringing dirt indoors.
• People who want to tackle awkward cleaning jobs: from grubby grout to windows and upholstery, without buying multiple appliances.

If you've been curious about steam cleaning but can't justify spending well over £100, the Beldray 15-in-1 Steam Cleaner is probably the model you have in your basket. It packs impressive versatility into a surprisingly affordable package, converting from a traditional steam mop into a handheld cleaner, with attachments for everything from windows and mirrors to upholstery and grout. As a result, the Beldray promises a lot of functionality for under £50, making it a sensible choice for anyone who wants one appliance that can tackle a whole house clean.

Our tester, Liz, found that versatility paid off in everyday life. "If you have hard floors, a steam mop is an essential cleaning tool for quickly and effortlessly cleaning and sanitising your floors," she says. "This is especially useful if you have kids and pets leaving muddy footprints." She also loved how the handheld attachments transformed some of the most tedious cleaning jobs: "Being able to easily clean grouting, such as on well-worn floors or in grubby bathrooms or kitchens, is also a godsend, saving you from endless scrubbing." It's this combination of practicality, value and useful accessories that makes the Beldray feel like a good budget buy.

Unboxing the Beldray 15-in-1 Steam Cleaner

Given the Beldray's low price point, we weren't expecting a luxury unboxing experience, but I did want the setup to be straightforward. After all, a steam cleaner should make life easier from the moment it arrives. While the generous collection of attachments immediately hints at its versatility, there are a few frustrations before you can get cleaning.

Liz's first impressions were mixed. "Unfortunately, the box fell apart when I was taking it out of the delivery box it had arrived in. The glue had failed at the side," she says, adding that this was disappointing because many people will want to store the cleaner and its accessories in the original packaging.

Thankfully, assembling the cleaner itself proved much simpler. "The steam cleaner was fairly intuitive to set up," she explains. Her biggest frustration came when fitting the microfibre pad to the mop head. "If you have ever tried to fit a tight fitted sheet onto a mattress, you will know my pain. It pinged across the room more than once." Once she'd realised the protective carpet glider needed removing, the process became clearer, although she still found fitting the cover fiddly and easy to catch her fingers on. Fortunately, these are all one-off setup niggles rather than problems that affect everyday cleaning.

What is the Beldray 15-in-1 Steam Cleaner like to use?

The Beldray 15-in-1 is great on a fundamental level. It's lightweight enough to carry from room to room and the generous five-metre cord gives you plenty of reach before you need to swap sockets. However, its multi-functional design means it's not quite as refined as dedicated steam mops we've tested. The body feels slightly top-heavy and, while most of the attachments click reassuringly into place, we found they don't always stay there. Liz experienced several occasions where sections untwisted or even popped off under the pressure of the steam, which interrupted cleaning more than we'd have liked.

In use, however, the Beldray really won us over. It heats up in around 20 seconds (if not a little quicker) and produces an impressively generous amount of steam for such an affordable model. "The mop pumps out a lot of steam, which is quite satisfying and is especially useful if you have tough areas to clean," says Liz. We were also pleasantly surprised by how well it maintained its cleaning power when converted into the handheld unit with the longer hose attachments, although the steam does tend to arrive in short bursts rather than a constant flow. It's a little noisier than some premium models, but that's largely because you can hear the powerful steam output working hard.

On Liz's well-used cream stone kitchen floor, it quickly lifted everyday dirt and made light work of a weeks-old blob of sticky jam. She noted that it was "also surprising how powerful it is given the long distance from cleaner to mop head the steam must travel when the longer hose attachments are on."

The grout tool was also effective, restoring discoloured floor grout to its original cream colour, showcasing versatility across the attachments. As Liz pointed out, "tackling grout first is definitely the way to go, as the tool blasts out an impressive amount of hidden dirt."

So, if you're going to be using yours for floor cleaning and grout-refreshing, the Beldray is well worth considering, then the extra attachments act as useful bonuses rather than must-have features.

It is worth noting, however, that there are a few other compromises that come with its budget price. Whilst we appreciate the secure fit of the washable cleaning pad, it's much more fiddly than the Velcro alternatives used by many rival steam mops. Liz found that "other steam mops I have owned have had Velcro pads. This means they are quick and easy to remove with one hand mid-way through cleaning if you want to attach a new pad or rinse out the existing one." She also noted that, although the Beldray's cover "may have stayed in place better than other steam mops I've owned, it was fiddly to get on and off."

We were less convinced by some of the specialist attachments: the under-rim toilet cleaner couldn't shift stubborn limescale without extra scrubbing, and while the garment steamer worked well, Liz admitted she would still reach for her iron, as a more traditional and powerful appliance to use on any fabric.

Cleaning the Beldray 15-in-1 Steam Cleaner

One of the advantages of a steam cleaner is that there's very little maintenance once you've finished cleaning, and the Beldray is no exception. We always look for appliances that are easy to keep in good condition, because the less faff involved, the more likely you are to use them regularly. Thankfully, emptying and cleaning the Beldray takes just a few minutes.

Liz found that there was very little to do after each cleaning session. "I simply tipped out the remaining water from the main unit and ran the attachments under the tap to rinse them," she says, whilst the reusable microfibre cover can be popped straight into the washing machine. As with most white cleaning cloths, though, don't expect it to stay pristine forever. Liz also noticed that the elastic began to pull away from the towelling after she'd struggled to fit the cover during setup, although she believes this was caused by her initial attempts rather than normal use.

As with any steam cleaner, ongoing maintenance is just as important as day-to-day cleaning. If you live in a hard water area, like Liz, it's worth running a steam cleaner-compatible descaling solution through the machine around once a month to prevent limescale from affecting its performance. Stay on top of that, and there's very little else to think about, making the Beldray a refreshingly low-maintenance appliance to own.

Should you buy the Beldray 15-in-1 Steam Cleaner?

The Beldray 15-in-1 Steam Cleaner is an ambitious budget appliance that packs an impressive number of attachments into a compact, affordable package. For occasional deep-cleaning jobs, particularly restoring grubby grout, tackling stubborn stains and reaching awkward corners, it delivers results that belie its price tag. It's also compact enough to tuck away in a cupboard without taking up too much valuable storage space.

That said, we think most people will spend far more time cleaning floors than refreshing grout, and it's here that the Beldray doesn't quite match the polish of the best steam mops we've tested. While it cleans effectively, the awkward handling, fiddly design and concerns over durability mean it isn't the effortless cleaning companion we'd hoped for. If your priority is versatility on a tight budget and you don't mind a few compromises, there's still value to be found here. However, if you want a steam cleaner you'll reach for every week, we'd recommend investing a little more in a model that's smoother, sturdier and more enjoyable to use.

Keeping on top of everyday mess can feel like a full-time job, especially if you've got pets, children, or a busy household. Robot vacuum cleaners promise to take one of the biggest chores off your to-do list, but with premium models now costing well over £1,000, it's fair to wonder whether they really can replace your regular vacuum and mop.

If you're shopping for the best robot vacuum, you'll probably have come across the MOVA Z60 Ultra Roller Complete. It promises to vacuum, mop, empty its own dustbin, wash and dry its mop, and intelligently navigate around furniture, all with minimal input from you. So, we decided to put the MOVA under inspection, weighing up its cleaning performance, ease of use, smart features, and overall value for money. At £1,249, this is a serious investment, so it needs to earn its place in your home.

Our tester, Carly, admits she was initially doubtful that one machine could genuinely do it all, particularly as someone who doesn't consider herself especially tech-savvy. But after living with it for a month in a busy family home complete with muddy paw prints, spills, and everyday chaos, she was keen to find out whether it could live up to its impressive list of claims.

MOVA Z60 Ultra Roller Complete Robot Vacuum review

• RRP: £1,249
• Suction power: 28,000Pa
• Auto-empty base: Up to 100 days
• Mop system: HydroForce™ 12-nozzle Roller Mopping with hot wash and air dry at base
• Carpet protection: AutoShield™ – automatic mop lift on soft surfaces
• Obstacle detection: 200+ object types via AI vision and 3D mapping (FlexScope™)
• Edge coverage: 99.99% via MaxiReach™
• Threshold clearance: Up to 3.15" (StepMaster™ 2.0 and LiftPro™ Chassis)
• Brush system: TroboWave™ DuoBrush – tangle-prevention and airflow maintenance
• Warranty: 3 years

How we test robot vacuums

Before we get into the details of this robot vacuum review, here's some backstory behind the person who tested it.

What is the MOVA Z60 Ultra Roller Complete Robot Vacuum like to use?

If you've never owned a robot vacuum before, don't be intimidated by the setup. Most premium models follow the same process: connect the robot to the app, let it map your home, and make a few tweaks before sending it off to clean. My advice is to spend five minutes getting this first step right, because an accurate map makes all the difference to how well the robot performs day to day. Carly also flagged early on that the power cable is quite short, which limits where the base station can live. As it's "big and a bit of an eyesore if you haven't got anywhere to hide it" Carly recommends doing some planning for where you'll sit the MOVA.

Once plugged in and placed in her home, Carly used the quick start guide to get it running.. She found the app easy to follow, with clear prompts reminding her to open any doors she wanted included in the map, switch on the lights, and clear obstacles from the floor before starting. Better still, the mapping process was impressively quick, taking under four minutes to scan her downstairs, beating the app's own estimate. Once complete, the MOVA automatically divided her home into individual rooms, which she could then customise. She merged the sections of her open-plan kitchen and dining space into larger cleaning zones, commenting that the controls were intuitive and simple to edit.

There are a couple of small things I'd recommend checking once the initial map is complete. Robot vacuums can only map the rooms they can physically access, so any closed doors will leave spaces off the plan until a later scan. Carly also noticed that the robot missed the narrow space behind one open hallway door, despite there being enough room to reach it. It's a minor quirk rather than a dealbreaker, but it's worth taking a minute to inspect the finished map before your first clean. Once everything is laid out correctly, you'll only need to make changes if you move furniture or want to create new cleaning zones.

I've tested enough robot vacuums to know that consistency matters more than bold cleaning claims and specs. Carly was looking for the MOVA to live up to its claims during her month of testing. Rather than bouncing around randomly, it cleaned in "neat back-and-forth lines" across each room, with the app showing its progress in real time. Carly admitted she found herself watching it at first because it was "strangely satisfying," before getting on with other jobs, which is exactly what a robot vacuum should allow you to do.

The 28,000Pa suction proved more than capable of handling the daily debris most households generate, from crumbs to pet hair. Carly was particularly impressed by how well it cleaned underneath furniture that her upright vacuum couldn't reach, and she found the anti-tangle brush lived up to its promise in a home with a dog. As she put it, the robot reached places her "regular vacuum simply can't."

Navigation is another area where premium robot vacuums should shine, and the MOVA was generally nimble and sensitive. Carly found it avoided obstacles that were too tall to climb, rather than getting stuck, and she watched it improve after encountering a tricky kitchen threshold. "Watching it learn from its errors was cool to watch," she says. Like every robot vacuum we've tested, though, it still struggles with tightly packed dining chairs. If you'd normally move them when vacuuming, you'll get the best results by doing the same here.

The only area where I'd encourage you to keep your expectations realistic is deep cleaning. Robot vacuums are brilliant for maintaining clean floors between bigger cleans, but they're not a complete replacement for a powerful cordless or upright vacuum. Carly reached the same conclusion, describing the MOVA as "a brilliant top-up cleaner." She found it didn't collect every last particle in one pass and, like most robot vacuums, it couldn't reach right into corners. For everyday maintenance, however, it performed exactly as you'd hope.

Vacuuming

Mopping systems are relatively new in the world of robot vacuums, especially ones that do a good job. Plenty of robot vacuums claim to mop, but many simply drag a damp cloth around the floor. The MOVA's roller system is much more sophisticated, continuously feeding clean water onto the roller while removing dirty water at the same time. Carly says this was the feature that "really won me over," largely because the robot handles the entire process itself.

She found it cleaned both tiled floors and LVT effectively, automatically lifting the roller whenever carpet was detected so there was no risk of soaking rugs. Better still, once the cleaning cycle finishes, the docking station washes and hot-air dries the roller for you. As someone who "loathes dealing with mop heads," Carly says this self-cleaning feature ended up being her favourite part of the whole machine.

She also tested the included pet odour solution and noticed her floors smelled noticeably fresher afterwards, which is a worthwhile bonus if you're constantly cleaning up after muddy paws or shedding pets.

Mopping

A good robot vacuum lives or dies by its app, and thankfully MOVA has kept things approachable. My advice is not to get overwhelmed by the long list of settings: start with the automatic modes and only dive deeper if you enjoy tweaking every detail.

Carly found the app "well laid out" and especially appreciated the scheduling function. Being able to set the robot running while the family was out meant she could return to freshly cleaned floors "without having done anything." She also praised the intelligent CleanGenius mode, saying it "did the job without any messing about," while noting that anyone who enjoys fine-tuning settings has plenty of options to explore.

There are just a couple of practical quirks to bear in mind. Carly points out that pressing pause doesn't automatically send the robot back to its dock, so you'll want to stop it somewhere sensible if you interrupt a cleaning cycle.

Cleaning the MOVA Z60 Ultra Roller Complete Robot Vacuum

One feature that rally makes a difference in day-to-day life is the self-emptying dock. Rather than asking you to empty the dustbin after every clean, the MOVA stores debris in its base station for up to 100 days before the bag needs replacing. It also returns to the dock mid-clean if necessary before picking up exactly where it left off, a process Carly says you "barely notice."

If you live in a multi-storey home, however, there's one limitation worth considering before you buy. Because the robot relies on its docking station to empty itself and maintain the mop, cleaning upstairs means carrying both the robot and its fairly substantial base between floors. As Carly explains, it's "doable," but it doesn't feel quite as effortless as using it downstairs. If most of your living space is on one level, this won't be an issue. In a typical two-storey family home, it's simply something to factor into your decision.

Should you buy the MOVA Z60 Ultra Roller Complete Robot Vacuum?

At £1,249, the MOVA Z60 Ultra Roller Complete is firmly in premium territory, and it’s fair to say this isn’t an impulse purchase. But as someone who’s lived with it day to day, Carly considers this less of a replacement for your vacuum and more of “a capable daily cleaning companion” She’s also realistic about its limits, pointing out that it’s “not magic,” because it won’t reach every corner, and upstairs use requires a bit of extra planning. Still, she’s clear on the bigger picture. For homes with kids, pets, and constant floor traffic, it does the heavy lifting in between deeper cleans, and that’s where its value really shows.

If what you really want is consistently cleaner floors without constantly dragging out the vacuum and mop, the case is strong. Carly ultimately found it “earned a permanent spot” in her home, with noticeably cleaner floors and far less effort required to keep them that way. And honestly, that’s the real selling point here: not perfection, but relief.

When I agreed to review the Ultenic U20 cordless vacuum, I wasn't expecting it to outperform my Shark. And it didn't – I still reach for my trusty Shark after a day at the beach when the house is full of sand. But in between those deep clean days, a curious thing happened; I kept walking past the Shark and reaching for the Ultenic instead. Now, long after the official test period should have come to an end, the Ultenic U20 remains the vacuum I instinctively grab for everyday cleaning thanks to its lightweight design and ease of use.

At just over 3kg, the Ultenic U20 is almost 2kg lighter than my Shark. That might not sound like much, but in practice, it's the difference between 'I can't be bothered to vacuum right now' and 'I'll just quickly take this for a spin around the kitchen floor while the kettle boils'.

What I learned from testing the Ultenic U20 is that the best vacuum isn't necessarily the most powerful one. In a household like mine – five people, a dog and a cat, sand in places it shouldn’t be and mud that seems to appear out of nowhere – the best vacuum cleaner is the one that turns vacuuming into a quick and almost effortless job instead of a chore you'd rather avoid.

Ultenic U20 Cordless Vacuum review

• Price: £239.99
• Power: 600W motor
• Runtime: Up to 60 minutes
• Dustbin capacity: 1.5L
• Weight: Approx. 3.3kg
• Filtration: 7-stage filtration system with HEPA filter
• Brush head: TangleTame™ anti-hair wrap floor brush
• Technology: GreenEye dust-detect lighting system
• Included tools: Crevice tool, flat brush, flexible hose, HEPA filters, wall mount

Who would the Ultenic U20 suit?

Having used the Ultenic U20 vacuum for six months, I've got a good idea of who this would be perfect for. Whilst it won't replace a heavy-duty corded vacuum, the lightweight, simple cordless design makes it perfect for quick vacuuming tasks that you want to take on "little and often."

A surprising bonus of the Ultenic being cheaper is that it's made from lighter materials. So, if you struggle with yours up the stairs, or you get back and shoulder aches, this could be the vacuum that offers some light relief.

I was also surprised to find that it handles pet hair and the day-to-day mud tracked in by my family really well. It made for a brilliant helping hand around the home.

• small to medium-sized homes
• people who vacuum little and often
• someone who needs a vacuum that's easy on the wrists and shoulders
• anyone looking for a lighter cordless vacuum
• pet owners dealing with everyday hair rather than serious shedding

Unboxing and first impressions of the Ultenic U20 Cordless vacuum

I’ve only ever bought Shark or Dyson vacuums, which usually arrive in large, imposing boxes that aren't easy to lift. So I was initially surprised – and a little concerned – by how easily I could scoop up the box that arrived on my doorstep containing the Ultenic U20. I popped it in my office to open later, and it ended up staying there for more than a week, almost getting forgotten – it's that unobtrusive.

Once unboxed, setting up the vacuum couldn't have been easier. Forget scrutinising a lengthy instruction manual or struggling to work out which attachment goes where – it just all slots neatly together.

The freestanding design is one of the first things that impressed me about it – that's a premium feature I wouldn't expect on a budget vacuum at this price point, and it's a game-changer. If you've ever tried balancing a cordless vacuum against the wall while rescuing a stray sock from the path of destruction, you'll know exactly what I mean. My Shark can't compete on this point – it has a handy folding function for when you need to store it or pause to pick something up, but that suddenly seems fiddly compared to the ease with which the Ultenic stands elegantly in place.

The Ultenic U20 is packed with more features than I was expecting, too. With a 600W motor and up to 55kPa suction, it's not the most powerful vacuum on the block, but it does have plenty of extras that make up for that, including GreenEye lighting to highlight hidden dust, and a bendable wand to make it easy to clean under furniture.

What's the Ultenic U20 Cordless vacuumlike to use?

This is where the Ultenic U20 makes its strongest case. Having suffered from joint pain and tennis elbow (thanks to perimenopause), I've developed very little patience for heavy household appliances. It's bad enough that I have to vacuum the stairs so often in a never-ending battle against pet fur – but I refuse to do it with something unwieldy or annoyingly heavy. If we can send people to the moon, I'm sure we can make domestic appliances easier to lift and carry. The Ultenic U20 is proof of this. Its lightness is by far its biggest selling point.

The bendable wand is a feature I initially dismissed as a gimmick, but I have ended up loving. In the past, I always moved beds and sofas to vacuum under them and never understood people who didn't. With joints that think twice about helping with household chores, I've decided life's too short for that. Still, the thought of what might lurk under there gives me the ick, so it's genuinely helpful to be able to vacuum under furniture without worrying about slipping a disc in the process. Cleaning under furniture is a doddle thanks to a bendable wand – beneath my bed has never been so clean, and even the dog appreciates this vacuum's assistance with retrieving long-lost tennis balls from under the sofa.

The GreenEye light is surprisingly satisfying, too, especially in dark corners where it's harder to see exactly how filthy the floor is. Slightly horrifying, admittedly, but satisfying.

Suction-wise, it handled everyday family mess just fine. Dropped biscuits and toast crumbs, the aforementioned sand, endless pet hair, grass and muddy debris from golf shoes, football boots and mountain biking gear – all the glamorous realities of family life we could throw at it, the Ultenic U20 coped with it.

Is the Ultenic U20 good value for money?

Yes, at under £200 (and often discounted), the Ultenic U20 sits in a completely different price bracket to premium cordless vacuums from the likes of Shark and Dyson. That's why I was so keen to try it. I wanted to be able to answer whether a budget alternative to the best Dyson vacuums is ever worth it and, now, I think I have my answer.

It doesn’t outperform the likes of Dyson and Shark, but you can't really expect it to when it has plastic where they use metal and much less suction power. That's all wrapped up in the price though. What this does do an exceptional job of is quick, everyday cleaning. It's made easier, and more convenient by virtue of the light and simple design. And for many of us, that matters more than suction power.

Ultenic U20 vs Shark Cordless Vacuum

There's no contest when it comes to power: my Shark cordless vacuum is still the one I reach for when I'm in deep cleaning mode. It feels more robust and never fails to deliver that 'properly clean' feeling that no budget vacuum can compete with. Yet I found myself reaching for the Ultenic over the Shark nine times out of ten because it's just so quick and easy to use.

The difference in weight is obviously a huge factor. The Ultenic feels effortless to lift and carry between rooms, whereas I have to mentally commit to using the Shark. This really shows when it comes to vacuuming my carpeted quarter-turn stairs – the worst spot in my house for collecting pet hair. Using the Shark on the stairs is a bit of a workout that I dread, if I'm honest, but with the flat brush tool attached to the Ultenic, turning it into a compact, handheld vacuum, I can have the whole staircase fur-free in less time than it takes a pot of coffee to brew – without lugging a full-size vacuum up and down the stairs behind me.

In a busy household like mine, that level of convenience makes an enormous difference. I find myself zipping around with the Ultenic between other tasks without really thinking about it, which means the floors are looking cleaner day-to-day, and my weekly re-set of the house is much less of a mission, because I've kept on top of the vacuuming almost daily.

In a lab test, the Shark would easily win on deep-clean performance, but the Ultenic wins on convenience and ease of use – and in a real family home, I think that matters more than suction power.

Cleaning and maintenance on the Ultenic U20

I was a little apprehensive about what the Ultenic U20 vacuum would be like to clean, as cheaper vacuums often don't have the same simple features that make clearing hair and emptying the dust bin easy. First of all, the rollers surprised me. Dog hair and long hair didn't get wrapped around the roller and trapped, instead, they were whisked into the dustbin and emptied straight into my home bin. It was a great start from the Ultenic.

The actual dust bin isn't that much smaller than some Dyson and Shark models. And, because it's a little less powerful, I didn't notice that it needed changing any more or less. Of course, this does mean that it's probably picking up less dirt and mess, but not in a way that I noticed. And, as I said, if this is just for quick run arounds, that doesn't really matter.

Emptying the dust bin does require a bit of a knack and you might need a tool handy to really scrape any stubborn hair from the top. However, overall, it's all straightforward and relatively mess-free.

Should you buy the Ultenic U20?

My Shark isn't going anywhere; it's still the superior deep cleaner. But the Ultenic brought me something I didn't know I needed: relief from the mental resistance that surfaces at the thought of dragging a heavy vacuum out of the understairs cupboard day after day.

In this busy home where mess seems to constantly regenerate, no matter how often you vacuum, the Ultenic has earned its place for lightness and ease of use alone – and it's here to stay.

How I tested the Ultenic U20

Normally, we recruit a member of our Tester Network to review vacuum cleaners in their home, but I volunteered to review the Ultenic U20. My household is, frankly, brutal on vacuums: five people, a dog, a cat, endless foot traffic, beach sand that somehow migrates into every room and – thanks to a mountain-biking husband and a golf-mad son – mud that reappears moments after I’ve cleaned it up.

I tested the Ultenic U20 over several weeks on kitchen tiles, wood floors, carpets, rugs, stairs, upholstery and beneath furniture, using it for everything from quick kitchen clean-ups to more demanding Sunday night re-set sessions. I paid particular attention to how easy it was to grab for daily use, how well it coped with pet hair and other kinds of household debris, how manoeuvrable it was around furniture and winding stairs, and whether it could realistically compete with my more powerful Shark vacuum in real-world family life. I also tested all of the attachments, assessed battery life during longer cleans and discovered how it handled the kind of heavy-handed treatment that comes with living in a busy family household like mine.

You can find out more about how we test vacuums on our dedicated page.

It seems like Dyson are on a roll. From rethinking their classic cordless vacuums to introducing ultra-slim, pencil-style innovations, the brand has reshaped the way many of us clean our homes. And this has never been clearer than with the launch of the Dyson PencilWash. It's mopping, but not like you know it.

As someone who regularly tests some of the best steam cleaners and best Dysons on the market, news of the Dyson PencilWash was enough to stop me mid clean. These newer models are a really new step in the floorcare industry, offering an ultra-slim design with a hygienic roller system that constantly refreshes and sanitises as you clean.

It leans into Dyson’s signature focus on sleek engineering and effortless performance. In practice, it sits somewhere between a mop and a floor washer, but with the polish and precision you’d expect from one of the best Dysons yet and it’s already changing expectations of what “clean floors” really look like.

Dyson PencilWash review

• RRP: £299.99
• Dimensions: 266.5mm (L) x 198.3mm (W) x 1,158mm (H)
• Weight: 2.2 kg (full machine), 380g in hand
• Runtime: Up to 30 minutes
• Charge time: 3.5 hours
• Handle size: 38mm
• Water tank capacity: 300ml (clean), 360ml (dirty)
• Floor coverage: 100m²

Who would the Dyson PencilWash suit?

The Dyson PencilWash is essentially a more powerful, thorough, and technical upgrade on your traditional mop. With that in mind, it will suit households that prioritise ease, speed and a consistently clean finish on hard floors rather than intensive deep-cleaning power.

It’s particularly well matched to busy homes with pets, children, or high-traffic areas like kitchens and open-plan living spaces, where spills and marks appear daily and need dealing with quickly and hygienically.

It also love how the Dyson PencilWash would appeal to design-conscious users who already own Dyson vacuums and want a cohesive, lightweight cleaning system that feels intuitive and effortless to use. If you prefer low-effort maintenance cleaning that feels almost meditative to use, this is perfect.

What is the Dyson PencilWash like to use?

The first thing you need to do is add water to the Dyson PencilWash. This is surprisingly simple and, importantly, very clean in execution. The clean water tank clicks into place with that familiar Dyson precision, and I’ve found it easy to top up at the sink without any splashing or awkward angles.

Once filled and reassembled the PencilWash feels reassuringly balanced in the hand and light enough to carry between rooms, but solid enough that it never feels flimsy or underpowered. There’s a similar design language here to the Dyson PencilVac, particularly in the ultra-slim profile and pared-back, almost architectural feel of the handle.

You might already know that the 38mm handle is one of the Dyson features that the brand shouts about. It's the same size as their hair tools and sits wonderfully comfortably in the hand. The self-propelled base of the PencilWash drives it in a way that makes it feel like you are floating the mop across the floor, rather than pushing and scrubbing, as some other steam cleaners do. It's an unbelievably premium experience.

The PencilWash is really designed for hard floor cleaning, so this is where it comes into its own. The first thing I noticed, alongside that floating feeling, is just how nimble and light this is. At around the 2kg mark, it feels incredibly light in use, and the weight distribution does a lot of the work for you.

I tested it on everyday kitchen spills and dried-on marks, and the combination of constant clean water flow and rotating microfibre roller lifted grime quickly without needing repeated passes. Dried soy sauce and tomato ketchup lifted on the first pass in most cases, except when I left large spills for over 12 hours, which is an unlikely experience you'll have in your home.

I expected to feel like it was scrubbing the floor, or, at the very least, like I would be working up a sweat, but I hardly even knew it was working. The only way I could tell was the clean floor appearing after each pass.

The small and nimble head also makes manoeuvring around table legs and tight corners feel easy. There’s a real sense of strength in the cleaning power despite the minimal effort required to use it, which is where Dyson has clearly tried to bridge performance with ease. Like the PencilVac, it leans heavily into that idea of ultra-light, precision cleaning, but here, it’s the sensation of a continuous, polished glide over hard floors that makes it feel genuinely different from a traditional mop or even most electric floor cleaners.

How does the Dyson PencilWash compare?

I like to compare every product to similar models so that you get a clear sense of where it sits in the market, but the PencilWash is a particularly tricky category to place. Unlike many Dyson products, this isn’t a vacuum cleaner at all, which removes one of the most obvious comparison points. Instead, I’d position it somewhere between an electric mop with water circulation and a lightweight steam cleaner. I’ve seen some reviewers describe it as a “mop hybrid,” which feels like a very fitting way to frame it.

If you’re using a traditional mop but feel ready for a more powerful, hygienic upgrade, this sits in that sweet spot. It takes away the physical effort of scrubbing and, crucially, the constant refresh of clean water makes a noticeable difference when you’re going over the same mark repeatedly. On the other hand, if you’re comparing it to steam cleaners, it’s important to note that this is a gentler, lower-intensity clean. It won’t match the deep sanitising heat or heavy-duty stain removal of more industrial-style machines, but it does feel faster and more controlled for everyday use.

For Dyson’s own range, the closest point of reference is the Dyson V15 Submarine. While the V15 remains one of the most powerful cordless vacuums on the market, the PencilWash occupies a completely different role in the cleaning ecosystem. Where the V15 lifts and captures dirt and then can be swapped in for mopping with the same technology as the PencilWash, the PencilWash simply washes. The PencilWash is more complementary than comparable.

Should you buy the Dyson PencilWash?

If you’re someone who already owns a solid vacuum but finds traditional mopping frustrating, inconsistent, or simply too time-consuming, this is a compelling upgrade. It makes most sense for sealed hard floors and everyday spill-prone homes, where the appeal lies in speed, hygiene and ease rather than heavy-duty deep cleaning.

However, if you’re expecting it to replace a high-performance steam cleaner or tackle deeply ingrained, long-neglected stains, it will feel more limited in scope. In short, this is less about raw cleaning power and more about refinement, a sleek, effortless way to keep floors consistently fresh with minimal thought or effort, in true Dyson fashion.

How we test mops and vacuums

At woman&home, we have a series of standardised tests that we put all of our steam cleaners and mops through. We look at what surfaces and functions they are best used on and work across those with stains ranging from soy sauce to tomato ketchup. We also look at how powerful they are and how easy they are to use and clean. If you want to find out more about how we test mops and steam cleaners, you can visit our dedicated page.

A miniature robot vacuum is one of those ideas that’s so obvious, you wonder why it’s taken this long to arrive. Nimble, compact, and available in a pleasing range of colours, the iRobot Roomba Mini Robot Vacuum & Mop marks a milestone in the world of robot vacuums. It’s a reminder that when it comes to the best robot vacuum, bigger isn’t always better.

One of the most common complaints about robot vacuums is their footprint. Between the dock and the machine itself, they have a habit of dominating a room rather than blending in. Until now, there’s been little appetite to challenge that bulk. However, the arrival of iRobot’s scaled-down model suggests a rethink is finally underway.

This nippy little cleaner, affectionately named Gill by our tester, Liz, made light work of her home. But can something so small really replace a traditional vacuum, or is it better suited as a supporting act? And could it be one of our new additions to the list of useful home gadgets that earns its keep?

iRobot Roomba Mini Robot Vacuum and Mop review

How we test

This robot vacuum was part of our tester network programme of testing. Here's a little bit about Liz, our expert tester:

Who would the iRobot Roomba Mini Robot Vacuum & Mop suit?

The iRobot Roomba Mini Robot Vacuum & Mop has one glaringly obvious appeal: it's compact size. If you have a small home or don't like the idea of your gadgets being out on display, this is the perfect robot vacuum to have, especially when you account for the chic colour options too.

The small initial footprint becomes an even more useful feature when you're thinking about cleaning your home in general. The small footprint makes this a nimble vacuum for squeezing into tight spots.

Robot vacuums like this are also really brilliant if you want a hand cleaning around the home. Liz adds, "if like me, you live in a small, cluttered semi rather than a sprawling minimalist mansion, then it’s perfect for getting in all the tight spots as well as awkward hard-to-reach areas, such as under beds. This made it really useful for deeper cleans of rooms in my house, I could be dusting or making the bed while the Roomba Mini vacuumed."

Unboxing the iRobot Roomba Mini Robot Vacuum & Mop

Whilst the iRobot Roomba Mini Robot Vacuum & Mop is compact, robot vacuums often come with a fair bit of kit, so we were keen to see what would come with this little gadget.

Liz was impressed with the compact, but practical box, pointing out "the packaging design is beautiful, which reflects the unit. On opening, a thank-you card is followed my a "meet mini" sheet which is part of the set-up process." It's a really considered and thoughtful way to start off the set-up experience, which can be a little overwhelming, especially when we're looking at gadgets like this.

The iRobot Roomba Mini Robot Vacuum & Mop comes with accessories: the edge-sweeping brush (which Liz cautions is small enough to accidentally throw away), 30 disposable multi-surface fresh citrus mopping pads, and a mopping plate. It would be brilliant to see these pads swapped out for re-usable alternatives, especially as these are more like wipes rather than a good mop. However, they're a brilliant feature that are definitely nice to have rather than miss.

The station comes pre-fitted with a dustbag, which holds up to 75 days of dirt. Liz noted that there aren't any spares in the box, but she thought 75 days feels like a reasonable amount of time for them to cover, although she thinks she'll be emptying hers sooner.

What is the iRobot Roomba Mini Robot Vacuum & Mop like to use?

Liz followed the steps for setting up the Roomba Mini, which she found were "mostly intuitive and straightforward," but she added that you'll probably "underestimate how long it will take." If you've never had a robot vacuum before, it's good to know that these little machines need to map out your home before they can get to work. The time that takes is entirely dependent on the size of your house.

The set-up and mapping process needs you to have an app, which is downloadable using a QR code. You have to create an account and describe your household, and name the machine. Liz found out her home, with her two children and a house is a "high-activity" one. She named her vacuum Gill, after her mum who was always vacuuming. From the app, you can merge and divide spaces, select specific areas for cleaning, and choose the cleaning level, which spans spot, standard, and deep clean. You can also be more hands-off if you want the Roomba to do its work without interference.

The Roomba suggests waiting for a full charge before you start waiting, but Liz was impatient to get started, so set hers running. This meant that the mini needed to recharge halfway through mapping, leaving her with "everything piled on beds in two rooms and twiddling my thumbs while it returned to the docking station. Once charging was complete and it had mapped out the rooms upstairs I wanted to take advantage of things being out of the way to do a deep clean, only to be thwarted again by the need to recharge." It's a lesson she learnt quickly and integrated into her cleaning: this is small, so will need to take a "little and often" approach rather than a deep clean."

The main takeaway from living with a mini robot vacuum is that this is less about replacing your routine and more about upgrading it. Liz found the Roomba Mini slotted into her days in a helpful and easy routine. “I adore the Roomba Mini for lending a helping hand in my house,” she told me. She still does a quick once-over with her cordless in the morning, but now leans on the Roomba to “complement” that clean, ticking off the floors while she gets on with everything else.

That said, a little light-touch prep goes a long way. Like most robot vacuums, it prefers a relatively clear run, Liz quickly got into the habit of checking for rogue charger cables before setting it off. In return, it changed her cleaning rhythm entirely. “It’s starting to change how I clean,” she said, noting she now runs it downstairs before bed to keep things ticking over. She was also impressed at the knock-on effect this low-maintenance, background cleaning has: deep cleans, once easy to put off, have become far more frequent in Liz's home because the time and energy-consuming starting point has already been handled. Her upright vacuum is now, more often than not found “standing in the corner, redundant” on the days when she would have been doing a quick runaround before work.

In terms of performance, this little machine punches well above its size. Liz tested it in her kitchen, which is the ultimate stress test, and found it handled everything from flour and sugar to granola, breadcrumbs and cat kibble “with ease.” Pet hair was no problem either, though long human hair did occasionally tangle in the brush (a quick fix, thankfully: she could remove and clean it in seconds).

It also coped admirably with real homes: gliding between rugs, tiles and thresholds without fuss, and navigating around table legs, skirting boards and even wandering feet. It’s not flawless and Liz found that it would occasionally try to clamber onto something it shouldn’t, but it’s self-aware enough to correct itself or call for help with a flurry of alerts.

The mop function is, in many ways, the sleeper hit. Liz admitted it tackled a job she’d been neglecting: “Although just a textured floor wipe, it collects a surprising amount of dirt.” It’s also impressively quiet in this mode, near-silent, in fact, so she could run it while working without distraction.

More broadly, that’s the theme here: it saves effort rather than time. “It’s fantastic for when I’m tired, overworked or simply would rather be doing something more fun,” she said.

Cleaning and maintaining the iRobot Roomba Mini Robot Vacuum & Mop

The beauty of robot vacuums is just how much they automate. The base station charges the vacuum, whilst emptying it, tidily into a bag. Some people, especially those with allergies, love a closed system like this. Others might prefer not to have the ongoing cost of dust bags, although iRobot suggests that the bag should last a full 75 days.

Most of the maintenance comes down to “occasional nudges rather than chores.” The Roomba Mini is good at flagging when something’s amiss (a dirty sensor, a blocked roller), which takes a lot of the guesswork out. That said, Liz did run into a real-life hiccup that’s worth knowing about: after lending it to a neighbour, she noticed it wasn’t emptying properly despite no alert. A quick investigation revealed a cotton bud causing a blockage, easily fixed, but a reminder not to rely on automation blindly.

Should you buy the iRobot Roomba Mini Robot Vacuum & Mop?

So, should you buy the iRobot Roomba Mini Robot Vacuum & Mop? If Liz is anything to go by, the answer is a yes. “I fell in love with almost everything about the Roomba Mini,” she said, praising everything from its looks to its day-to-day functionality. It’s not without its quirks: the battery can drain faster than you’d like (even off the dock), and it occasionally gets confused and heads home mid-clean. “This can be frustrating if you haven’t realised it’s glitched and assume it’s finished,” she noted. But crucially, these are the kind of niggles you learn to work around. Liz now staggers her cleans over a few days rather than tackling the whole house in one go, “once you get into this habit, it’s an easy change to make.”

What’s telling is that it hasn’t replaced her cordless vacuum. “I’m not about to give up my cordless,” she said, pointing out that it’s still quicker for a fast, fuss-free once-over (and doesn’t require a cable check beforehand). Instead, the Roomba Mini earns its place by taking on the heavier lifting. “Making light work of my deep cleans has given me precious time back to get on with other things,” she explained, adding that, as a busy working single parent of two teenagers, that time is “invaluable.” And really, that’s the crux of it: if you want something that meaningfully lightens your load rather than replaces your routine entirely, this is a very easy yes.

For most of us, the sole function of our bedrooms should be to provide us with a calming place to retreat to at the end of a busy day, ready to unwind and reset. Because of this, arranging and organising our bedrooms with relaxation in mind is important.

Often, due to limited space in the rest of our homes, our bedrooms can become more of a storage space, packed with items that aren’t conducive to sleep, or that make our bedrooms feel more cramped and less spacious. And that’s not all. Professional organisers tell us that there are other items that simply aren’t practical to keep in the bedroom, and are often much better utilised elsewhere.

So if you want your bedroom to be as calm, organised, functional and relaxing as possible, it’s probably best to folow what the experts do. We spoke to a range of professional organisers to uncover the items they personally never keep in their bedrooms.

7 Things professional organisers never keep in their bedroom

“I always encourage my clients to take a few minutes to think about how they want to feel in their bedroom - any clutter or unwanted 'stuff' acts as a visual stimulus that our brains have to process before we go to sleep, and as we wake up every morning,” professional organiser Sue Spencer, a Master KonMari Consultant from A Life More Organised, explains.

“So, think about how you would like your bedroom to look and feel and what you’d like to see as you are waking up – this will give you a great starting point to remove the items that don’t fit.”

Which items would professional organisers personally never allow into their bedrooms, then? These are the seven items that will allow you to make the best start when organising a large or small bedroom.

1. Exercise equipment

Professional organiser and declutterer Catherine Bennett shares that she would never keep exercise equipment in her bedroom - be it a Peloton, a treadmill, or even weights - even though exercise generally can be incredibly beneficial for our sleep.

We all want to make a smaller bedroom feel bigger, and exercise equipment is often cumbersome, leading to a lack of available space, which makes it feel much smaller than it is.

Catherine explains that for her, exercise equipment can also create a more stressful atmosphere in your room. “While it’s often kept in bedrooms for convenience, exercise equipment can disrupt the sense of calm and make the room feel more functional than restful,” she says.

Where is best to store exercise equipment then? “If possible, instead keep it in a living room corner, spare room, or even neatly stored in a cupboard so it’s accessible but not visually dominant. Ultimately, I always encourage clients to think of the bedroom as a sanctuary. The fewer functional or “busy” items in the space, the easier it is to relax and unwind,” Catherine tells us.

2. Clothes that need attention

This may come as a surprise, given that most of us keep our clothes in our bedrooms (unless you’re lucky enough to have a walk-in wardrobe in your roster of wardrobe organising practices). But experts reveal that they would never personally keep clothes that remind us of the next day’s set of chores in their bedrooms – and advise that you do the same.

“I would never have a ‘floordrobe’ or chair piled with clothes that are ‘clirty’ – clean but dirty - in my bedroom,” Sue Spencer shared. “I often have conversations with my clients about what to do with clothes that have been worn once or twice but aren’t dirty enough to be washed. My view is that if it’s clean enough for me to wear again, it can be put away.”

For a professional organiser at The Secret Organiser, Marsha Bull, a laundry basket is something you’ll never find in her bedroom; mostly since it’s actually not the most practical spot for it, especially for larger families. She suggests, “rather than the bedroom, store your laundry basket in an area of your home which can be easily accessible for other members of the family, like the bathroom or hallway cupboard.

“Keeping it in your bedroom will not only remind you of chores you need to do, which will then stop you from fully relaxing. But also if you have a busy lifestyle, the likelihood of it overflowing is quite high, therefore you won't have a calm, organised space to look at either,” Marsha continues.

3. A rubbish bin

It’s easy to see why a rubbish bin in your bedroom might seem totally harmless – or at best, actually pretty useful in keeping your sleep space clear from clutter, such as out-of-date beauty items, and clothing tags. However, for Marsha, this is one item she would never keep in her bedroom, and for good reason.

“I would always try to refrain from having a rubbish bin in my bedroom. Bedroom bins often get forgotten about when it comes to taking the rubbish out, which then, depending on what type of rubbish you are throwing in there, can even reduce your air quality,” she says. This, in turn, can obviously have a significant effect on your sleep.

A rubbish bin can really add to visual clutter, also making your space feel smaller when it doesn’t need to. Marsha also explains that it can even become a health risk. “Food rubbish in a bin can then turn mouldy, which may also mean an unpleasant smell that can easily hinder sleep – plus you also run the risk of attracting flies.”

4. Any work related items

Ask anyone, and likely to be close to the top of the list of things that can ruin our sleep and even our general day-to-day relaxation, is work stress. So it makes sense that keeping anything related to your career in your bedroom is hugely frowned upon by professional organisers, and something they take pains not to do themselves.

“With the increase in working from home, lots of people have had to find space in their bedrooms for a desk and somewhere to work,” Sue says. “But in an ideal world we’d make sure that your work life is kept separate from the bedroom space, which should be somewhere you can relax and fall asleep without any triggers from the day.”

Catherine agreed, saying, “Keeping work items, such as laptops, work devices and papers in the bedroom can make it much harder to mentally disconnect at the end of the day. It blurs the boundary between work and rest which can affect sleep quality, so I don’t keep any work items in my bedroom.”

According to Marsha, there are plenty of other, more optimal spaces in the home in which to store these items, both from a practical and holistic point of view. “Store these items elsewhere, like in a multi-purpose room, dining room or lounge. When we enter our bedroom in the evening, we need to eliminate all external stresses that could cause our minds to feel overwhelmed,” she says.

However, if your bedroom is your only real practical spot in which to work from during the day, Sue reassures that there is a way to minimise the damage to your sleep once night falls.

“If you have no choice but to use your bedroom as a work area, then make sure that you pack away your work at the end of the day, removing papers, laptops and any work ‘stuff’ into another room (or put in a cupboard or basket out of view),” she says. “Then, change the lighting and light a candle to shift the atmosphere in the room and make it feel like a different space.”

5. Screens and digital clutter

As you may expect, screens in general are something professional organisers try to keep away from their bedrooms as much as possible. “In an ideal world, your phone wouldn’t be within arm’s reach of your bed. It’s all too easy to fall into late-night scrolling or early-morning checking. Even the charger cables can add to the sense of clutter,” Sue says.

Dr Zulqarnain Shah from SSP Health explains that from a biological standpoint, our screens can have an enormous impact on sleep and our nervous system, given how they can impact our circadian rhythm.

“Even if your phone is switched off from calls or notifications, it still acts as a cue that keeps your brain alert,” says Dr Shah. “Our minds associate the device with stimulation, work emails, social media, messages, and that’s enough to make it harder to unwind.”

6. 'Life admin'

Storing items related to all your ongoing life admin in your bedroom is also something most professional organisers would never do. “Bedrooms need to be a place to switch off, but paperwork – whether it’s bills, to-do lists or unopened post – will be an unwelcome distraction to a place of calm,” Catherine says.

‘Life admin’ items can really increase stress, Sue agrees; something none of us needs before bedtime. “Papers and lists and life admin items can create visual noise that your brain has to process - it helps if that’s not the last thing you see before you switch off and go to sleep.”

Items related to life admin can even make your bedroom more unhygienic. “Stacks of papers and books piled up around the bed make it difficult to keep the area clean and act as dust traps, which can be particularly aggravating for those with asthma or those who struggle with nighttime breathing,” Sue says.

When it comes to the best place to store all of your life admin, Catherine suggests, “I always recommend keeping paperwork in a dedicated home office area, or, if you don’t have that room, keep it stored in a simple filing system in a living space.”

7. 'Limbo' items

Professional organiser and founder at The Home Organisation, Laura Price, shares that one of the things she ensures that she keeps away from her own bedroom are what she calls ‘limbo items’ - e.g. items that are associated with your to-do list.

“Charity donations, paperwork, a cardigan that needs mending, a gift you're planning to return – bedrooms become the graveyard for these limbo items. They sit there for months, reminding you of things you need to do."

Not only can these items make your bedroom feel smaller and create internal stress about your 'mental load', but as with so many of the items in our list, they can also disrupt your sleep.

In order to deal with them, Laura explains that it’s best to acknowledge how awkward limbo items can be to properly place in your home. “In all honesty, there's no good place to put these things - you just need to make a decision,” she says. “Set aside twenty minutes, work through them, then get moving and either fix, return or donate them.”

Laura continues, “If you can't honestly say you're going to move each of these little 'projects' on right now, accept it's not going to happen and just get rid of them; in an environmentally safe way, of course.”

Decluttering a bedroom according to your preference is one thing, but knowing which items even the experts would recommend removing from this space (or never allowing in it at all) is quite another.

It seems like lots of people are opting for steam cleaners as a natural and thorough way to clean their homes. And one of the most popular options right now is the £30 Russell Hobbs Steam and Clean Lightweight Steam Mop. It's affordable and compact, but is it as good as more expensive models?

You've probably seen the Russell Hobbs Steam and Clean Lightweight Steam Mop celebrated as an impressive, affordable steam cleaner for anyone looking to elevate their cleaning toolkit. With similar models at twice (sometimes thrice) the price, we had to see how it would compare against the best steam cleaners our woman&home team has tested.

Our expert tester, Linda, has been cleaning her home from head to toe to find out whether the Russell Hobbs is up to the task and a genuinely good rival for the likes of VAX and Bissell. Here's what she found.

Russell Hobbs Steam and Clean Lightweight Steam Mop review

• RRP: £29.99
• Dimensions: 1,170 x 300 x 150 mm (H x W x D)
• Weight: 2.3kg
• Power: 1450 W
• Water tank capacity: 350ml
• Settings: Laminate, refresh carpets
• Warranty: 2 years (2nd year requires registration)

How we tested this steam mop

Before you find out all about what we found when testing this steam mop, it helps to know a little bit more about the person who tested it.

Who would the Russell Hobbs Steam and Clean Lightweight Steam Mop suit?

At £30, it's immediately obvious that the Russell Hobbs Steam and Clean Lightweight Steam Mop is a brilliant budget steam cleaner. It's svelte, pared-back and easy to store, so covers a lot of bases for small homes and small budgets alike.

Also, unlike some bulkier models this is ideal if you want to make cleaning sweat-free and simple. Our expert tester, Linda, explains that it "leaves the heavy lifting to the gym. Its genius lightweight design makes it easy to carry around the house. And it just glided over floors - instantly making our mop redundant."

As a steam cleaner, it also comes with the bonus of chemical-free cleaning. On the website, it claims to kill up to 99.9% of bacteria, so is a brilliant switch for anyone looking to take a more natural approach to keeping their home sparkling.

Unboxing the Russell Hobbs Steam and Clean Lightweight Steam Mop

Steam cleaners can come in bulky, heavy boxes, which is why it's important to celebrate when brands make a concerted effort to get it right. With a slim, fully recycled box, Linda was happy to give the Russell Hobbs a "big green tick" because everything could go in her recycling.

Alongside the mop, Russell Hobbs sends 2 microfibre pads, a carpet glider, cooling tray, filler cup, and the handle. It's a relatively pared-back array of extras, but that makes it easier to store and simple to set up too. Linda explained the process as "intuitive and a simple matter of slotting pieces together." She also noted that the accessories "earned their keep" as valuable extras that expanded the machine's versatility. Plus, it was still small enough to fit in Linda's "overflowing under the stairs cupboard," which is proof of just how conveniently compact it is.

What is the Russell Hobbs Steam and Clean Lightweight Steam Mop like to use?

In my book, cleaning needs to be a path of least resistance, otherwise you'll never do it. Linda is new to steam cleaners, but still found the Russell Hobbs Steam and Clean Mop "was very simple to set up". Once the pad is stuck on the base and the water filled (which has a bit of a nack), it will be ready to go. There are just two settings - on and off - which you can control with a dial.

Linda timed a 30 second heat up for the machine with a quiet hissing noise. This is incredibly quick, as some mops can take up to two minutes, so you can start cleaning really quickly.

Linda started her tests on her entrance hall tiles. She explains, "I have to come clean here (excuse the pun): I don’t think these tiles had been mopped since we moved into our home three years ago (although they had been vacuumed). This area is near the front door and gets a LOT of daily use." This means that there are lots of layers of stubborn dirt, but Linda noticed the tiles looking cleaner straight away.

After a few passes, the floor was sparkling. Even visitors commented and complimented the new shine in her entrance hall, which Linda describes as a "job well done." She did note that the 5m cord was a little limiting. She needed to keep plugging and unplugging as she moved around the house. "This isn’t a huge problem if you have an average-sized home," says Linda, "but if you’re blessed with long hallways or a large open-plan kitchen-diner, it could be something to consider. I opted for an extension cable in the end." There are plenty of other models that have 8-9m cords, so you don't always need to settle for the extension cord option if you're willing to shop around.

Linda moved onto her kitchen tiles, which pose a different problem. Whilst the kitchen gets plenty of cleaning, there are more spills, oils, and stubborn colours and sticky foods that find their way on the floor. However, Linda found that the Russell Hobbs "left the kitchen tiles gleaming - much more than with our usual mop. It was a far quicker job than mopping too. The floor was slightly wet afterwards but the drying time was similar to mopping."

There was one small caveat, which is that the rounded shape at the front doesn't quite reach into the corners under cupboards. I've seen this issue on similar steam mops before. It's often a compromise that comes with cheaper models and is easily rectified with a microfibre cloth. More expensive models might be better with crevices, but, of course they come with a price.

Linda wanted to test the Russell Hobbs on some wetter spills, so used it on water on the kitchen floor. She was impressed to see that the liquid was absorbed in "a reassuring plume of extra steam in seconds".

After 15 minutes, Linda needed to refill the mop. It's a shorter time frame than some more expensive mops, but Linda was happy to see this as a "fair trade off for making it lightweight". I'd also add that you can do a lot of mopping in fifteen minutes. Another part of maintenance is "the microfiber floor pads needed swapping after each room," however, Linda did note "our house has a high footfall with family, visitors and a rescue cat that uses the cat flap on repeat."

The final test was to fit the glider to freshen up Linda's living room carpet. Linda notes this is another high footfall area for humans and pets, but felt she "couldn’t actually see a huge difference from one clean, but that could be because the carpet is a grey colour." She tried it on thinner materials, which is where she noted greater difference. The IKEA entrance hall rug cleaned well with the mop. Linda "was pleasantly surprised that one steam clean was enough to lift some ground-in dirt - evident by the colour of the floor pad afterwards."

Reflecting on her experience, Linda noted that "a big win for me was the lightweight design," she loved the feel of how the "steam cleaner glides over floors with hardly any effort. Multi-tasking and cleaning the floor one-handed while chatting on the phone? No problem." This is enhanced by the fact that the mop only weighs 3 kg, which makes it easy to transport. Linda didn't struggle moving up and down stairs to tackle grime and grease throughout the house.

Cleaning and maintaining the Russell Hobbs Steam and Clean Lightweight Steam Mop

Whether your steam cleaner is effective or not, it's important that it's easy to clean too. Linda described it as "a doddle". The floor pads velcro off and can go into the washing machine, which is simple. Linda noted "the pads are thick but fairly quick to dry. And simply wipe down the main steam cleaner to freshen it up."

Linda added that "after numerous uses, the pads did start to go slightly out of shape at the corners. But this wouldn’t stop me buying the steam cleaner as it did such a fantastic overall job for the price - plus you can buy replacement pads online."

Should you buy the Russell Hobbs Steam and Clean Lightweight Steam Mop?

The perfect person to ask whether you should buy the Russell Hobbs Steam Clean Mop is Linda. She definitively said "I would 100% recommend this steam cleaner to a friend. It was lightweight, rapid at heating up, speedy to use, and easy to store and clean. It also uses absolutely no chemicals, which is something that I love as I’m on a mission to avoid as many hormone disrupters as possible."

If you're happy to have an extension lead and clean into the corners, you couldn't invest in a better budget steam cleaner.

Looking to keep your home cleaning quick, cheap and effective? These five kitchen cupboard essentials are just the thing for tackling your bedroom clean without splurging on overpriced sprays and pastes.

Between your daily cleaning habits and regular deep-clean routines, it's easy to burn through expensive cleaning sprays, pastes and tools. And although we're all for splurging on luxury cleaning products from time to time, using them every day can become pretty expensive.

Instead of restocking on overpriced products, carrying out expert cleaning hacks with the help of your kitchen cupboard finds. From baking soda to table salt, everything you need to clean your bedroom can be found in your home and won't cost you the earth.

5 surprising cupboard essentials that double up as cleaning agents

It can be all too tempting to hit your favourite supermarket and stock up on all the shiny new cleaning products to tackle your chores. However, that quickly becomes an expensive shopping trip and, quite frankly, an unnecessary one.

"Simple kitchen stables are natural, cost-effective and versatile and more often than not, work better than the commercial cleaners," points out Michael Bogoyavlensiky, cleaning expert and CEO of Cleaning Express, working with Comfybedss.

With that, here are the five common food cupboard products that double up as effective and affordable cleaning agents.

Baking soda

If you're not already in the know of all the things you can clean with baking soda, then you've been missing out. You can even use baking soda in your garden to create a cleaning paste for your tools.

“Baking soda works as a natural deodoriser and a mild abrasive, meaning it can scrub whatever needs scrubbing without scratching anything, as well as getting rid of any nasty odours," says Michael.

"When bedsheet-changing time comes, once you strip the bed, sprinkle baking soda over your mattress and leave for an hour before hoovering it all up. This should help get rid of any smells that’ve sunken through to the mattress,” he adds.

Just be cautious of things you can't clean with baking soda; it can sometimes be a little too harsh for some materials.

Coca-Cola

If you're lucky enough to have an en-suite in your bedroom, the popular soda Coca-Cola can help remove toilet stains without harsh chemicals.

"Separate from the bedroom, it’s also great for cleaning any metal taps and cleaning toilets. Pour around 250ml into the toilet bowl, leave it overnight and then flush it away. Your loo will be sparkling,” explains Michael.

“Another great product that can help lift stains is full-fat Coca-Cola. The acidity from the drink can help pull stains to the surface, so if you’ve had any spillages on any carpets, then you can dab this on, leave briefly and then blot it clean off with warm water," he adds.

Lemon Juice

Cleaning with lemons is a seriously underrated way to keep your home smelling fresh and hygienic without using chemicals or strong products.

“Lemon has natural acid that cuts through grease, will help kill any bacteria and will also leave a beautifully smelling citrus scent behind," Michael says.

"One way that you can incorporate lemon juice into your bedroom is by using it on your mirrors. Mix lemon juice with water and spray on mirrors and glass wardrobes for a streak-free shine. You can also use this on your windows, too,” he adds.

Similarly, you can clean with citric acid, an alternative to lemons that cuts out potential waste. More garnish left for your G&Ts that way!

White wine vinegar

Similar to baking soda, there are plenty of things you can clean in your home using white vinegar. However, you're probably more likely to have white wine vinegar on hand, which can be just as effective for cleaning.

“Another one that’s great for windows and limescale is white wine vinegar. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle for a natural and streak-free window cleaner. This spray can also be used on bedside surfaces and nightstands, too, as it’ll help kill any bacteria that are sitting on any surfaces," Michael states.

"Those gross yellow stains that everyone has in their pillows - nothing to be ashamed of, we all get them, but these can also be removed with white wine vinegar. Add a cup of white wine vinegar to your washing machine drum with your usual detergent, and it should help lift the yellowness,” he instructs.

Always remember to dilute your vinegar solution; not doing so can damage materials and will leave you with a pretty nasty smell.

Table salt

Some of the best cleaning hacks involve table salt, and it's something the majority of homeowners will have to hand. From cleaning wooden chopping boards to keeping dark clothes dark, it really is a wonder cleaning agent.

“Table salt isn’t just for seasoning your dinner; it can also be used as a gentle abrasive for cleaning in the bedroom," says Michael. "If you’ve got mug rings or watermarks on your bedside table, sprinkle a little salt onto the stain and rub gently with a damp cloth or mix it with lemon juice to create a natural scrub."

"The coarse texture lifts marks without damaging the surface. Salt is also handy for fresh carpet stains; just sprinkle it over any spilt liquid, let it absorb for 5–10 minutes, then vacuum or blot away to stop the stain from setting,” he suggests.

Again, be cautious with where you use this in your home; it can sometimes be a little too abrasive for some surfaces.

Shop reusable cleaning essentials

If you're looking to reduce the amount of chemicals and overall products you use in your home, we also recommend investing in one of the best steam cleaners. They make quick work of stubborn dirt and disinfect surfaces all with the power of steam.

Not all cleaning jobs are created equal. Sure, some are quick wins – a run of the vacuum or wipe of the worktop and, to quote the legend that is Barry Scott, 'Bang, the dirt is gone'. But others sit there, getting worse while silently taunting you to do something about them. Tile grout that’s gone from white to an indeterminate yellow-grey-brown; shower screens you can no longer see through; crusty hob tops and oven cavities. Little by little, shopping for one of the best steam cleaners becomes less of an indulgence and more of an emergency.

But fear not – the Vax Steam Fresh Total Home is built to handle a multitude of tasks, both easy and more challenging. On the surface, it’s your common-or-garden steam mop, but on closer inspection it's more of a cleaning Swiss Army knife. That's thanks to a removable handheld module, which you can arm to tackle grout, glass and much more using the array of attachments that comes with it.

There’s also the price tag, which certainly raised my eyebrows. Officially, the Steam Fresh costs £159.99, but it’s regularly discounted to under £100. Given everything it promises, that starts to sound like a bit of a bargain. So, does it actually deliver, or is it all just a lot of hot air? We put the Vax to the test…

Vax Steam Fresh Total Home review

• RRP: £159.99
• Dimensions: H116cm x W31cm x D30cm
• Weight: 4.63kg
• Power: 1400-1600W / 220-240V
• Water tank capacity: 0.3 litres (handheld) plus 0.39 litres (floor)
• Settings: Handheld or floor modes (variable steam power dial)
• Warranty: 2-year guarantee

Unboxing the Vax Steam Fresh Total Home

First impressions of the Vax Steam Fresh are excellent. It arrives packaged in a simple brown box. There's no inner plastic coated 'store display' box – just cardboard inserts that hold everything firmly in place, with just two plastic bags that protect the handle and main body of the machine. A small 250ml bottle of detergent and instruction manual sit on top, so you're able to start putting the cleaner together without needing to jump online.

As anyone who has read my previous reviews will know, I'm a fan of sustainable packaging wherever possible, and the Vax scored well here.

The two main things that struck me on unboxing the cleaner are how compact and lightweight it feels, and how many attachments there are. These are mostly housed in a drawstring bag so they won't get lost, but my first bit of advice before you hide them away is to use the manual to identify each one, so you can fully understand what the Steam Fresh is capable of.

In brief, you get a concentration nozzle, which allows you to pinpoint steam in handheld mode, various brushes and pads to target surfaces and grout, an 'Ergononic Hose' to target tight spots and awward corners and a window cleaning tool that looks a little like a squeegee.

There are also three floor cleaning pads (one extra tough and two regular), a carpet glider and a replacement hard water filter.

For anyone worried about long-term running costs, replacements are reassuringly well priced. The regular floor cleaning pads, for example, are £9.99 for two, while the hard water filters cost £14.99 for three. Vax recommends you change these every 3-6 months, or 2-4 months in hard water areas.

To construct the cleaner, you simply push the handle firmly into the body of the machine, and similarly push the body of the machine into the mop head. Both times you'll hear a satisfying click that indicates everything is in place correctly. I found this all very simple.

The handle is easily removed, too, via a release button at the connection point, meaning you can split it from the main body and stash the two parts easily without the need for a very tall cupboard.

There are two water tanks – one at the front of the cleaner above the mop head, which serves the handheld cleaner and takes water only, and the other behind a the base of the handle that takes water and Vax's cleaning solution. The latter is used in floor-cleaning mode. Both are easily detached by pinching the grey tabs on either side and then pulling the tank towards you.

Both are equally easy to fill (I liked to use a jug with a spout to make this simple) and didn't leak at all when turned to fit in place.

Who would the Vax Steam Fresh Total Home suit?

Due to its compact nature and multiple uses, the Vax Steam Fresh Total Home would suit small to medium-sized households, and those who like a thorough, clean on a variety of surfaces.

It's great for anyone trying to cut down on the use of chemicals in their routine, as the steam alone is powerful enough to remove all but the most ground in dirt, as you'll see. And as the cleaning pads are machine washable, upkeep is painless.

The use of hygienic steam without chemicals, in principle, makes the Vax a boon for pet owners. I will warn you, however, that you won't want to be using the Steam Fresh with pets or small children in the room, as its powerful steam shot can be close to a foot long. I'd also make sure you move your favourite plants out of the way, as their leaves might be singed by the hot-air blast.

The long 8m cord lets you move from room to room easily, and I can't emphasise how lightweight this model is – especially when compared to a beast like the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam. The only potential downside is that you will need to press down on the trigger continually to keep the steam coming. While this seems like common design sense, safety wise, and I found it no issue, a few customer reviews have mentioned that this is tricky if you have a lot of weakness in your hands. If that's the case, it's unlikely any steam cleaner will be right for you.

I'd personally recommend the Vax to almost anyone – in fact, as you read on you'll see I began to find it quite addictive!

What is the Vax Steam Fresh Total Home like to use?

Once you have familiarised yourself with all the parts, the Vax Steam Fresh is a doddle to use. As the heavy duty floor cleaning pad was already attached, I started in floor-cleaning mode. That meant loading filling both water tanks. One takes 50ml of detergent, which you add first to the line that's clearly marked out. Incidentally, you can buy a 1ltr bottle of Vax Steam Detergent, £5.99, at Amazon.

Testing on a tiled kitchen floor

Once the Vax is turned on, it's explained you'll need to wait around 30 seconds for the steam light to turn green and then you're ready to start mopping. In reality, this took less time – closer to 15 seconds – so you really aren't hanging around. Pressing the trigger releases the steam/detergent solution through the pad, and cleans the floor.

I found the heavy duty pad really effective at picking up grime. The floor looked pristine after my first pass. It leaves the floor slightly damp, but no where close to the sopping wet it gets when I use a mop. On a sunny day it was bone dry within 10 minutes.

I did a little test using a mix of ketchup, jam and coffee, allowing them to set in for a few minutes. As you can see, the Vax mopped up everything bar a little chunk of jam.

Another thing I loved about the Vax Steam Fresh was its triangular mop head. It's one of those small design choices that makes a big difference. Unlike the usual rectangular heads that you can attempt to run along edges, this one gets right in there, and the point lets you properly target and scrub at grime, rather than just nudging it about.

Testing on carpet

We tried the Vax out on my old spare bedroom carpet, which is due to be replaced and has a few deep-seated stains. It's fair to say the Steam Fresh won't deep clean a carpet – there's no vacuum function and no way of driving detergent deep into the pile. However, it can handle new spills and work to refresh carpets using the lemon-scented cleaning solution designed to be used with the cleaner.

We did try the Vax on some deeper stains but it did nothing to lift them. We then spilt a little tea and grabbed the cleaner to see if it could remove it before it caused a stain. it did a lovely job, with no trace of the tea left visible and a lovely lemon scent left in the air.

In conclusion, the Vax will deal with fresh carpet stains that haven't dried in. It can also lift odours from a carpet – another benefit for pet owners. But don't expect it to take out long-standing stains – for that, you'll need a dedicated carpet cleaner.

Testing on worktops and hob

Our next test for the Vax Steam Fresh was on my laminate worktop. I'd allowed some chilli to drop as I served it and let it dry in overnight. The next morning, I attached a combo of the concentration tool, flat surface tool, scrub pad attachment and a heavy duty micro pad, and got scrubbing.

Most of the dirt lifted on the very first pass, though a particularly stubborn piece took a more vigorous scrubbing before it lifted. But within a minute the countertop looked as good as new, with no scratching.

I moved on to my range cooker's enamel hob, which I'd allowed to gather dirt over a week's intense batch cooking – as you can see, it was pretty filthy by the time the Vax was put to work.

I generally take extra care when cleaning the enamel, as chemicals can cause damage. So I had everything crossed the steamer would work wonders. I wasn't disappointed. As you can see from the before and afters, it lifted the dirt a treat and left the hob spotless with not a drop of cleaning fluid in sight. I also tried it on the cast iron pan supports using just the concentration nozzle, and embedded grease and grime was blasted off a treat. I was amazed at its power and precision.

Testing on tiles

The next job we gave the trusty Vax was to spruce up the grout in our tired downstairs shower room, using the concentration nozzle in combination with the grout brush. We gave the Vax a pretty tough task, with grout that was dirty orange with patches of mould. As we plan to renovate this room shortly, we weren't expecting great things, but the Vax really impressed.

As you can see from the before and after shots, all the orange grime was lifted, and all but the most stubborn of mould spots was removed.

I’m still working my way through the full set of attachments, but overall, the Vax Steam Fresh has made a very strong impression. It’s not without its quirks. Some of the handheld tools take a bit of effort to push onto the concentration nozzle, and lining everything up with the little arrows can feel slightly fiddly at first. A few attachments can also twist into slightly awkward positions as they are added (the grout brush being a prime example), which takes a bit of working out.

That said, once everything clicks into place, the Vax is addictive to use. You’ll find yourself wandering from room to room, eyeing up bits of dirt just to see what the steam can do. And there is onboard storage for your plug and a few of the tools. Not all will fit though.

The floor mop head is a particular highlight, and the scrub pad attachments are excellent too, adding a bit of extra bite to the steam cleaning power. Using the Vax Steam Solution seemed to boost results further, helping lift stubborn dirt while leaving behind a fresh, lemony scent that makes the whole room feel cleaner.

There’s also a good amount of flexibility in the floorhead, making it easy to glide under low furniture like sofas when needed.

Cleaning the Vax Steam Fresh Total Home

Looking after the Vax Steam Fresh is pretty simple. As it's a simple mop rather than a steam-cleaning vacuum, there's no dirty water tank to deal with. I just made a point of rinsing out the clean tanks every so often.

The pads themselves are very easy to wash. They are attached with velcro quite tightly, so you might want to hold it down with your foot and then pull the steamer away to remove it. Then it's just a case of popping the pad in a washing machine at 40 degrees or lower. You can use detergent to clean the pad but avoid fabric conditioner or bleach. I popped it on a quick wash and here's the before and after.

The only other job you really have is to replace the hard water filter every few months. This is the only job I've really struggled with as the filter is packed tight and you really need to give it a yank to get it out. In the end, my husband had to do it for me and we worried we were going to break the machine. You are provided with a spare in the box for your first replacement.

Should you buy the Vax Steam Fresh Total Home?

In a word: yes. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Vax Steam Fresh Total Home, particularly if you can pick it up at a discount (it’s often around the £100 mark).

Its ability to shift really ground-in dirt from tiles and my hob's pan supports really blew me away. Add to that its lightweight design, low maintenance and quick heat-up time, and it seems far less hassle to grab for a quick clean than hauling out a traditional mop and bucket.

Replacement parts seem reasonable, and even the cleaning fluid can be picked up for a reasonable price. I like how easy it is to disassemble for storage, and the power it delivers. The only real downsides are the hard-to-remove filter and the slightly tricksy tools, but in general it's been a joy to live with.

If there is one spot around the home that everyday life can really take its toll, it has to be the flooring. Not only does it get trampled daily, but it is also subjected to heavy items of furniture, and even if you are a strictly shoes-off household, dust and dirt will inevitably settle on such a large surface area over time. In the case of a soft flooring such as carpet, keeping it looking pristine without knowing exactly how to deep clean carpet can be a tricky task.

In my own home, the living room is the only carpeted space on the ground floor, but given that this room is also the main route through to the rest of the house from the entrance hall, it soon looks as though it needs a good clean. Add to the mix a dog that seems to shed year-round and two teenagers who think nothing of traipsing through in muddy trainers, not to mention the open fire we light throughout the colder months – you can see why carpet cleaning is a necessity in our household.

In the past, we have called a professional carpet cleaner once a year to deep clean, but lately, given that it is just one room we are dealing with, I have been wondering whether this is a task I could tackle myself. I asked the experts for their thoughts – will the results be as good, or am I just wasting my time?

DIY carpet cleaning vs professional cleaning – which is better?

I feel pretty confident that I know how to clean a house, but I have always been amazed at the results our professional carpet cleaner achieves, watching with a mixture of fascination and mild disgust as the dirty water is sucked out and away. Without this specialist know-how and equipment, could I achieve the same results?

Michael Bogoyavlenskiy, CEO at Cleaning Express, thinks not. "The short answer is that DIY carpet cleaning won’t be able to achieve the same quality of results as a professional job. However, there are some caveats to this statement that, in my opinion, make DIY carpet cleaning the more sensible choice for most people."

However, Benjamin Hirst, director and owner of Smart Cleaning, feels that a DIY route can work in some cases. "With the right techniques and products, you can deep clean your carpets yourself, saving money while keeping them fresh."

With this in mind, I dug a little deeper, comparing the pros and cons of DIY carpet cleaning vs professional cleaning.

Can you save money cleaning your own carpets?

While it might seem like a no-brainer that cleaning your carpets yourself will be the cheaper route, there are actually a few factors to consider here – after all, the pros come equipped with everything they need to get the job done, whereas even if you are aware of the best cleaning hacks around, your own cleaning cupboard is unlikely to contain all the right tools for the job.

"First, let’s consider the cost and functionality of a carpet cleaning machine. You can pick up a decent option for less than £200," says Michael Bogoyavlenskiy. "While this might sound like a lot of money, you can expect to pay this and more for a thorough, professional carpet clean. In theory, your machine will pay for itself pretty quickly."

Carpet cleaning rates vary widely but, according to Checkatrade, the average price for a three-bedroom property is £250, making investing in a carpet cleaning machine a worthwhile investment.

Are domestic carpet cleaners as good as industrial machines?

Before you rush out to buy a carpet cleaner, it is important to realise that, similar to searching for the best vacuums, not all are created equal. Even at the top-end of the market, these machines may well not produce the same results as an industrial model your pro might come armed with.

"Domestic carpet cleaners aren’t as powerful as professional models, and you won’t have access to the same cleaning products," points out Michael Bogoyavlenskiy. "That said, a domestic machine with counter-rotating brushes and a decent detergent will do a good job. Make sure your carpet cleaner comes with a brush attachment and, ideally, a hoover-style attachment too. These will do pretty much any cleaning job you need.

"In terms of cleaning products, it’s up to you what you buy," continues Michael. "You can’t go wrong with HG Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner from Amazon – inexpensive and very good quality for the price. Failing that, something like Rug Doctor Carpet Detergent with SpotBlok will work well."

Shop carpet cleaning machines

How do you use a carpet cleaning machine for pro results?

If you do decide to buy or hire a carpet cleaner to deep clean your home, you should first familiarise yourself with the best techniques to make sure you are getting the most from it.

"There isn’t really a special technique for cleaning carpets other than to work methodically," explains Michael Bogoyavlenskiy. "Clean in straight lines up and down the room, and replace the water often.

"It is really important that you keep cleaning until the water is completely clear," continues Michael. "A professional might not do this, but good ones will. Sadly, you might find that some pros rush the job and just give each room a once over – by doing it yourself you could get a better result in this way."

What is the best way to clean a carpet by hand?

Of course, you don't have to use a carpet cleaning machine – in some cases, such as when tackling a single stain, good old-fashioned hand cleaning as part of your spring cleaning routine might be enough. Knowing the best techniques for this will not only ensure you get the results you are hoping for but also avoid damaging the carpet.

Benjamin Hirst has some useful tips here...

• "Before any wet cleaning, remove as much loose debris as possible with a vacuum. Vacuum slowly and in multiple directions to lift ground-in dirt – a sprinkling of bicarbonate of soda before vacuuming will help neutralise odours.
• "Dry carpet cleaning powder also works well," continues Benjamin. "Brush in, leave to absorb, then vacuum. For big stains, try steam cleaning to lift dirt and kill bacteria, but avoid this on wool or natural fibres."

The verdict – can DIY carpet cleaning produce the same results as professional?

It seems that this very much depends on the state of the carpet in the first place. If you are dealing with a fairly new carpet and have kept on top of maintenance, it might be unnecessary to bring in the pros. On the other hand, if you have ground-in stains or even wax in your carpet, taking on the task yourself might not be the best route.

"Deciding whether to clean your carpet yourself or hire a professional depends on its condition," picks up Jodie Hatton, design manager at Brintons. "Regular cleaning is essential to prevent long-term damage, but some stains may be too stubborn or large to tackle on your own. Professionals have access to more powerful equipment, allowing them to effectively remove deep dirt and difficult stains that standard home cleaning tools may struggle with.

"The key to effective, regular carpet maintenance is cleaning regularly and with a proper technique," continues Jodie. "Vacuum cleaning often is the most important thing you can do, and acting quickly on spills with a damp cloth is essential for preventing stains. Be sure to blot spills, as rubbing the carpet can 'burst' the pile, leading to carpet that looks fluffy and discoloured."

"Professional carpet cleaners certainly have their place," adds Michael Bogoyavlenskiy. "For example, when you’re moving home, or you haven’t had your carpets cleaned in years. But if you want something more regular and want the option of spot-treating stains, buying your own carpet cleaner is the right move."

FAQs

How often should you clean your carpets?

Even if you vacuum regularly as one of those daily habits to keep your house clean, having them deep-cleaned, whether you choose to do that yourself or call in a professional, will ensure they last longer and look fresher – but how often should this task be carried out?

"Professional cleans only need to happen once a year or so," says Michael Bogoyavlenskiy. "However, if you have your own carpet cleaner, consider doing it every 3-6 months. This will keep your carpets at a higher level of cleanliness and should mean you don’t need to call in the pros."

Jodie Hatton feels that, with proper maintenance, a professional clean might not be necessary at all. "Regular vacuuming and spot cleaning immediately after spills will go a long way in keeping your carpet looking its best. With proper, regular maintenance, there should be no need for a professional clean."

In some cases, even the professionals might not be able to get an old carpet looking fresh again, in which case it might be time to look into replacing the carpet altogether. While the average carpet will need to be replaced around every seven years, with proper maintenance, this can often be extended.

Should you replace your traditional mop with a steam cleaner? More specifically, should you replace your mop with the Vileda Steam Cleaner? If you want to get a deep, hygienic clean, our tests of the Vileda have given us proper clarity.

In our tests of the best steam cleaners, the Vileda was one of the ones that our experts were really excited to see results from. Affordable, slim, and nifty, it should be a simple cleaning accessory to help with spring cleaning and getting deep into dirt and debris.

So, if you've ever wondered "are steam cleaners worth it?" or if you fancy dipping a toe into the kind of cleaning techniques that experts swear by, you're in for a true treat with the Vileda.

Vileda Steam Plus Steam Cleaner review

• RRP: £74.99
• Dimensions: 122 x 27 x 20.5cm (HWL)
• Weight: 2.1kg
• Power: 1,550 watts
• Water tank capacity: 400ml
• Settings: three – MIN, MID and MAX
• Warranty: 2 years

How we test steam cleaners

Before we get into the details of this Vileda Steam Plus Steam Cleaner review, here's some backstory behind the person who tested this steam cleaner.

Who would the Vileda Steam Plus Steam Cleaner suit?

One of the reasons we were eager to test the Vileda Steam Plus is its reputation. Hailed as an essential for busy homes with hard floors, we wanted to give this a good test to find out who the Vileda Steam Plus would really suit (and whether it lives up to its reputation).

Carly, our expert tester was suitably impressed. "It's a cracking shout for households like mine where floors don't stay clean for more than ten minutes," she says "It’s perfect for homes with kids and pets where endless spillages happen and outdoor dirt regularly gets trodden inside. Even with my shoes-off-at-the-door rule, debris still builds ridiculously quickly, and being able to keep on top of it without having to fetch the mop from the garage makes it much less of a chore."

Carly found that the Vileda Steam Plus was particularly impressive on laminate and tiled floors (and less effective on carpets). She notes that the triangular head "doesn't quite deliver when it comes to fitting into corners.," she adds, " I found I had to use a cloth to get right in there, just like I would with a traditional mop."

Unboxing the Vileda Steam Plus Steam Cleaner

We always look at the packaging and delivery of steam cleaners, because this says a lot about the thought that a brand has put into the extra features. Carly found the Vileda Steam Plus Steam Cleaner on her doorstep in a "sturdy box, packed securely in three separate pieces."

We always look for recyclable, sustainable packaging, which the Vileda mostly delivers on. Whilst the packaging was minimal and sustainable, Carly notes that the instruction manual comes as 11 separate booklets, printed in multiple languages, which she says "feels like total overkill and a complete waste of paper given I’ve only consulted the manual once to check water levels and understand which settings were best for my different floor types, but nothing felt complicated or unclear."

The only accessories it comes with are two microfibre steam pads that attach easily to the base of the mop, plus a plastic guard that clips over the pad for use on carpets, which makes storage easy and simple.

What is the Vileda Steam Plus Steam Cleaner like to use?

When it comes to cleaning, first impressions count for a lot. Carly was instantly struck by the weight of the mop. "it's so light, which is reassuring for this not being another awkwardly heavy piece of cleaning kit (like I’ve had and hated before)." Carly loved that it was easy to hold and control, moving smoothly across different floor types. She also found the generous cord length helpful for roaming around the room without worrying about plugging and unplugging different devices.

She found the set-up was straightforward, adding "that says a lot, as I’m just not technical (or patient)." She found the small number of parts intuitive for slotting together to get it running: the steam pad attaches and the tank needs filling up, then fifteen seconds of heating up the water will have you ready to go. "Even eating toast," Carly says, "it was ready to go in about five minutes."

Carly put this to the test on a range of floor types, starting with laminate and tiled floors in the living room, hallway, playroom, kitchen and bathroom. She'd cleaned them using a traditional mop four days earlier but noted that the microfibre pad "was filthy" by the end of her clean-up. "It felt both impressive and disgusting seeing how deeply this had cleaned my home."

Carly found "everyday dirt lifted easily with a steady back-and-forth motion and not much pressure required. Laminate floors dried within five minutes, which helps in a high footfall house like mine where waiting (im)patiently for floors to dry often means soggy socks. Tiles took slightly longer to dry, but still faster than with a traditional mop."

Dirtier patches of floor require a cleaning knack, which Carly quickly finessed, She explains that "a second pass or hovering it over the affected area a little longer does the job."

Carly couldn't help comparing the whole experience with traditional mopping "it feels like a step forward. No trips to the garage, filling and emptying buckets, rinsing in dirty water, or wrestling a long handle and bucket through doorways. It’s faster, cleaner, and requires far less effort for a better outcome."

She added that "the only thing I really missed was the smell of disinfectant. Somehow the lack of fresh, clean-smelling detergent makes you question whether the mop is capable of killing germs, but the Vileda Steam Plus claims to kill 99.9% bacteria with high-temperature steam alone. I’ll take their word for it."

Having used this in a range of rooms and scenarios, Carly notes that this isn't noisy "it sounds a lot like an iron releasing steam." She also noted an impressive run time: "one tank allows me to get through the living room, hallway, playroom, kitchen-diner, and two bathrooms, with a little water remaining. The mop is super light, so carrying it up and downstairs doesn’t feel like a slog either"

Cleaning the Vileda Steam Plus Steam Cleaner

Thankfully, maintenance is minimal. Carly needed to clean the steam pad after use, but they're washing machine friendly, so wasy to pop in the wash. You'll also need to keep an eye on the water level, but that's very simple ad easy to do. Carly says "this low-key maintenance is my kind of vibe, and makes using it regularly (rather than weekly) achievable."

Importantly, the Vileda Steam Plus is easy to store. Carly noted that it doesn't need to be dismantled, so she can keep it under the stairs and then, when she needs it, she "grabs it from the understairs cupboard, stick on some tunes, and start mopping (bopping) away."

Should you buy the Vileda Steam Plus Steam Cleaner?

I put the question of whether you should buy the Vileda Steam Plus to Carly, after months of use and she was quick to answer. "I would recommend the Vileda Steam Plus, especially to busy mums who don’t have much time to commit to floor cleaning. Its strength lies in how easy it is to plug-and-play with minimal prep. It turns mammoth mopping sessions into a manageable weekly routine you don’t dread. Stick on some of your favourite bangers and off you go."

No matter how much you keep on top of your general housework routine, certain areas of the home often remain overlooked, and when left, they can slowly accumulate dirt and build up an unpleasant smell.

Whether you're utilising expert cleaning hacks in the kitchen or for bathroom chores, it's easy to forget common spots around your home, because they don't necessarily feel like they need cleaning. But that would be an error, because anything that collects dust, dirt or moisture can be detrimental to making your home smell good.

Here are a few of the most common places we all forget to clean, and why giving them a little attention can make a big difference.

9 areas you're neglecting to clean that are causing your house to smell

A home can look perfectly clean but still have a slightly unpleasant smell lingering in the background. More often than not, the culprit isn’t something obvious; it’s the everyday items and hidden spots we forget to clean.

According to ITV This Morning's resident cleaning expert Lynsey Crombie, these overlooked areas can quietly trap moisture, dust, crumbs and bacteria, which over time can create musty or stale smells around the house.

1. Thick pile rugs

I recently moved a thicker rug from the living room to the bedroom and while doing so noticed a slightly unpleasant aroma. Despite it being regularly vacuumed, it was clearly dirtier than it appeared. Turns out this is one of the prime places we forget to clean with enough frequency – it also falls prey to a common vacuuming mistake.

"Deep, thick rugs are lovely underfoot, but they’re also very good at trapping dust, crumbs and pet hair deep within the fibres," says Lynsey. "If they aren’t vacuumed thoroughly or aired out regularly, they can begin to develop a slightly musty smell.

A slow, methodical vacuum, ideally going over the rug in multiple directions, helps lift debris from deep within the pile. When possible, taking rugs outside for a good shake and letting them air in fresh air can also help refresh them."

2. Shoe Storage Areas

When it comes to creating a welcoming hallway, a bad smell doesn't make a good first impression. Despite keeping on top of mopping floors and brushing doormats reguarly there is another common area that we often forget to clean entirely.

"Hallway cupboards and shoe racks can kick up a stale smell, particularly during wet weather when shoes are damp," says Lynsey. "Airing shoes properly and sprinkling a little bicarbonate of soda inside them can help absorb odours. Even placing a few dry tea bags in shoe cupboards can help freshen the space."

3. Radiators

Radiators are undoubtedly the easiest place to overlook when doing chores, because cleaning radiators efficiently is a fiddly process.

"Radiators are rarely top of the cleaning list, but they collect a surprising amount of dust behind and inside the panels," Lynsey explains. "When the heating is switched on, that dust can circulate through the room and create a stale smell."

Using a radiator brush or even a hairdryer on a cool setting can help push the dust out from inside the radiator so it can be vacuumed away.

4. Dishcloths and Sponges

It was an old sponge that first alerted me to a nasty smell in my kitchen. Dishcloths and sponges are used constantly but are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning.

"Because they stay damp, they can hold on to bacteria, which quickly develop a sour smell," Lynsey explains. "Changing dishcloths daily and washing them regularly on a hot cycle helps keep them hygienic."

I have just purchased a rack to pop over the corner of the sink to ensure my sponges are aired, which should help to keep them smelling fresh.

5. Sofa Cushions

I now make a habit of removing the cushions more regularly to avoid any unwanted bits down the side of the sofa. "Sofas quietly collect crumbs, dust and even body oils over time," Lynsey explains, rather grimly. "These can build up beneath cushions and within the fabric, sometimes creating a slightly stale smell."

"Removing cushions regularly and vacuuming underneath and between them helps keep sofas feeling fresh, while a light fabric refresher can give upholstery a quick boost."

6. Bath Mats

We should probably all be washing bath mats more frequently. Bath mats absorb moisture every day, making them a common source of damp odours in the bathroom.

"When they’re left unwashed for too long, mildew can quickly start to develop," Lynsey explains. "Washing bath mats weekly and ensuring they dry properly between uses can help keep them fresh and prevent that lingering damp scent."

7. The fridge door seal

While we might consider cleaning the rubber seal on a washing machine, we might not always think of doing the same with the fridge – and yet with food particles at play, we really should.

"The rubber seals around fridge doors can easily trap crumbs, moisture and small food particles," Lynsey is quick to point out. "This hidden build-up, if left, can cause unpleasant odours.

A quick wipe with warm soapy water or white vinegar keeps the seals clean and helps prevent smells from developing."

8. Washing Machine and Dishwasher Filters

If your washing machine starts to smell less than fresh, the filter is often to blame because it accumulates all the leftover nasties after each wash.

"Filters collect lint, hair and small debris from each cycle, and if it’s not cleaned regularly, it can begin to smell," agrees Lynsey. "Giving the filter a quick clean every couple of weeks and occasionally running a hot empty cycle can help keep the machine fresh."

9. Drains and Plugholes

I guess less surprising, but definitely one that very quickly becomes unbearably bad-smelling is a sink, particularly in kitchens. Despite being careful of the things you should never pour down a kitchen sink, you can still incur a slow buildup that starts to smell.

"Kitchen and bathroom drains are another hidden source of smells, often collecting soap residue, grease and food particles. A simple trick is to pour bicarbonate of soda followed by hot water down the drain to help break down build-up and keep things smelling fresh," advises Lynsey.

Her natural method for cleaning a kitchen sink drain is just one of the many effective ways of cleaning with baking soda.

And we didn't realise until we saw Nancy Birtwhistle's sink cleaning method that you can fully remove the plug in certain sink designs (namely Butler or Belfast sinks) to give it a thoroughly good clean.

Another huge culprit for nasty smells in the house, but not a remotely surprising one, is bins, particularly kitchen bins. Even when bin bags are changed regularly, spills and crumbs can still collect at the bottom of the bin or underneath it. Very quickly, this can create unpleasant odours in the kitchen.

"A quick wipe inside and around the bin with antibacterial cleaner, followed by a sprinkle of bicarbonate of soda at the bottom, can help absorb lingering smells," Lynsey adds to finish.

The Dunelm Steam Mop promises simple, chemical-free affordable cleaning. At just £35, it undercuts most of the market while still offering an impressive 11 attachments. This, naturally, raises the question: is it too good to be true?

To find out, we tested it against some of the best steam cleaners from big-name brands. We sent it to Samantha, one of our trusted expert testers, who used it to give her home a deep clean, testing how well the Dunelm Steam Mop works across multiple floor types on some of the most stubborn stains and dirt.

So, if you're looking to deep clean your home without overhauling your daily cleaning habits, this could be a smart, budget-friendly upgrade. Here’s everything you need to know before you add the Dunelm Steam Mop to your routine.

Dunelm Steam Mop review

• RRP: £35
• Dimensions: L 103cm W14cm D 15cm
• Power: 1500 watts
• Water tank capacity: 330ml
• Settings: Two
• Warranty: One year

How we tested the Dunelm Steam Mop

This steam mop was put to the test by Samantha Priestly, a member of our tester network. Here's a little more about her.

Who would the Dunelm Steam Mop suit?

If you want a steam cleaner that gets the job done without draining your bank account or your energy, this is an easy buy. At just £35, the Dunelm Steam Mop is one of the most affordable options we've tested and the fact that it comes with 11 attachments makes it even better value. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to try steam cleaning for the first time, or simply doesn’t want to spend hundreds on a bulky machine.

It’s also a brilliant fit for multi-level homes. Samantha, our tester, lives in a four-story house and found the lightweight design made a real difference. “Carrying it up and down the stairs was easy,” she says. “It’s so light and takes no effort at all.” She also highlighted the long power cable, which gives you the freedom to move from room to room without constantly switching sockets.

Unboxing the Dunelm Steam Mop

We always assess packaging carefully, and the Dunelm Steam Mop strikes a good balance between protection and sustainability. Samantha noted that it arrived securely packaged in a simple box, without excessive wrapping. “I like this approach,” she says. “It saves on unnecessary packaging and, whilst the mop itself and the handle were wrapped in plastic, everything else was cardboard, which is great for recycling.”

Inside, you’ll find a generous selection of attachments: a carpet glider, scraper nozzle, upholstery or window cloth, detail nozzle, small plastic brush, and a grout brush. There’s also a spare microfibre pad, which is a useful addition, especially since replacements aren’t widely sold by Dunelm.

From box to set-up, it took Samantha just a few minutes. While instructions are included, she found the process intuitive enough to skip them altogether, describing it as “easy and intuitive.”

What is the Dunelm Steam Mop like to use?

If you want the quick summary: Samantha was impressed with the Dunelm Steam Mop. It leans heavily into convenient cleaning across the board and that starts with its lightweight build.

Samantha found it easy to carry around the house and particularly liked the handheld mode, where she could clean comfortably with one hand. “It’s so light it takes no effort to move it around,” she says, “which really took the elbow grease out of cleaning.” That ease of movement makes a noticeable difference, especially for longer cleaning sessions or when switching between rooms.

To start steam cleaning, you only need to fill the water tank by unscrewing the cap and pouring directly in, then use the dial control to adjust the steam level from low to high. Once the power light turns green, you’re ready to go. This is one of the more straightforward steam mop set-ups, especially because it doesn't use any chemicals or different levels.

While Dunelm suggests a 30-second heat-up time, Samantha found it took closer to a minute, which is fairly typical for steam mops at this price point. Once ready, it delivers around 15 minutes of continuous steam, which she found was enough to get through her regular cleaning routine, but might need to be used in rotation with another cleaning task if you're doing a deep overhaul of your cleaning.

One of the other elements of the Dunelm Steam Cleaner that we love is how quiet it is. “The only sound it makes is the steam whooshing,” Samantha told us, so it wasn't disruptive or difficult with other people in the home.

Performance-wise, it handled hard floors particularly well. “I usually mop my laminate floor, which can be damaged over time,” she explains, “but this steam mop did the job just as well without the risk of ruining the surface.” It’s a great example of how steam can clean effectively without relying on harsh chemicals or excess water.

Cleaning the carpets required a little more effort though. Samantha found she needed to go over them a few times and refill the tank before seeing a noticeable difference. That’s not unusual for a steam mop, but it’s worth noting if carpets are your main focus.

Cleaning and maintaining the Dunelm Steam Mop

Cleaning the Dunelm Steam Mop clean is incredibly low-effort. Because you’re mostly using it on floors and sealed surfaces, Samantha found it only needed a quick wipe down after use. “Cleaning floors and bathrooms doesn’t create much mess,” she says, so maintenance never felt like a chore.

The microfibre cloths are machine washable, which makes ongoing use easy and cost-effective. However, sourcing replacements takes a little more effort. “The microfibre cloths aren’t sold by Dunelm and I couldn’t find them on sale anywhere,” Samantha noted. She did find alternatives online, but recommends double-checking sizing before you buy.

One extra tip that Samantha offers is using filtered water. She pointed out that this can help prevent limescale build-up over time, especially important, as Dunelm advises against using descaler inside the tank.

Should you buy the Dunelm Steam Mop?

So, should you buy the Dunelm Steam Mop? According to Samantha, it’s an easy yes. “It’s versatile and covers a range of cleaning jobs in the home at an affordable price,” she says. “It’s easy to use and lightweight, even with the different attachments.”

This isn’t a heavy-duty, industrial-grade machine, but it does a brilliant job of bringing chemical-free, steam cleaning into your home without breaking the bank. If you want something simple, effective, and surprisingly capable for the price, this is a small but mighty addition to your cleaning cupboard.

How we test steam cleaners

At woman&home, we have a series of tests that we put every steam cleaner through to get a good idea of what each model is like to use. We talk about all elements, from unboxing and the extra accessories that come with the mop, through to how it performs on different surfaces around the home. We like to cover cleaning the steam mop too, because how you clean the products that you use to clean matters too. After that, we'll take a step back and compare it to other models to see whether it's good value for money and who it would suit. By the end of the review, you should know whether it's the right one for you. However, if you still have questions, don't hesitate to email me, or you can take a look at our dedicated page for how we test steam cleaners.

There comes a point in every home when a standard mop and bucket just don’t cut it anymore. Whether it’s muddy paw prints, mystery kitchen spills, or that one patch of floor that never quite looks clean no matter how hard you try, shopping for one of the best steam cleaners is the obvious next step. Heat, power, and the promise of actually lifting dirt rather than just pushing it around – what’s not to like?

Enter the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Pet, a machine that aims to go further. Not only does it harness the deep-cleaning power of steam, but it also doubles as a full-strength, corded vacuum. In theory, that means no more dragging out multiple appliances or doing the classic “vacuum first, mop later” routine that somehow becomes a full afternoon’s work. It’s an all-in-one solution designed for busy households, particularly those with pets, children, messy adults, or all of the above.

I don't know about you, but I've got to the point where reliability tends to trump gimmicks, and given Bissell's brand reputation for getting the job done properly, I was eager to put it to the test. Here's how I got on...

Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Pet Floor Cleaner review

• RRP: £340
• Dimensions: H111.8 x W27 x D25cm
• Weight: 5.67kg
• Power: 1100V
• Water tank capacity: 1 litre
• Settings: 3 cleaning modes (SteamWash, xArea Rug and Hard Floor Mode) plus self-cleaning function
• Warranty: 2-year guarantee

Unboxing Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Pet

The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Pet didn't arrive with much fanfare: there was no extra outer shipping box, just its retail box wrapped in plastic. Now normally, that would be an instant gripe for me as someone trying to cut down on single-use packaging. But, in fairness, it was pouring with rain on delivery day, and that plastic layer probably saved the machine from arriving sad and soggy.

Digging into the box, you'll find the main body, handle, water tanks, and a rather sizeable stand. There are no extra tools or nozzles that you might find with handheld-floor cleaning hybrids. The Hydrosteam also comes with two bottles of solution: one pet-safe cleaner for your floors, and one for cleaning the machine itself. And although this is suitable for use on area rugs, there's no carpet glider.

The stand, in particular, raises a few questions at first glance – it’s bulkier than expected, with an extra side section that seem designed for storage (and, *spoiler alert*, I never got to the bottom of what those compartments were for). Still, everything feels well packed and protected, which inspires confidence right out of the gate.

Who would the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Pet suit?

This is, to all intents and purposes, a workhorse, rather than a stunning Dyson or Shark. Like most steam cleaners, it's corded, but with 7.5m of spool the cable is plenty long enough to move around a large, medium-sized house.

Given its size and power, this cleaner is best suited to larger homes, ideally ones with a dedicated storage cupboard for it. You'll want to use it on expanses of tiles and vinyl, as it's most suitable for sealed surfaces. You're unlikely to want to lug it up or downstairs often given its weight, but it is handy for refreshing carpets on occasion.

The CrossWave HydroSteam Pet, as the name suggests, is perfect for pet owners and also ideal for anyone with a family – either in residence or visiting frequently – as it can deal with liquid spills and solid debris like cereal with ease.

It's less suited to smaller homes with limited storage space and predominantly wood floors. And as we keep emphasising, it's weighty, so if you aren't able to lift heavy objects, I'd give it a miss.

What is the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Pet like to use?

Functionally, the layout is intuitive. There are two water tanks – the 'dirty' tank positioned lower down at the front and a 'clean' tank that slots down into place higher up at the back . I gave the instructions a quick glance to make sure I was on the right track, as it can be confusing at first.

Controls are simple and accessible: a green trigger under the handle dispenses water and solution and it doesn't require much hand strength to operate. Near the top of the handle there's a power button, and a function button that cycles through three modes – SteamWash, Area Rug and Hard Floor Mode. As you change modes, illuminated icons on the cleaning head indicate what's been activated.

Testing on a tiled kitchen floor

Once it was first set up, I consulted the instruction manual to understand the measurements on the clean tank. The idea is that for light cleaning, you fill to the lower lines – first with water and then topping up with detergent. The instructions suggest using water up to 60 degrees C, as you'll get better results. So I filled from the hot tap after letting it run for a few seconds.

I first trialled the Bissell on my ceramic-tiled kitchen floor, which meant SteamWash setting was safe to use. At first, the steam icon will flash for about fifteen seconds as it gets up to temperature. As soon as it goes solid, you're ready to go.

So off we went, vacuuming and steaming simultaneously. My first impressions were hugely positive. The Crosswave is super-powerful and has a light to show the way as it cleans. Dirt was sucked up instantly: I threw a handful of cereal on the floor and it picked every last piece up .

For a chunky vacuum, it's got decent edge clean up, too, but don't expect it to get right up there. In our dirty bootroom, which is currently undergoing renovation, dried mud lifted right off quickly, but as you can see, you'll need another solution to get right next to walls and doors.

Back in the kitchen, next we threw down some liquid spills, including pesto, and then cranberry sauce and coffee, that we let sit for a couple of hours.

The fresh pesto disappeared instantly, with absolutely no residue after one pass. The cranberry sauce and coffee were picked up after a few swipes, but the Bissell couldn't touch the coffee that had run into the grout. I ended up having to scrub it out with some specialist cleaner and a toothbrush.

In conclusion, while the steam cleaning is very impressive, you do need a specialist tool to get into floor grout, and so I wouldn't particularly recommend the Bissell in this regard.

Testing on vinyl

I also tried the Bissell on the vinyl floor of our downstairs bathroom. If anything, it was even better here, picking up dirt quickly and with no grout to contend with.

The powerful suction meant it would cling to the floor and give a really intense steam clean. My only slight issue was when using the steam function it would occasionally throw out dirty water onto the floor. Of course you can quickly vacuum this up, but it was irritating.

Testing on carpet

My last big test of the Bissell was on my tired bedroom carpet, which is shortly to be removed but meant I could be pretty brutal in my stain testing. I again tested it with a fresh coffee spill, and as you can see, using the 'Area Rug' mode, it lifted the stain completely.

Generally, the Bissell was good at both vacuuming and refreshing in this mode, and while it will leave your carpet damp, it's not sodden and dries in around an hour. It won't totally remove old stains, but it did seem to lift them a little. Therefore, I'd say this won't replace a proper carpet cleaner and is more for immediate and quick clean ups.

As a vacuum, it picked up reasonably well, sucking up a few pieces of shredded paper and some fluff from clothes. On the downside, it did seem to drag balls of hair around and wasn't amazing at picking up deep-seated dust. In this regard, the Narwal robot cleaner I've tested recently did a better job.

Overall, I was really impressed with this, but I should warn you of a few niggles. The biggest is that it's heavy and noisy. Using a sound meter app, I measured it to be around 89dB most of the time while vacuuming on tiles and vinyl, and 88dB on carpet. Given many of the robot vacuums I'm testing are 74dB on their highest setting (yet still powerful and great at mopping), that's loud.

I did also have the occasional splutter of dirty water and the expense of using Bissell's own-brand detergents. You'll have to pay £23.99 for the Bissell Pet-Safe Solution from John Lewis. It's my main bugbear with these cleaners – that if you want to use detergent you'll need to use the manufacturer's recommended solution, or void the guarantee.

And of course, unlike a lot of steam cleaners, it doesn't have the tools to shoot steam at grout or into tight corner. However, I think the powerful vacuum, which negates the need for having two appliances, makes up for that.

Cleaning the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Pet

Removing the dirty water tank and emptying the Bissell is very straightforward. It’s simply a matter of pressing a catch, lifting out the lid (which is also a filter) and emptying the water down the sink. I didn’t struggle with reassembling it afterwards either. You might – like me – also have the odd problem when loading the fresh water/detergent tank. Sometimes water would start to leak out before I'd manage to lock it in place. If you're speedy though, it shouldn't happen.

If your Bissell needs a deeper clean, there’s a self-cleaning function. Again, this needs a special fluid (you get one bottle with your purchase) and pour this into the steamer tray, following instructions. The dirty water tank needs to be emptied and cleaned too and then you place the cleaner in its stand. Then, it takes around 35-40 seconds and will basically run the vacuum steamer at full power, drawing the cleaning fluid up through the roller into the dirty water tank.

After the first run, the roller still looked a little dirty, so I pressed the button again to repeat the process. Once done, the Bissell deemed itself to be clean enough – in other words, it refused to let me run the function a third time. The dirty tank was now filled with about an inch of dirty brown water to convince me the job was done.

The brush roller looked much cleaner, although I would still need to manually wash down its cover to remove a collection of muddy grime and hair. Given how everything – the roller, cover, the roller itself, the dirty water tank and its strainer and the filter – are all so simple to remove and replace, maintenance is a doddle. It's a five-out-of-five stars in this regard.

Should you buy the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Pet?

After a month living with the Bissell CrossWave Pet, I've been pretty impressed. It's great in terms of cleaning power and picking up those spillages quickly and efficiently, with no mess left behind. It's also brilliant at mopping up dried on mud near doorways, and sucks up large pieces of debris with no problem at all.

There is, of course, the elephant in the room: the price. The CrossWave HydroSteam pet is close to £400 at full price so it's a significant investment when compared to other steam cleaners. And as robot vacuum-mop hybrids improve, I'm increasingly tempted to spend my money there.

But for now, since such automative options cost double or more the price, the Bissell is a steady and sensible choice, particularly if you have a larger home, and are cleaning up after pets and/or little people.

Although there's no denying how satisfying a big, deep clean is, for most of us, there are just not enough hours in the week to tackle one. That's why when I spotted the Sunday reset trend, I immediately knew it'd be for me.

Whilst I try to keep up with my daily cleaning habits that keep my home clean and tidy, sometimes those smaller tasks don't really get the job done. That's when deep cleaning comes in, but when you're working all week and out socialising when Friday hits, where's the time to get it done? And don't get me started on how long it can take to declutter the house.

Thankfully, that's where the Sunday reset trend comes in. Initially starting as a small cleaning trend on social media, the Sunday reset trend has revolutionised modern cleaning routines, and it's quite simply saved my sanity.

What is the Sunday reset?

If you're up to date with the home cleaning trends, whether that's the 1-3-5 decluttering method or other expert cleaning hacks, you might've come across the Sunday reset.

At its core, it's a cleaning method performed on Sunday that aims to tackle all the rooms in your home, quickly and efficiently. It's not a deep clean, but it's also a little more than a light tidy. Think of it as the perfect weekly clean.

The real beauty of it, and why I've continued to stick to it, is the way it helps you prepare for another week. We usually associate Sundays with that pre-work week dread, but they can be a really relaxing, restorative day to get you in the right place to tackle the week ahead.

"Sunday resets are a popular trend on social media because they tap into universal themes of productivity, self-care, and preparation for the week ahead," explains professional home organiser, Elizabeth Wickes. "They also offer a mix of inspiration, practicality, and aesthetic enjoyment while addressing the common human desire to feel organised and in control."

Elizabeth points out the benefits of a Sunday reset, from reducing stress and feelings of being overwhelmed to creating a calm environment and supporting better sleep.

"A Sunday reset offers numerous benefits for your week ahead, helping you feel more organised, calm, and prepared," she adds.

How to achieve a Sunday reset

As with many cleaning routines, it's completely customisable to the time you have, your space and how much your home really needs cleaning.

However, there are steps you can follow to ensure you stick to the right amount of cleaning and don't fall into a deep cleaning hole instead.

Write a list

I don't know about you, but writing a list always keeps me on task and, more importantly, stops me from forgetting anything I need to get done. In the same way you might have a spring cleaning checklist or even a decluttering checklist, to-do lists help me stay on track during all the cleaning chaos.

My Sunday reset would be nothing without my lists, which I tend to organise in order of priority with bigger jobs like laundry at the top and smaller, but just as essential ones, like bathroom bin emptying at the bottom.

This is always when I'll put on one of my favourite playlists and make myself a tasty iced coffee to keep myself energised and hydrated. And if you want to start organised, get all your cleaning tools at the ready so you're not going back and forth between rooms and cupboards.

Start with laundry

Something I quickly picked up from every video showcasing this trend is that you need to work smarter, not harder. Which means getting your washing done whilst you tackle the different rooms in your house. So start with stripping the beds and getting your clothes divided into their colour groups.

The average washing machine cycle is around an hour. I find this is the perfect amount of time to challenge myself to see how much I can get done within that timeframe. I press the button and set off to get a specific task or room done before the machine starts beeping at me. You can do the same with the dryer.

If you're figuring out how to dry your clothes indoors without a dryer, then you can still time yourself with your favourite heated airer. Simply time yourself to when you need to flip the laundry over on the airer.

If you have a dishwasher, the same applies to the dishes; get them on asap, then you can put them away when you start tackling the kitchen clean-up.

Declutter and tidy

I'd recommend starting with a general tidy and declutter before you start cleaning any room. You'll be amazed by how much stuff is in the wrong room or simply needs throwing in the bin.

I use my Amazon laundry apron for this, and let me tell you, it's been a lifesaver for moving lots of small items around the house at once. By doing a quick scan before you tackle a specific room, you're not having to walk back and forth, upstairs and down, which I find disturbs my flow.

Doing this general pick-up also means that you can work faster when dusting and vacuuming, as all the surfaces and floors will be cleared of clutter. Again, smarter, not harder, that's the key to a Sunday reset.

Clean one room at a time

Time to divide and conquer. Like every step in this process, it's completely customisable as to how much you do and how deep a clean you want to do. I always make sure to get rid of the dust and put my best vacuum to work as a foundation, then anything on top of that is a bonus.

Of course, each room comes with its own tasks; cleaning the bathroom will no doubt take longer than your bedroom, but the kitchen may be the biggest challenge as it's the most used room in the house.

For the kitchen, start with cleaning the fridge and going through your food to make sure it's clear of anything expired. That way, when you do your weekly shop, you've got a clean, spacious fridge ready to be filled.

Create a relaxing ambience and plant ahead

Once all the cleaning is done and you're happy to call it a day, then it's time to enjoy your new clean space.

Personally, I love to get a long shower, light one of my best-scented candles and go over my calendar with a warm cup of tea by my side. This is also a perfect time to start planning and preparing for the week ahead.

Whether it's booking gym classes, creating your meal plan or writing shopping lists, getting it all done before the week begins means you've got less on your plate when the chaos starts.

After that? It's time to put on a box set and allow your body to relax and regroup.

Why is it good to clean a house on Sunday?

With so many professional tidying techniques to follow, it can be hard to pick the right one for you. However, if you're looking for that productive, fresh-start feel, cleaning your home on a Sunday is a good way to do it.

"You should build your clean routine around what works for you and your household!" starts Catherine Green, cleaning expert at sustainable cleaning brand Smol.

"For many, ‘resetting’ on a Sunday can reduce the amount of work that might need to be done throughout the coming week and clear away any clutter or mess that might have accumulated over the weekend," she adds.

"However, for others, the thought of spending any of the weekend on household cleaning sounds like a nightmare. For these people, instead of cramming all the cleaning into a single day, I recommend breaking it up into manageable daily chunks, spreading tasks across the week, such as vacuuming on one day, cleaning the bathroom on another, and focusing on deep-cleaning specific areas as needed. This prevents an overwhelming cleaning marathon while keeping your home consistently fresh," finishes Catherine.

Whether or not you love cleaning your home, finding the right way to suit you is the best way to ensure your home looks and feels its best.

If you're looking for other low-maintenance home tidying ideas, we'd recommend trying the snowball decluttering method. It helps you declutter in a more manageable way without that overwhelming feeling of a never-ending task.

This favourite from our archives has been fully reviewed and updated for 2026. It remains part of our "Best Of" collection, ensuring our readers always have access to our most trusted and relevant insights.

If the idea of decluttering your home from top to bottom fills you with dread, you're not alone. That's exactly why I was intrigued to try a softer approach with the 5-Day Clutter Shakedown decluttering method I stumbled across.

It's a simple but practical decluttering method, created by professional organising guru Dana K. White and widely praised for its no-fuss approach. Unlike all-or-nothing clear-outs that can feel more overwhelming than rewarding, it helps you make progress in smaller, more manageable steps. It's one of those tidying techniques that actually feels achievable, even on a busy schedule.

Rather than turning your house upside down, this approach encourages you to tackle one simple action at a time. Quick wins – like tossing obvious rubbish, returning items to their proper place, and setting aside donations – quickly add up. Before long, your home starts to feel calmer, more organised and ready for the new season.

Curious to see whether this step-by-step method could actually work in practice, I decided to give it a go myself. Read on to find out if a slower, more practical approach to decluttering your home can really deliver a spring reset – without the usual stress.

What is the 5-Day Clutter Shakedown decluttering method?

At first glance, I assumed the 5-Day Clutter Shakedown decluttering method involved blitzing your home over five long (and pretty exhausting) days. In reality, it doesn't mean doing everything in a single week – it's about following five simple steps that can be spread out over as much or as little time as you like.

The five steps are:

1. Start with trash: remove obvious rubbish or recyclables
2. Easy stuff: Put away anything that already has a home
3. Obvious donations: identify items in good condition that you no longer need and set them aside for charity
4. Ask yourself: 'If I needed this, where would I look for it?'
5. Apply the container concept: only keep as many items as your shelves, drawers, or boxes can comfortably hold

Decluttering expert Rebecca Crayford explains why this approach works so well for people like me, who lack the time and often feel daunted by the idea of a full-scale tidy.

"The idea is simple: instead of emptying a whole space at once, you focus on one simple action at a time," Rebecca says. "You start with the obvious stuff – rubbish, things that already have a home, or items you know you don’t need – so you can make progress without creating a bigger mess."

Hester Van Hien, home decluttering and organising consultant and founder of Tidylicious, who trained with Japanese tidying expert Marie Kondo, echoes this.

"People often don't know where to start and how to tackle decluttering their home," she says. "Breaking the decluttering process down into smaller steps can make it feel more manageable, because you're not tackling the whole project in one go.

"A multi-step approach doesn't just show you how and where to start, but also how to continue, which keeps the momentum going."

Trying the 5-Day Clutter Shakedown decluttering method

Armed with the experts' advice, I decided to test the 5-Day Clutter Shakedown decluttering method in one room first, which felt more realistic (not to mention less overwhelming) than sorting through the whole house at once. I set aside a couple of uninterrupted hours to see how much progress I could make in a single session.

Organising my kitchen has always felt like a constant battle, so I knew starting here would be a good test, and would hopefully motivate me to declutter other areas of my home if I tackled this first. I won't lie, it had become a jumble of utensils, appliances, stray papers and random odds and ends.

Hester recommends sorting everything into categories first, such as utensils, gadgets, paperwork, and recycling. "During the categorising, if you can make any quick and easy decisions about items that can go in the bin or to charity, action this straight away," she told me.

Following that guidance, I used clear storage boxes to group my kitchen clutter into categories, immediately throwing out anything that was broken or expired. Seeing that first pile disappear felt surprisingly satisfying, and what's more, it didn't take nearly as long as I'd expected.

And as Rebecca points out, removing obvious donations can feel surprisingly freeing – passing on items I no longer use helped clear space quickly, without any guilt.

Even tackling one room like this made me feel like I was building daily habits to keep my house tidy – small actions that made the space feel calmer straight away.

Next, I focused on returning anything that already had a home. Deciding where things belonged before putting them away helped me stay focused on the kitchen, rather than getting distracted in other rooms. Stray utensils went back into drawers, and appliances were returned to the correct cupboards, and I used drawer dividers to help keep smaller items neatly separated and easier to find.

For everything left without a designated spot, I asked myself "If I needed this, where would I look for it?" It's such a simple question, but it genuinely shifted how I organised things – and it made far more sense than the haphazard system I'd used before.

And finally, I applied the container concept, making sure the shelves, drawers and boxes I keep above my units, weren't overfilled. It forced me to be more decisive about what I actually needed. A set of old scales, and a couple of cookbooks I never used went into the donation pile.

By the end, the space felt so much calmer and easier to use. Focusing on a single room, with a step-by-step approach made the decluttering process feel manageable rather than overwhelming. It proved that even a short, focused session can make a real difference.

Verdict: Is the 5-Day Clutter Shakedown worth trying?

After putting the 5-Day Clutter Shakedown decluttering method to the test, my home (and my head!) feels noticeably calmer and lighter. Stripping decluttering back to basics, and focusing on small, practical actions rather than major clear-outs made it much easier to stick with.

What stood out most was how quickly the small wins add up. Simply clearing out rubbish, putting items back in their proper place, and setting aside things for charity felt surprisingly motivating.

That said, it's not a one-and-done solution. If you're hoping for a full home transformation in one weekend, this probably isn't the method for you. More structured approaches, like the 1-3-5 decluttering method or the one-category-at-a-time concept, may be better suited if you prefer a clearer plan or a more intensive reset.

For me, the next rooms I'll tackle are the bathroom and my bedroom, as they're both spaces which need more focus and careful decision-making. But knowing I can work through them in small bursts feels realistic and manageable.

Pro tip: Once you've sorted all items from the areas you're working on into categories, home decluttering expert Hester Van Hien advises putting all items that already have a home back where it belongs.

"I would only start doing this once you've categorised all items from the area that you're working on," she says. "Otherwise you might be making multiple trips up and down the stairs – it's better to preserve your energy and only make one trip up the stairs at the end."

Overall, this simple, flexible step-by-step approach is perfect for anyone looking for a low-pressure, practical way to keep clutter under control – especially if you're short on time or easily overwhelmed.

FAQs

What mistakes do people make with this method?

One common decluttering mistake with this method is letting container size dictate decisions. Professional organiser Hester Van Hien warns that this can lead to holding on to more than is necessary or letting go of more than you really want.

"You might keep those jumpers that you’re not particularly keen on, simply because there is still space in your wardrobe – which is a common mistake when it comes to wardrobe decluttering. Or you might end up parting with mugs you genuinely enjoy drinking from, simply because your kitchen cabinets are full," she says.

Who is the 5-Day Clutter Shakedown decluttering method best suited to?

"Methods that break decluttering down into small steps, like the 5-Day Clutter Shakedown, work really well for people who easily feel overwhelmed or only have small pockets of time," says professional organiser Rebecca Crayford.

It's flexible too – you can spread the steps out over days or weeks, making it easier to fit into a busy schedule while still achieving a noticeable reset.

Will you be giving the 5-Day Clutter Shakedown a try to reset your home this spring? Or do you have another go-to seasonal decluttering method?

As a mum of three, I'm no stranger to clutter – and even more so, the constant battle to keep it under control. Over the years, I've tried plenty of decluttering methods in a bid to find manageable, realistic ways to keep on top of everyday mess. So when I came across the Chaos Method, it immediately caught my attention.

Advice on decluttering your home usually promises calm, order and serenity - not chaos. But the Chaos Method takes a surprisingly different approach. Rather than sorting through everything one-category-at-a-time, the technique encourages you to empty everything out of a space at once, creating a temporary mess so you can see exactly what you're dealing with.

Always keen to try new home organisation ideas (especially ones that promise quick, effective results), I decided to put the Chaos Method to the test in my home's most clutter-prone areas. Having spent years navigating a hectic household, I thought, how hard can it be? What followed was indeed chaos...but some surprisingly satisfying results.

Below, I've broken down everything you need to know about the chaos decluttering method, including the benefits, and what it's actually like to put it into practice.

What is the Chaos Decluttering Method?

The chaos decluttering method was created and popularised by organiser Kim Jones of Lock & Key Home – though the concept may feel familiar if you've watched Stacey Solomon's Sort Your Life Out.

"The chaos decluttering method is essentially where you pull everything out of a space at once so you can see exactly what you’re dealing with before sorting through it and putting things back," explains professional home organiser, Rebecca Crayford.

Wondering where to start with the chaos decluttering method? Professional organiser, Shannon Murphy, recommends easing in gently rather than jumping straight into a huge space.

"Start by emptying something small, like a drawer, and gradually build up to larger areas such as a wardrobe or kitchen cupboards," she advises.

When you do tackle a space, Shannon suggests emptying it completely so you can clearly see everything you own, before sorting items into simple categories such as keep, donate, sell, or recycle.

"It’s also helpful to set a realistic time window and have bags or boxes ready beforehand so unwanted items can leave the space quickly. Finally, only return items that have a clear purpose or designated place," she adds.

What are the benefits of the Chaos Decluttering Method?

While the idea of emptying a space entirely can sound overwhelming, the chaos decluttering method offers surprisingly useful benefits.

Professional organiser Rebecca Crayford says seeing everything laid out at once makes it easier to spot duplicates, forgotten items, or things that no longer belong. "It’s also a good reminder that everything should have a home," she explains. "Batteries are a classic example, they often end up scattered across different drawers, when actually it saves so much time if they all live in one place. No more wasting precious minutes searching for them, or re-buying because you can’t find them."

Rebecca is even a fan of the approach herself – but she says the key is to focus on small, contained areas. "I use this approach myself, but usually only for small, contained areas like decluttering drawers or a smaller wardrobe."

However, she warns that trying to apply the method to larger spaces can quickly become overwhelming, particularly if you're already stretched for time. "Decluttering shouldn’t leave you feeling like your house has exploded!"

With Rebecca's advice in mind to start small, I was feeling motivated to declutter and ready to put the Chaos Method to the test.

Trying the Chaos Decluttering Method

I decided to tackle one of the most clutter-prone areas in my house: the kitchen. A few of the cupboards and drawers had slowly become catch-alls, the junk drawer overflowing, pots and pans had migrated to random corners, and the under-sink drawer had descended into complete chaos.

To tackle each space, I followed the core principles of the chaos decluttering method:

1. Choose a small, defined area: I started with the junk drawer
2. Empty everything out so I could see everything I had
3. Sort into simple categories, such as keep, donate, bin
4. Return only items with a clear purpose or home, removing anything unnecessary

I won't lie, pulling everything out of the drawer at once felt a little unnerving at first. But once I could see everything in front of me, it was much easier to spot duplicates, long-lost items, and things that clearly didn't belong there. Although it was only a small drawer, it was pretty crammed, so tackling it felt really satisfying – and to my surprise, it only took about 10 minutes.

Next, I repeated the process with my cookware drawer, pulling every single item out and separating them into the relevant keep, donate and bin piles.

The cupboards were a bigger challenge. I feel like I'm constantly battling to keep the kitchen cupboards organised, and I can't remember the last time I emptied them completely. Seeing each shelf cleared out and discovering expired tins, forgotten ingredients and random items I didn't even know I had was a little overwhelming – but I reminded myself to trust the process. In total, the cupboards took around half an hour to sort, which, although longer than the drawers, was still a manageable chunk of time.

By the end, even these clutter hotspots felt calmer and much easier to navigate, and it was rewarding to see everything organised from scratch.

My verdict: Should you try the Chaos Decluttering Method?

Would I recommend the chaos decluttering method? Absolutely – but with a few caveats. It can make a huge difference in highly cluttered areas, and there's something genuinely satisfying about seeing a drawer or cupboard transform from chaos to calm.

That said, if you're someone who struggles with a lot of mess, it might not be the decluttering method for you. For anyone trying it for the first time, I'd advise starting with a small, manageable area. Even just one drawer or a single shelf can create a sense of accomplishment and the confidence to tackle the next space.

Personally, now I've tried it and seen the results, I'll definitely be using it again, but only for small, contained areas. The thought of attempting my under-stairs cupboard this way makes me feel very nervous. And that's without thinking about just how time-consuming it would be.

Pro tip: Professional declutterer Rebecca Crayford says it’s important to think about timing. "One of the biggest mistakes I see is people pulling everything out of a cupboard when they’re already tired, short on time, or have people coming over later that day," she says. "Decluttering often takes longer than you expect, so it’s worth making sure you have enough time not just to sort things out, but to put everything back properly."

For me, the chaos decluttering method proved that making a temporary mess can really lead to a calmer, more organised space – as long as you start small and give yourself enough time to finish the job.

What mistakes do people make with this method?

One of the most common pitfalls when decluttering – whether you're trying the one-touch tidying rule or the 1-3-5 decluttering method – is taking on too much. The Chaos Method is no exception, either.

"One of the most common mistakes is taking on too large an area at once, which can quickly become exhausting and lead to decision fatigue," professional declutter Shannon Murphy says.

She also warns against pulling everything out of a space only to put most of it back without properly questioning whether it’s truly needed or wanted.

Who is the Chaos Decluttering Method best suited to?

This method is best suited to people who don’t feel overwhelmed by seeing a large number of items all in one place, and those who can dedicate more time to decluttering, says Shannon.

"I’d usually recommend it for people who have decluttered before and feel confident in their decision-making," she advises. "If someone is prone to getting bored or overwhelmed halfway through, there’s a higher risk they’ll stop before finishing and be left with an even bigger mess."

Will you be giving the chaos decluttering method a try? Or do you prefer a slower, more methodical approach to decluttering?

If condensation causes you consternation, I might have just the home gadget for you. It’s also handy if you spend far too long in the shower wielding a squeegee to keep your glass screens spotless (guilty), or if you’ve considered running a dehumidifier overnight just to keep your windows clear.

Once condensation starts collecting and your windows begin to mist up, it can quickly become a slippery slope into black mould, rotting window frames, or limescale building up on the shower screen. That’s where Beldray’s Cordless Window Vacuum comes in. It’s far cheaper than most of the best dehumidifiers, easier to use than many steam cleaners, and the results are instant. It's surely the only way to clean your windows.

So, if you’ve ever pondered over how to prevent condensation on windows or wondered “are window vacuums worth it?” or even found yourself asking “what actually is a window vacuum?”, I’ve put the Beldray Cordless Rechargeable Window Vacuum through its paces to find out.

Beldray Window Vacuum review

A window vacuum is almost exactly what the name suggests. It’s a handheld, squeegee-style appliance designed to remove condensation, water, and cleaning solution from smooth surfaces such as windows, mirrors, and shower screens. It's one of the most efficient cleaning hacks you'll ever come across.

The head features a rubber blade that glides across the surface, gathering moisture, while an internal vacuum mechanism simultaneously sucks the water into a small collection tank. The result is a surface that’s left dry, clear, and streak-free in a single pass.

I particularly love using mine to clear overnight condensation from my bedroom windows. It’s also brilliant when I’m drying laundry indoors and the glass starts to mist up. And if you have large panes of glass that show every speck of dust in bright sunlight, a quick sweep makes the room look as though the window cleaner has just been, without you having to book one.

Who would the Beldray Window vacuum suit?

There are plenty of window vacuums on the market, so why opt for the Beldray? For me, the first thing to mention is the price point. It’s undeniably one of the more affordable models available, and I think it offers fantastic value.

Nobody likes wasting money on cleaning gadgets that gather dust in a cupboard, but this is one that will help you to clean your home like a professional. This is a tool you’ll likely reach for every day, especially during the colder months, when condensation becomes a regular problem. Even if you only use it occasionally, it’s inexpensive enough that you won’t feel like you’ve overspent.

Compared with pricier models, including those from Kärcher, the Beldray delivers surprisingly strong suction and impressively streak-free results. The main difference lies in the finishes: it’s a little more plasticky and the motor is slightly noisier. In practical terms, though, it performs very similarly.

It’s cordless (as most window vacuums are), and the battery life is solid. Some users mention the water tank capacity as a limitation, but I didn’t find that to be the case in testing. Even when tackling my shower screen after a steamy bathroom session, it delivered consistently clear, streak-free results without filling the tank.

What is the Beldray Window Vacuum like to use?

When I test window vacuums, I look at several key performance factors: suction power, streak-free results, manoeuvrability, noise levels, weight, and battery life. I want to know that it will be the perfect aid when deep cleaning my home - and it passed the tests with flying colours.

The Beldray Window Vacuum is wonderfully simple to operate and breezed through my household tests with very little effort. There’s a single power button. Once switched on, the motor kicks into a steady whirr and the vacuum is ready to go. For best results, you keep the head upright and sweep across the glass in smooth horizontal passes.

My main test involved removing overnight condensation from bedroom windows, which is where I find these tools most useful. With a single pass, the Beldray Cordless Window Vacuum lifted the moisture cleanly off the glass, collecting it in the internal tank and leaving the surface clear almost instantly. It’s surprisingly satisfying to watch the condensation disappear and quickly became one of my daily cleaning habits for making my home sparkle.

I also tested it when drying laundry indoors, when humidity levels rise and windows tend to fog up quickly. Again, the suction was strong enough to remove the moisture in one sweep, preventing that damp film from sitting on the glass all day.

In the bathroom, I used Beldray Cordless Window Vacuum on a steamy shower screen and mirror, where water droplets and condensation can be stubborn. Even on heavily misted glass, the suction pulled away every last drop, leaving a noticeably streak-free finish. It’s far quicker than using a cloth or traditional squeegee. It's definitely an essential for cleaning the bathroom.

My only minor gripe is that the rubber blade doesn’t quite reach the extreme edges of the frame, so you can sometimes be left with a thin strip of moisture at the sides. A quick wipe with a microfibre cloth solves this easily, but it’s worth noting.

The water tank held more than I expected. I managed to complete my window, bathroom, and laundry tests without hitting the maximum capacity. When it did need emptying, the process was quick and mess-free.

Battery life is estimated at around 32 minutes, which is more than enough for most homes. In practice, I rarely came close to draining it during a cleaning session, you’re more likely to run out of surfaces before the battery runs out of power.

Window vacuums are one of the most underrated cleaning tools for achieving that professional, streak-free finish around the home.

The Beldray Cordless Window Vacuum proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get great results, whilst also preventing mould in your house. It removes condensation quickly, keeps shower screens clear, and helps prevent moisture lingering on your windows, all with minimal effort.

For such a small investment, it’s a surprisingly effective way to keep your glass surfaces spotless and give yourself a little extra peace of mind when your windows mist up.

We recently enjoyed a lovely catch-up with ITV's favourite cleaning expert, Iwan Carrington, aka Mr Carrington, to explore what habits he swears by to keep his house clean. He didn't hesitate to pinpoint the three main areas he focuses on, revealing a very quirky cleaning method that the w&h team has now adopted.

As the author of Clean in 15, an instant Sunday Times best-seller nonetheless, and a key member of the team on Stacey Solomon's Sort Your Life Out, there's no one better to get fast, efficient cleaning hacks from than Mr Carrington – and he certainly didn't disappoint.

Mr Carrington's tidy home tips: 3 quick & easy cleaning tips

When time is of the essence, carrying out a top-to-bottom house cleaning routine isn't always possible, especially for busy households. That's where Iwan's top tips for maintaining a spotlessly clean, decluttered home in less time can be a saviour.

Here are three habits he swears by to keep his house clean in no time...

• Having a multi-purpose product that you can use all over the home: "So I talk about making up a very simple spray with white vinegar and water and a dash of washing-up liquid in it that you can basically use everywhere," Iwan tells w&h. "You can use it on mirrors, radiators, kitchen surfaces, tables, high chairs, the lot. And so just by having that with a cloth to hand is a really good one. So it's basically just using a multi-purpose product like that. So whether you are going around cleaning, you can just use it everywhere."
• Tackling things immediately as they happen: "I'd say tackle accidents when they happen. So whether it's a spill, a pet accident, a stain, something that's been slopped down a kitchen cabinet, these are all things that if you just wipe them up and deal with them in the moment, they're so much easier [to clean] in that moment than waiting where things have solidified, soaked in further, burnt on, you know."
• Use a sock as a duster: " I use a sock on my hand for dusting. And actually, if you go on a little dust hunt, essentially with a sock on your hand, you can do the entire home. It can be a dry one, or it can be wrung out in some warm water, with a dash of washing-up liquid in it if you'd like to. And with that in your hand, you can just go around. You can do tops of door frames, tops of picture frames, surfaces, radiators, door handles, the little intricate bits on your doors, all of that. And get loads done. So, that's a really good one for maintaining the dust in your home."

Naturally, after learning of this new, quick and easy cleaning method, I immediately put it to the test. Turns out the sock idea is actually pretty handy (no pun intended) because it makes it easier to wipe your hand more freely over surfaces and catch all the dust.

Once you've finished dusting, you simply pop the sock in the laundry, and it's as good as new. Although I would suggest shaking it outside before washing if you are tackling very thick dust, because you don't want a build-up of debris in your washing machine.

Keep an eye out for more expert advice from Iwan, aka Mr Carrington as we chatted to him extensively about his favourite cleaning products and more – all featuring in an up and coming issue of woman&home.

Will you be giving any of his easy tips a try when tackling your big spring clean?

Until quite recently, if you wanted to give your hard floors a 'proper clean', there was only one thing to reach for – your trusty old mop and bucket. And for many, this remains the go-to option for eliminating muddy footprints, spilt drinks and sticky jam patches from kitchen floors. If it ain't broke, as the saying goes...

But the best steam cleaners now promise too much for us to ignore them. They claim to melt away grime using little more than tap water and without any backbreaking scrubbing. No bucket, no waiting for the kettle to boil, no wringing, slopping and sloshing, and no pond-deep puddles left behind. They vow to sanitise, refresh and generally make your floors look like new, all with little to no detergent.

But does high-temperature steam truly outshine good old-fashioned elbow grease, or is the mop still the unsung hero of everyday spills? Are steam cleaners really worth it? It's time to clear the floor and settle the matter with the help of three cleaning experts.

Steamer cleaner vs mop: Which is more hygienic?

We put this question to our experts, and all agreed that steam was more hygienic as a cleaning solution. "Traditional mopping relies on water, detergent and physical agitation to remove dirt, which works well for routine cleaning, while steam adds the benefit of heat-based hygiene," says Atit Chopra at Beldray.

"Steam cleaners are often considered more hygienic because they use high-temperature steam to sanitise surfaces, rather than relying solely on water and cleaning solution," Atit continues. "Steam is typically emitted at temperatures of around 100˚C at the nozzle, which is hot enough to kill common household bacteria and germs without the need for chemical disinfectants."

"Unlike mopping, which can spread dirty water around, steam cleaners use fresh water from an internal tank to produce hot steam, effectively sanitising a variety of surfaces to provide a reassuring, antibacterial clean," agrees Colton Faddis at Vax.

"Using a steam cleaner also has the additional benefit of a quick dry time once you are finished cleaning, helping to protect against the re-growth of bacteria," he adds. "This may not always be possible when using a mop and bucket." We found this to be a huge benefit while testing steam cleaners.

Karcher cites independent scientific tests by cleaning equipment experts on its website, which say: "when used properly on hard surfaces, steam cleaners can eliminate up to 9.999% of enveloped viruses (such as flu or coronavirus) and 99.99% of common household bacteria during cleaning."

And because steam particles are so teeny tiny, and are blasted out with such force, they can get into the nooks and crannies that mops and cloths can't.

However, we'd caveat that when you use a standard mop, you can use the sanitising chemicals of your choice, including disinfectants. Some steam cleaners will allow you to add anti-bacterial cleaning solutions to their water tanks, but you may be limited to the manufacturer's own-brand products, which are generally more expensive.

It's worth noting how excited we are to test the new DysonPencilWash Vacuum to see if you really can have the best of both worlds.

Steamer cleaner vs mop: Which is better at cleaning?

If you're looking at cleaning the house both quickly and properly, you will have two big concerns – cleaning power and budget. So let's start with cleaning power. And here, a steam cleaner undoubtedly comes out on top.

"A steam cleaner is more effective at breaking down stubborn grime. The combination of heat and moisture helps to soften dried-on spills, grease and sticky residues much faster than cold or warm water alone," says Atit.

"The microscopic steam particles penetrate porous surfaces and grout lines, which can be more difficult to reach with a standard mop. Because the steam is delivered under pressure, it helps dislodge dirt from textured flooring, tiles and sealed hard floors more efficiently, often reducing the need for repeated passes."

Another bonus of a steam cleaner is that, unlike mops, "Steam cleaners are ideal for those homes where the floors are sealed. Hard floors, including tiles, laminate and vinyl flooring can be cleaned with steam," says Colton. "Plus, steam cleaners may be used for cleaning carpets if lightly soiled. That said, for a deeper clean, we would recommend using a carpet cleaner."

Our edit of the best steam cleaners

Steamer cleaner vs mop: costs

After cleaning power, it's likely budget is going to be your next biggest consideration. And here, perhaps expectedly, mops win hands down. You can pick up a basic mop and bucket for £15 or less. That said, handy features like a pedal-operated spin feature that helps you wring the mop head are worth paying a little more for.

Even a decent budget steam cleaner will set you back £30 plus, and for an all-singing and dancing model (detachable handheld, oodles of tools or lots of power), you're looking at paying between £150 and £400.

Steamer cleaning vs mopping: how quickly can you start cleaning?

If you’re in a hurry and want to hit the floor fast, a mop will likely get you there first. Fill your bucket with water, throw in some detergent, wring out and get going. You could slow yourself down if you plan to use boiling water from the kettle, but otherwise, it's all pretty quick.

With a steam cleaner, you'll need to plug it in, fill the water tank, and then wait it until it produces steam. Depending on the model, that last step can take a few minutes.

But once you get going with a steam cleaner, you'll be able to clean on without any wringing out. As you're not exposing the cleaning pad to dirty water, it's also likely you'll have to change the water less often.

In conclusion, a mop might get you there a little bit faster, but will take longer to tackle the job. And if you find a steam cleaner that's quick to get going, it's a win-win. "A steam cleaner with a rapid heat-up time is perfect for busy homes," says Colton. "Our VAX Steam Fresh Total Home takes only 30 seconds to heat up and allows you to kill 99.9% of bacteria whilst cleaning."

Steamer cleaner vs mop: Which is easiest to use?

When it comes to ease of use, steam cleaners generally take the edge over traditional mopping, but any winner depends on what you mean by 'easy to use'.

Steam cleaners are straightforward to handle once you’re set up. You fill the tank with water (and maybe a drop of detergent if allowed), wait a few minutes for it to heat up, and then simply guide the machine over the floor.

There’s no need for buckets, wringing, scrubbing or dealing with dirty mop water. Plus, many models are lightweight and simple to manoeuvre. If lifting a heavy bucket of water to and from the sink is a struggle, a steam cleaner makes a lot of sense. Steam mops tend to be corded, so you don't need to worry about charging times, but they may be a little heavier to lug from their storage space.

Mopping is ultra-simple in concept: dip, wring, swish, repeat. But in practice, it can feel more labour-intensive. Carrying and emptying buckets, changing water when it gets grimy, and wringing out a heavy mop can be physically tiring and a bit messy. And if you like to use super-hot water, you may want to wait for the kettle to boil several times. Unless, that is, you have a boiling water tap.

"For steam cleaners, I love something lightweight with a good swivel head, so you can glide around the kitchen and hall without straining. I use it on days when I want a quick, hygienic refresh," says professional cleaner Lynsey Crombie.

"For manual mops, I’m a fan of microfibre flat mops," Lynsey adds. I pair them with my favourite floor cleaner, and they tackle grime like a pro. Plus, I can use them on any surface, including those tricky corners that steam cleaners just can’t reach."

Steamer cleaner vs mop: Which is more environmentally friendly?

Not surprisingly, our experts from both Beldray and Vax Steam cleaners believe their steamers provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cleaning methods.

"From an environmental perspective, steam cleaners primarily use water to clean and sanitise surfaces, which can significantly reduce the need for chemical floor cleaners and single-use plastic bottles," says Atit at Beldray.

"The amount of water used by a steam mop also tends to be less than what you would use with a mop and bucket," adds Colton. "This gives the added benefit of a quick dry time, meaning busy home life can resume in no time at all. Plus, with a traditional mop and bucket, dirty water and mess can be spread around which there is no need to worry about with a steam cleaner".

"In addition, steam cleaners tend to come with washable microfibre pads which are used to remove dirt and grime. As these can be reused, this reduces the amount of waste produced from alternatives such as disposable mop pads or kitchen roll."

But mops don't use any electricity and, if they have a metal or wooden handle, are more easily recycled. These days, even most manual mops come with replaceable parts so you don't need to replace the whole thing each time the head wears out. So it's maybe not as clean cut (excuse the pun) as you'd imagine.

Steamer cleaners vs mopping: What detergents can you use?

One of the joys of steam cleaners is that because the steam kills bacteria through its intensity of heat, you don't technically need anti-bacterial or industrial cleaning products. However, some people still like to use them, especially to make a room smell fresh. Which can be an issue.

"With steam cleaners, you’re often limited in what cleaning products you can use," says Lynsey Crombie. "Most recommend just water, or a tiny splash of a mild floor cleaner. If you love a specific floor detergent, you might find steam cleaning a bit restrictive."

If you decide to use a non-recommended detergent in your cleaner, you run the risk of voiding your guarantee, too.

"Manual mops give you freedom to use whatever cleaner works best for your floors from my go-to multi-surface sprays to those specialist floor solutions I swear by," says Lynsey.

Some steam cleaners do offer the option to combine the cleaning power of hot steam with a solution. "This can help to break down grease and grime more effectively than steam alone," says Colton. "Our VAX Citrus Burst Steam Cleaning Solution removes odours, leaving your home smelling fresh and hygienically clean." But do expect to pay more for them than an off-the-shelf supermarket option.

Are there any other ways that steam cleaners beat mops?

There are plenty if you ask Colton Faddis, Product Manager at VAX UK, especially if you buy one that can be converted into a handheld cleaner.

1. You can clean more surfaces with steam cleaners versus a mop

"A mop tends to be limited to mopping hard floors, whereas depending on the model you buy, a steam cleaner can be fitted with tools and attachments that increase its versatility in the home," says Colton. "These can be used to clean and kill bacteria on other types of surfaces, including bathroom and kitchen fittings and appliances."

"Cleaning pads should come with your steam cleaner as standard to steam clean hard floors and surfaces," he continues. "Some models will include heavier-duty cleaning pads for when you need to tackle dried-on stains and messes, and others can sometimes include a carpet glider to lightly refresh carpets and rugs.

If you want a versatile steam cleaner to clean more than just floors, look for models that include tools for cleaning upholstery, windows, tile grout and more. "You may find nozzles and hoses that can help you clean all manner of above-the-floor areas, such as removing smears from taps or the shower head, deep cleaning grime from inside the oven on top of the hob," says Colton.

Just be aware that there are certain things you should never use a steam cleaner on, before you get too carried away with your new gadget!

2. Steam cleaners are great if your have children and/or pets

"As steamers can be used with water alone, they are ideal for removing grime from floors and sanitising surfaces without the need for chemicals. This can be beneficial in homes where a family member or pet can be sensitive to chemicals," says Colton.

"Pet owners and those with young children may prefer to use a steam cleaner because there is no need to use detergent when using high temperature steam to remove dirt, sanitise highchairs and play areas,' says Colton. "This makes it safer for young children who can put toys and hands in their mouths."

3. You'll have less waiting around once cleaning is complete

"Another benefit of a steam cleaner is the faster drying time, due to controlled moisture release," says Atit. 'As well as the ability to neutralise odours by targeting the bacteria that cause them."

Steamer cleaner vs mop: The verdict

Before we suggest our winner, we'll let our experts give their opinion. "Honestly, it depends on what you’re cleaning," says Lynsey. "A steam mop is amazing for quick, hygienic cleaning, especially on hard floors like tile or sealed wood. The steam sanitises and lifts dirt without much effort, perfect if you’ve got kids, pets, or just don’t want to bend over scrubbing."

"I find a manual mop, on the other hand, more versatile. You can reach into awkward corners, under furniture, and control exactly how much elbow grease you use," she tells us. "For tough stains or sticky spills, nothing beats a manual mop. I often use both: steam for a speedy freshen-up and my trusty manual mop when I need that extra deep clean."

"Many households find that using both a mop for everyday cleaning and a steam cleaner for deeper sanitising offers the best of both worlds," adds Atit.

And that's what we'd suggest. While a steam cleaner is undoubtedly a time-saver and super hygienic, we'd always have a mop for those behind-the-loo cleans and 'just in case' scenarios. After all, what are you going to do if there's a power cut?!

This time of year always gives me the itch to declutter. As the days start to feel lighter (finally), the clutter I've blissfully ignored all winter - those overflowing toy baskets and a hallway full of bulky coats – suddenly feels far more obvious.

I'm always on the lookout for realistic home organisation ideas, so when I came across the one-category-at-a-time decluttering method, it felt like the perfect low-pressure way to channel seasonal motivation.

Rather than tackling an entire room in one go, the idea is to focus on one type of item at a time – Kids' books today, winter coats tomorrow, kitchen utensils the next day. This creates a structured but gentler way to declutter your home without the usual overwhelm. Among the many professional decluttering methods out there, this one stood out for how manageable it felt.

Keen to restore some calm in my home, I decided to test the one-category-at-a-time decluttering method. Read on to see how I got on when I tried it, and the expert tips I picked up along the way, if you're tempted to try it yourself.

What is the one-category-at-a-time decluttering method?

As you can probably guess from its name, the one-category-at-a-time decluttering method involves gathering like with like so you can see everything you own within a specific category before making decisions.

Unlike traditional room-by-room clear outs, it's one of several professional techniques to keep homes tidy that focuses on clarity before action.

"Instead of decluttering room-by-room, you focus on one clearly defined group of items," explain Ingrid Jansen and Lesley Spellman, founders of The Declutter Hub. "For example, all drinking glasses or all long-sleeved tops. By bringing items together from different areas of the home, you gain full oversight of what you have."

Many people are surprised by how many duplicates they have once everything is visible in one place, add Ingrid and Lesley. "This clarity makes decision-making far easier and more intentional."

"When using this method, you might work on several areas of your home at the same time, if items from the same category are not stored together in one place," adds Hester Van Hien, home decluttering and organising consultant, and founder of Tidylicious.

If you've dipped your toes into decluttering before, you've probably heard of the KonMari Method, developed by Japanese tidying expert Marie Kondo. "It's probably the most well-known one-category-at-a-time decluttering method," adds Hester. It focuses on sorting areas by type, rather than by room, helping you see exactly what you have and make more intentional decisions.

Where to start with the one-category-at-a-time decluttering method?

"The biggest or quickest wins really depend on the household, as everyone’s inventory is different," says Shannon Murphy, founder of Simpl Living Co.

Shannon suggests starting with an easy category, such as bathroom products, which tend to be contained spaces with practical items, not sentimental ones.

"For families, decluttering toys in a playroom can have a huge visual and mental impact; children can play more easily and feel less overstimulated when there are fewer options," she adds.

Trying the one-category-at-a-time decluttering method

When it came to putting the one-category-at-a-time decluttering method to the test, my instinct was to tackle the hallway full of coats, but after speaking to the experts, I parked the idea and started with a less emotional category instead.

"Kitchens are often a great place to begin because most decisions are practical rather than emotionally led," Ingrid and Lesley told me.

I'll admit, organising my kitchen drawers wasn't exactly at the top of my spring cleaning list, but it proved the perfect warm-up, and it didn't take longer than 10 minutes.

I don't consider myself a hoarder, but after emptying the cutlery drawer, the duplicates were impossible to ignore. I found extra pizza cutters, ten (yes, ten!) random straws, four bottle openers (I genuinely can't even remember the last time I used one), and a handful of rogue utensils that had crept in from other areas of the kitchen.

Seeing everything together made decisions surprisingly straightforward - and what I hadn't expected was that it highlighted the gaps too - namely, a serious shortage of teaspoons.

Feeling motivated to declutter other areas, I decided to put the one-category-at-a-time method on the mountain of winter coats. As a family of five, I knew we had a lot of coats between us, but it wasn't until I pulled everything out that the sheer volume hit me.

With Hester's advice to gather everything before deciding in my mind, I collated all the coats stored elsewhere - in the children's wardrobes, on the upstairs coat hook, and tucked away in corners. "Seeing the full picture of what you have often changes how you feel about keeping items," Hester pointed out.

To say I was shocked at the amount of coats would be putting it lightly – they practically covered my living room floor! There were duplicates I'd forgotten about, coats that hadn't seen the light of day in years, and a few that were long outgrown.

By the time I'd sorted, folded, and returned the keepers to the hallway, the transformation felt dramatic. The space felt calmer, more open, and surprisingly inviting to feel like a welcoming hallway once more.

I'm not exaggerating when I say the kids toys in my home seem to multiply overnight - it's one area I constantly struggle to keep on top of. Putting the one-category-at-a-time decluttering method into practice did leave me questioning if I'd been approaching it all wrong.

When I do attempt a clear-out, I tend to dive in and tackle everything at once. But as Ingrid and Lesley explained: "Vague categories lead to distraction and decision fatigue."

Focusing solely on my toddler's books - rather than the entire contents of the toy boxes and baskets - immediately made the task feel more manageable. Gathering them from her bedroom,, the living room, and even the car(!), was the most time-consuming - but seeing them all together made decisions straightforward and rewarding.

Verdict

Trying the one-category-at-a-time method was far easier - not to mention quicker - than I was expecting. The kitchen cutlery drawer, hallway of coats and kids' books all took no more than 15-20 minutes each.

The most time-consuming part was gathering items from the same category from different areas of the home, but it was worth it. Seeing everything in one space - something I'd never considered doing before - was surprisingly useful. And if I'm being completely honest, it was pretty eye-opening seeing just how many duplicates I'd accumulated..

The real win wasn't just the physical tidiness - it was the mental lift. As a family of five living in a three-bedroom home, I feel like I've found the ideal way to organise a small space. Breaking the categories down helped enormously; rather than attempting to tackle all of the kids' toy boxes at once, I separated them into books, games, soft toys, and so on. It made the process more manageable and far less daunting.

I'm yet to tackle the more sentimental areas - the kids' artwork, for example, but I'm hoping having everything in one place will make decision-making easier.

Pro tip: Professional declutterer Shannon Murphy recommends starting somewhere that feels achievable. "Tackling a category with a massive quantity of items first can feel overwhelming and might put you off continuing. It’s also wise to avoid areas with sentimental items at the beginning, as these tend to be more emotionally challenging to sort through," she says.

FAQs

Why does decluttering by category work better than by room?

Decluttering by category means dealing with all items in the same category in one go, rather than having to handle certain items several times," explains Hester Van Hien from Tidylicious.

For example, if shoes are stored in the bedroom, hallway, and under-the-stairs, a room-by-room approach means tackling shoes three times.

By gathering everything in one place first, you can properly assess what you own. "Letting go of items will become easier, because you can see that you’re still keeping enough," adds Hester.

It also makes comparison easier. "When similar items are together, it's simpler to identify your favourite and let go of the ones you only like so-so." By contrast, decluttering by room or area often leads to holding onto more than you need."

What mistakes do people make using the one-category-at-a-time decluttering method?

One of the biggest mistakes, according to The Declutter Hub's Ingrid and Lesley, is simply starting too big. The temptation to tackle large categories, or even multiple ones at once, can quickly undo the calm, focused nature of the method. "Ultimately veering towards aiming to complete a whole room quickly recreates overwhelm," they explain.

A lack of clarity around what you're decluttering can also slow progress. "Vague categories lead to distraction and decision fatigue."

Instead, the power of this method lies in keeping things small and specific. "Small, clearly defined categories create progress that feels achievable and that sense of achievement is what builds long-term decluttering confidence," say Ingrid and Lesley.

Will you be giving the one-category-at-a-time decluttering method a go? Or does it not suit your decluttering style? Take our quiz below to find out which method would better suit you...

I’ve never thought of cleaning products as beautiful. Functional? Absolutely. But aesthetic? Rarely. So, when Daylesford unveiled its latest launch, it made me reconsider my spring cleaning routine altogether. Perhaps, instead of rushing through it, we should romanticise our seasonal reset with some cleaning products that have been made to be admired as much as they are to be used.

After admiring my Daylesford discovery, I went down a rabbit hole of premium cleaning essentials that look refined on your countertop, whilst helping you to clean your home like a professional. And, as it turns out, there are plenty of everyday essentials that have been given luxurious upgrade by designer brands .

From Diptyque's refillable multi-surface spray (inspired by the ways that you can clean with vinegar) through to a Parisian alternative to trusty Pink Stuff, there are some really beautiful natural cleaning products that you can incorporate into any and every cleaning habit that you want to adopt. Many of these also champion biodegradable formulas, refill systems and B-Corp credentials: proof that high design and high standards can go hand in hand. That's the kind of cleaning I can employ myself to spring clean and get motivated for.

Luxury cleaning products that elevate the everyday

Whilst a bad workman blames their tools, a good one might thank them (as well as our handy spring cleaning tips). Whether that’s a refillable bottle of Diptyque multi-surface spray or the discreet reassurance of Aesop Post-Poo Drops waiting in the bathroom. When the tools are thoughtfully made, sustainably formulated and beautifully designed, the everyday task feels less like a chore.

If you’re craving a little motivation to start spring cleaning, or you simply want to romanticise a cleaning reset these are the elevated essentials that might just make you reach for the cloth with enthusiasm.

Are you frantically Googling “how to clean a burnt Le Creuset?” or whispering “can I use a scourer on cast iron?” into your phone like it’s a confession booth? We’ve all been there. Some of us (not naming names) have been there more than once and, yes, have furiously attacked a pale enamel interior in a moment of panic. The heartbreak of burning (and scratching) one of your favourite cast iron casserole dishes is one that I have been all too familiar with.

As a seasoned burner of food (occupational hazard when you test cookware for a living), I’ve refined a simple process on how to get burnt food off the bottom of your very best cast iron casserole dishes without leaving a single scratch. I don't use any harsh chemicals or expensive cleaners. So now, when I take my eye off things and burn a cast iron, there aren't any tears. Just me, making use of my simple method that respects the enamel and actually works.

My preferred approach uses nothing more than water and a wooden spoon. For extra stubborn burns, I’ve also used our genius tips on things that you can clean with a gentle baking soda paste. Between the two, I haven’t met a scorch mark I couldn’t shift and it works on cleaning cast iron skillets too. So let’s walk through it properly, calmly, methodically, and without reaching for the metal scourer.

Simple solutions for how to clean a burnt cast iron pot

The first method that we need to talk about is the one that never fails: water and a wooden spoon.

The first time I burnt food in a Le Creuset casserole, I was making dumplings. All was fine on the hob, but when it went into the oven to brown, I baked my dumplings to the base of my partner's treasured Le Creuset and things escalated quickly. What began as cosy comfort cooking turned into a stuck-on, caramelised disaster that had me worried I would be buying a new, pricy Le Creuset to replace the pot I had cremated. In my panic, I grabbed the wrong tool and paid the price with faint scratches across that beautiful enamel interior.

That was the last time I approached burnt cast iron emotionally instead of technically. Enamelled cast iron, like that used in pieces from Le Creuset, is durable but not indestructible. The enamel coating is essentially glass fused onto cast iron at extremely high temperatures. It’s non-porous, hygienic, and resistant to staining, but it does not respond well to aggressive abrasion. If you know how to clean and care for it properly, Le Creuset casserole dishes can be worth it, but you need to know what works when it comes to cleaning cast iron.

The moment you notice a burn, allow the pan to cool slightly, not stone cold, but not screaming hot either. Take a smooth wooden spoon and gently dislodge any loose debris. The key word here is gently. You’re not chiselling stone; you’re lifting softened residue.

Next, fill the casserole with enough hot water to completely submerge the burnt area, adding a couple of extra centimetres for good measure. If you can use freshly boiled water from the kettle, even better. Place the pot back on the hob and bring it to a steady boil.

This is where the magic happens. As the water heats, it begins to rehydrate and loosen the carbonised food particles. After about a minute of simmering, use your wooden spoon to nudge the burnt patches. You should feel them starting to release. Keep the boil gentle but consistent, and never allow the water to boil dry.

If needed, empty the water, refill with fresh hot water, and repeat. I normally run through about three to five cycles of this to get my cast iron clean, using a sponge at the sink to clean any residue that might stick to the side. Each cycle softens and lifts more residue.

For particularly stubborn areas, pop the lid on and let the trapped steam intensify the process for a few extra minutes. Steam is your ally; it penetrates the burnt layer and loosens it from beneath. It isn’t dramatic. It isn’t instant. But it works and, crucially, it protects the enamel surface.

I am that confident in this method that I re-burnt my cast iron casserole dish this weekend to show you just how well it works. You can see the cranberries black and carbonated on the base of my precious casserole dish and, yet, if you scroll through the images, you'll see the different stages of me lifting all the burnt cranberry up from the base of the lovely Le Creuset.

FAQs

Can I use baking soda to clean burnt cast iron?

When you need something stronger or you feel you need some better abrasion, you can bring in the baking soda. This is one of the best natural ways to deep clean your home: our team use it in all the places that you might need some gentle abrasion, whether that's cleaning your bathroom or giving your oven a deep clean too.

Occasionally, a burn is so deeply caramelised onto your cast iron casserole dish that water alone needs a little help. That’s when I turn to a baking soda paste. I'd recommend mixing baking soda with a small amount of water until you have a thick, spreadable consistency. Apply it directly to the affected area and leave it to sit for at least 20–30 minutes. Baking soda is mildly alkaline, which helps break down burnt-on food without scratching.

Using an old toothbrush or soft cloth, work the paste in small circular motions. The pressure should be light, think polishing, not scrubbing. You’re encouraging lift, not grinding the surface.

Rinse thoroughly and assess. If needed, repeat the process. I still swear by the boiling water method as my first line of defence, but the baking soda paste has rescued more than one “dumpling gate” situation in my kitchen.

What mistakes should I avoid when cleaning cast iron casserole dishes?

Avoid metal scourers, steel wool, and abrasive cream cleaners. Even if they don’t immediately leave visible scratches, they can dull the enamel over time. Likewise, avoid plunging a very hot cast iron pot straight into cold water. Thermal shock can cause the enamel to crack or craze. Patience is always kinder and far more effective.

Can I use a metal scourer on enamelled cast iron?

No. While enamelled cast iron is tough, metal scourers can scratch or dull the glass-like enamel surface. Even if scratches aren’t obvious immediately, repeated abrasion can damage the finish over time. Stick to wooden, silicone, or soft nylon tools.

Is it safe to boil water in my cast iron to loosen burnt food?

Yes, absolutely and it’s one of the safest methods. Gentle boiling helps rehydrate and release burnt-on residue without mechanical damage. Just make sure you don’t let the pot boil dry.

Why does food burn so badly in cast iron?

Cast iron retains heat exceptionally well. If your hob is too high or you haven’t used enough fat or liquid, the steady heat can quickly over-caramelise sugars and proteins. Lower, slower cooking often prevents heavy scorching.

Can I use baking soda on a Le Creuset casserole?

Yes. Baking soda is mildly abrasive but safe for enamel when used gently. Avoid harsh scrubbing and rinse thoroughly afterwards.

How do I prevent burns in the future?

Preheat gradually, avoid very high heat unless necessary, and deglaze the pan promptly if food begins sticking. Adding liquid early can prevent sugars and proteins from carbonising onto the enamel surface.

Burnt cast iron isn’t a disaster, even if it feels like one in the moment. With the right technique, even the most dramatic scorch marks can be lifted without harming that beautiful enamel interior.

The trick is restraint. Use heat and steam to do the heavy lifting. Let chemistry and patience work in your favour and keep the metal scourer firmly in the cupboard. Your cast iron will thank you. And so will anyone whose precious casserole you’ve borrowed.

There are so many ways to declutter a wardrobe nowadays, and it feels like we're constantly encouraged to let go of the items we no longer wear. So it's fair to say that when I heard about a new anti-decluttering trend, 'wardrobe editing,' my interest was instantly piqued.

'Wardrobe editing' is here to tell us that maybe we don't need to declutter our wardrobes. Instead, maybe we need to have a rejig and bring wardrobes up to speed with our current day-to-day living.

Intrigued? Me too. I'm a dedicated declutterer at this point, and I swear by many of the best professional decluttering methods for maintaining calm in my home. I was therefore keen to give 'wardrobe editing' a try to see if this wardrobe organising technique actually works.

What is wardrobe editing?

Where wardrobe decluttering is about letting go, wardrobe editing is about curation. The focus isn't on getting rid of items; it's on keeping and storing items that suit your lifestyle.

"Wardrobe editing is a shift from an overflowing wardrobe to a curated, seasonal approach," Max Wilson, co-founder of Pocket Storage, explains. "It is no longer simply about a one-off declutter or following the 'spark joy' rule; rather, it is the strategic, seasonal management of your clothing." Useful for 'decluttering' a wardrobe ahead of spring.

Most of our favourite decluttering techniques - from the 'didn't know' rule to the snowball declutter method - are about culling items in your closet to make more space. Wardrobe editing does involve creating more space, but it takes a very different approach.

"It's a gentler, smarter way to rethink your wardrobe," Sophia Lorimer, sustainable stylist and founder of Fine-Tuned Wardrobe, says. "You focus on pieces you love, wear often, and that align with your values, so getting dressed feels effortless and meaningful."

A big part of wardrobe editing is thinking seasonally, and prioritising items that you're currently wearing day to day. "Think of your dressing area like a high-end boutique, where the inventory is rotated to remain relevant to the current weather, your personal style and your lifestyle," Max suggests. "It’s about ensuring that every piece you see when you open your doors in the morning is a viable, confident choice for the day ahead."

I tried wardrobe editing - and have some thoughts to share

When it comes to decluttering my home, the wardrobe has always been my downfall. I love clothes, and I know I could probably find more efficient ways to store them - especially at this time of year, when bulky knitwear takes priority.

Having now tried wardrobe editing, I can confidently recommend it to anyone who wants to try a different approach to decluttering this year. It's helped me streamline my closet space and find new ways of storing clothes - ways that have made getting ready in the morning much easier.

How to try wardrobe editing

Wardrobe editing sounds useful, especially for people who find it overwhelming and want to make decluttering more manageable – but how does it work in practice?

"Begin by identifying your 'hibernation' pieces, those items that are physically bulky but offer zero utility for the coming months," Max suggests. "Once identified, these out-of-season garments should be moved into a dedicated 'archive' zone, whether that’s high-level shelving, under-bed storage or a secondary cupboard."

Then, Max suggests, you can apply a 'One-Year Review': "if an item wasn't worn during its relevant season last year, it should be considered for removal or repurposing. This ensures your primary wardrobe remains a functional, streamlined space rather than a historical record of past styles."

When editing a wardrobe, you might not even get rid of any items - though that can absolutely be a part of it, if certain clothes immediately stand out as no longer serving you. But the emphasis is on creating a practical closet space that works for you in your current day-to-day. It should make getting dressed in the morning much, much easier.

Wardrobe editing is also pretty much the opposite of the 'purging panic' approach, where we pull everything out of the wardrobe and haphazardly throw things into a donate pile. This is an easy decluttering mistake to make, and means we're more likely to regret letting go of things than we would with the considered, conscious approach of wardrobe editing.

My review of wardrobe editing: tried & tested

As someone who's put many decluttering methods to the test, I'm excited to try something different. Despite my attempts to cull the clutter in my wardrobe regularly, it still ends up feeling stuffed. Streamlining the space has been on my to-do list since Christmas, but I'm only just getting round to it - safe to say, I'm hoping that wardrobe editing can help.

At first, it feels strange not to automatically start thinking about what to get rid of. Instead, I take a step back and look at my wardrobe as a whole - I can instantly tell that I'm not wearing half the items hung up in there regularly. So, I can definitely create more room by finding better storage solutions for out-of-season wear.

This is where IKEA's space-savvy wardrobe solutions came in really handy. I transferred some items hanging in my wardrobe into my IKEA SKUBB storage case, which is roomy enough to store bulky items. Immediately, this made a huge difference, and there was a lot more vertical space in my wardrobe than before.

Knitwear is definitely a problem for me at this time of year. I seem to have collected way more jumpers and fleeces than I'm ever going to wear, so with the idea of curating a wardrobe that works for my current day-to-day, I decided to pull all my knitwear out of the wardrobe and put it on the floor.

You don't have to do this when editing a wardrobe. But it felt right for me, because I knew I needed to let at least a couple of pieces of knitwear go, and laying everything out in front of me was the surest way to do this.

My eye was naturally drawn to the jumpers I hadn't worn in over a year, so instead of finding an alternative storage solution, I decided to let go of these, applying the principles of the "didn't know' decluttering method.

In a way, wardrobe editing feels like a more mindful approach to decluttering – one where I'm not making snap decisions and second-guessing myself, because I'm actually taking the time to think everything through.

I think it would be especially helpful to try wardrobe editing as the seasons change, storing jumpers, etc. A big part of this method is finding alternative storage solutions for out-of-season wear, and I'm already thinking that I'll come back to this approach when spring finally gets here.

If you're currently storing all of your garments and accessories in one space, I'd highly recommend removing the items that aren't currently being used. It will make a world of difference to your closet space and instantly make everything feel less overwhelming.

That said, wardrobe editing might be easier said than done if you don't have alternative spaces to store your clothes. I was able to find room under the bed and in our secondary closet, but it helps to have a space in mind before starting the process.

Wardrobe editing essentials

Editing my wardrobe has made a big difference when getting ready in the morning, and equally, putting my clothes away at the end of each day. Where before I was fighting a battle to stuff everything back in there, I can now hang up items I've worn that day with ease. It's even made deciding what to wear for certain occasions easier, as I can easily see my current rotation of clothes at a glance.

In all, I'd definitely recommend giving wardrobe editing a try. Just don't let it put you off decluttering completely – there will always be a time and a place for letting go of items you no longer wear.

As you can imagine, in my job, I see a lot of vacuums. I hear about a lot of vacuums, and I do a lot of vacuuming. On my days off, I try not to think about cyclones, brush bars, and suction metrics. And yet, months after seeing the Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones in action, I still find myself thinking about it.

It won’t surprise you that Dyson, makers of some of the best vacuums on the market, have produced something genuinely disruptive here. The PencilVac is a design that you'll almost need to see, and push around yourself, to fully appreciate. Its form factor is radically slim: the handle diameter is closer to a hair styling tool than a vacuum (it genuinely uses the proportions of the Airwrap), and that ergonomic tube houses a compact but high-speed digital motor engineered for quick, responsive cleans.

What sets it apart in practice is the manoeuvrability. With near 360-degree articulation at the floorhead and an exceptionally low profile, it glides across hard floors with almost frictionless ease. The dual Fluffycones rollers are counter-rotating and designed to maintain continuous contact with the floor, which creates a smooth, self-propelling sensation. It feels less like pushing a vacuum and more like guiding it. Slim, svelte, and technically very clever, it’s hard not to be impressed. I'm calling it, this is one of the best Dyson vacuums of all time.

Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones Vacuum review

Who would the Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones Vacuum suit?

I won’t pretend this will replace your main vacuum, because it won’t. The bin capacity is deliberately small, and the runtime is optimised for short bursts rather than marathon cleans, but that’s not the point.

What the PencilVac offers is a distilled version of the Dyson experience: laser illumination to reveal fine dust on hard floors, responsive controls, and Dyson's fastest vacuum motor (it spins at up to 140,000rpm), all housed in a featherweight body. Crucially, it does this at a more accessible price point than many of Dyson’s flagship cordless models, making it feel like an attainable luxury.

It’s worth emphasising just how light and intuitive it feels in use. The comparison to a mop is apt: the handle is slim, the weight is evenly distributed, and the floorhead seems to float across the surface. That combination of flexible joint, dual soft rollers, and low overall mass makes it exceptionally convenient for quick, targeted cleaning sessions.

You'll see in our tests that the Dyson PencilVac really shifted the way that we cleaned. The light body, impressive power, reasonable run time, and simple magnetic stand made it easy to reach for when it came to quick, daily cleans. It's one of the lowest-maintenance, but best performing small vacuums you can buy.

Unboxing the Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones Vacuum

Dyson is typically meticulous about packaging, and the PencilVac is no exception. The outer box is compact, clearly labelled, and intuitively packed so that you can lift each component out without wrestling with cardboard. Most of the internal packaging is recyclable, although I did note a small amount of soft plastic wrapping around some components, less ideal from a sustainability standpoint than Dyson’s usual all-card approach.

Out of the box, the PencilVac looks pristine and almost architectural. In addition to the main wand and the Fluffycones floorhead, you get the battery, charger, magnetic stand, and a crevice tool. The stand is particularly well considered: it’s slim, unobtrusive, and magnetically cradles the vacuum so it charges while stored. It's a great break from the wall docks that aren't as friendly for renters or people who are precious about their walls .

Assembly is minimal too. The wand clicks securely into the main body with Dyson’s familiar positive-lock mechanism, and the floorhead attaches with a reassuring snap.

What is the Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones Vacuum like to use?

In my own tall, narrow home, the Dyson PencilVac FluffyCones Vacuum quickly became the vacuum we reached for most. At just a few kilograms, it’s effortless to carry between floors. The balance point sits comfortably in the hand, so your wrist doesn’t feel strained, even during extended use. And because it’s so easy to grab from the stand, we naturally shifted to a “little and often” cleaning rhythm: tackling crumbs after dinner, hallway grit as it appears, and the inevitable scatter of debris by the back door.

My review sample arrived with a decent amount of charge, so I could start testing almost immediately. If yours doesn’t, the magnetic stand plugs into the mains and charges the battery while the vacuum is docked. A full charge takes a relatively short period (maximum 3.5 hours), and the LED indicator on the battery clearly communicates charging progress, which I always appreciate when assessing usability.

As part of my standardised testing process, I put every vacuum through the same series of trials. On hard flooring, I scatter a measured quantity of flour (to simulate fine dust), oats (for larger debris), and crushed cereal (to test bulk pickup).

Across the tests, I noted that the head design is particularly well suited to hard flooring. The flexible neck allows it to pivot around chair legs and table bases without that awkward lift-and-twist motion you often get with bulkier stick vacuums. The ultra-low profile means it slides under sofas and radiators with minimal clearance. Moreover, during testing, I was especially impressed by how effectively it pulled fine dust from the edges of skirting boards, an area many lightweight models struggle with due to limited edge suction.

The first test that I put the PencilVac through was on picking up 100g of flour and sugar from a range of floor types: hardwood, stone, carpets, linoleum, and slate. The Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones performed particularly well with fine debris, keeping close contact with the floor. As I rolled it over the patch of flour and sugar, I could see crisp, clean lines where this picked up every last grain (I weighed it at the end).

I was equally impressed on my cereal test, which is designed to emulate larger pieces of debris. I expected the smaller vacuum to struggle when it came to large oats and raisins, but I could see the fragments being whipped up from the floor and into the vacuum, without any scattering or ploughing. Granted, I did need to slow down on some occasions and run a few passes, but this was still one of the best performances that I've had from a vacuum.

I particularly loved (and want to admire) the laser illumination, which highlighted residual particles in real time. Across all the floor types and around the kitchen island and under sofas, this did a brilliant job of helping me to find large and small vacuuming tasks. It made me feel like I was getting a deeper, more thorough clean.

I also tested edge performance by running the head parallel to skirting boards and into tight corners. Thanks to the slim casing and close-set rollers, pickup along edges was strong, with minimal scatter. Noise levels were moderate: a high-pitched motor hum at around 65 dB, typical of Dyson’s digital motors, but not intrusive for short bursts of use.

I also like to see how vacuums tackle hair. It often gets tangled in rollers, creating a second cleaning task when you have to cut the tangled hair and remove the brush bar from your vacuum: not here.

The Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones has borrowed on the latest innovation (shown off last year by the Dyson Animal V16) which has conical brushes. This means the hair never wraps around the brushes, instead, it gets balled up and vacuumed into the bin. I was almost mesmerised when watching the Dyson do this to the hair extensions that I scattered around my home. I could see these balls of hair collecting in the dust bin. It was incredible.

In total, all the hair extensions that I scattered over the different floors were picked up, as were the strands left behind by our large family dog and the long-haired ladies that live in my family home too.

Cleaning the Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones Vacuum

I love how low-maintenance the Dyson Pencilvac Fulffycones Vacuum is. With the impressive cones, I didn't need to engage in any hair detangling, so it was really a matter of cleaning the bin.

Emptying the bin is straightforward: the point-and-shoot mechanism ejects debris directly into the bin without needing to touch the dust. They've also integrated their newer compression feature in the bin, which means you can pack dust into a dense cylinder, fitting more in, without that fluffy, cotton wool texture that makes up room and makes a mess.

Although the smaller capacity means you’ll be emptying it more frequently during larger cleans, for quick daily maintenance, it feels perfectly proportioned.

How does the Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones Vacuum compare?

When it comes to slim, but powerful vacuums, there is nothing like the Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones Vacuum. That's why I've been so impressed with it, because the PencilVac has innovated itself away from all the competition, which leads you into the question, what are the alternatives?

If you want to compare the Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones Vacuum to other models, the closest two models are the Dyson Animal V16, which has all the lasers and the conical floorheads. Naturally, this is much bigger and heavier, so you get more runtime and bin capacity, but that makes for a different kind of cleaning experience. I reach for the Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones Vacuum almost without thinking, whereas the V16 is much more like your classic vacuum.

If you like the idea of a simple, stick vacuum that's in the style of Dyson, the V8 Cyclone is also worth considering. This is one of Dyson's most affordable designs, it just has the one floorhead, and is a spared-back stick vacuum at its very best. Of course, it is also a little bigger and heavier than the PencilVac and the silhouette is different, but the performance is nonetheless impressive,

Should you buy the Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones Vacuum?

Whilst the Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones Vacuum isn’t designed to be your heavy-duty, deep-clean corded workhorse, it's a cordless vacuum that can rival some of the best models on the market. The suction power for such a slim vacuum is almost unbelievable, as is the feather-light feel and the way that it glides across floor types. Where the Dyson PencilVac really excels as a precision tool for fast, frequent cleaning on hard floors: that's where it secured its spot in my home.

How we test vacuums

At woman&home we have a series of standardised tests that we put every vacuum through. This spans your finer particles, such as dust and flour, through to larger pieces of cereal and tricky strands of hair. The aim of these tests is to see how powerful a vacuum is, as well as how versatile it can be across a whole host of different floor types (hard wood, stone, linoleum, carpets). We'll also look at value for money, how the vacuum compares to others, and what it's like to clean. That way, you can feel like you've shopped around and done a deep dive on all of the details of your vacuum without having to click off the page. If, at the end of one of our reviews, you still have questions, don't hesitate to email me, or you can look at our dedicated page on how we test vacuums if you need more details.

The Halo Capsule XR Vacuum arrived on my radar out of the blue. As soon as I'd seen it, I couldn't get the Halo brand out of my head. Their vacuums aren't flashy, nor are they gimmicky, but they are seriously substantial. Created by a former designer from Dyson and Shark, Halo is the meeting point of two vacuum heavyweights, drawing on Dyson’s engineering ambition and Shark’s practical, user-first thinking.

When we all rushed toward cordless, bagless designs in the race for convenience, it felt like we’d reached peak innovation. The best vacuums suddenly became lighter, sleeker, and easier to empty, but somewhere along the way, we sacrificed deep hygienic disposal, large-capacity dust storage, and that satisfyingly powerful, sealed suction system.

Luckily, Halo spotted that gap and with the Capsule XR, they’ve tried to reclaim what many of us miss, without giving up the cordless freedom that's behind many of the best Dyson vacuums. Their vacuums know how to deep clean your home properly with almost unrivalled power, filtration, and capacity. The Halo Capsule XR doesn’t just promise convenience, it promises substance. And after weeks of testing, I have a lot to say about whether it delivers.

Halo Capsule XR Vacuum review

Who would the Halo Capsule XR Vacuum suit?

If you live in a larger property with multiple bedrooms, mixed flooring, perhaps a pet who leaves kibble and fur all over the floors, you'll be giving the Halo Capsule XR its perfect place to shine. Its 2-litre dust capacity is enormous in cordless terms, meaning you’re not constantly stopping to empty a tiny canister mid-clean. In fact, for context, many cordless models hover around 0.5–0.8 litres. Two litres transforms the rhythm of cleaning, so you can move room to room uninterrupted.

It’s also ideal if you care deeply about hygiene. The sealed bag system, combined with H14 HEPA filtration (which captures up to 99.995% of particles down to 0.1 microns), making it particularly appealing for allergy sufferers. For me, the biggest win is not having to reach into a bin chamber and release a plume of fine powder back into the air and around the bin.

If you’re someone who thinks that they know how to clean your home like a professional, this vacuum aligns beautifully with that mindset. It encourages slower, deliberate passes. It handles deep-cleaning sessions. It feels designed for people who care about performance over trend.

The Halo Capsule XR Vacuum is not for the quick once-over before guests arrive. It’s not for studio flats or light daily surface cleans. This is a serious machine for serious homes.

Unboxing the Halo Capsule XR Vacuum

The Halo Capsule XR Vacuum is an impressive model, which warrants some pomp around packaging. Whilst the box is both long and quite weighty, it's all in proportion for a vacuum that would suit large homes and substantial cleaning tasks too.

Most of the packaging is sustainable, save for some soft plastics, which will need to go to your local large supermarket if you want to recycle them. The important part is that the Halo Capsule XR Vacuum arrives in perfect condition - and it does.

Aside from the main body of the vacuum, Halo sends lots of accessories: a hard floorhead, a soft floorhead, crevice tool, upholstery tool, flexible hose, brush tool, and two batteries which promise 70 minutes of run time. They also include a set of bags, so you can start vacuuming straight away.

The bags themselves deserve mention. Sold at almost cost price, a deliberate decision by the founder, they’re made from plant-based and cardboard-derived materials. They’re sturdy, biodegradable, and large. It’s an elegant solution to the hygiene problem without creating landfill guilt.

What is the Halo Capsule XR Vacuum like to use?

Halo advertises a 2.8kg design. In the world of full-sized cordless vacuums, that’s impressive. For comparison, the Dyson V16 Piston Animal weighs approximately 3.4kg. On paper, 200–400g might not sound transformative. In practice, over a 45-minute whole-house clean, it absolutely is.

Initially, the capsule’s top-heavy silhouette makes it look bulkier than it feels. But once in motion, the glide across hardwood, linoleum, slate, and carpet is smooth and controlled. My shoulders and forearms were noticeably less fatigued compared to other large cordless models. That matters when you’re cleaning stairs, upholstery, and above skirting boards.

Before we get into the details of testing, it's also worth noting that this is a freestanding design. It is one of those features you don’t know you need until you have it. The Capsule XR stands upright independently, so I could leave it in the centre of the room to answer the door or rescue an overboiling saucepan. It’s a small, thoughtful piece of engineering that changes the flow of cleaning.

For testing, I distribute 100g of flour and sugar across hardwood, carpet, stone, slate, and lino. Fine particles reveal suction strength, airflow efficiency, and floorhead sealing.

The Capsule XR delivered crisp suction lines immediately. On hard floors, one slow pass was typically sufficient. On carpet, a second pass occasionally refined the finish. There were rare moments, during deliberately excessive flour distribution, where I saw a faint trailing line. However, this did not occur in real-life cleaning scenarios, only under exaggerated lab-style conditions. This suggests that Halo is really delivering on a strong airflow performance combined with effective floorhead agitation to get that satisfyingly deep clean.

The lifted bumper design is intended to prevent “ploughing”, which is where larger debris gets pushed forward rather than suctioned. I poured 100g of muesli (including oats, lentils, raisins, and rice) across mixed surfaces.

At maximum speed and brisk movement, some ploughing occurred. However, when I slowed my pass, as one naturally would in a deep clean, the Capsule XR handled everything cleanly. The key is controlled movement. Once adjusted, it picked up everything in a single measured sweep.

Hair wrap is the enemy of many vacuum rollers. I tested how well the Halo Capsule XR Vacuum could pick up 30g of hair extensions alongside embedded dog hair in carpets and upholstery.

The anti-tangle design performed exceptionally well. There was no visible wrapping around the brush bar, which meant no need for scissors post-clean. Suction remained strong, and removal from carpet fibres was thorough, which I'll class as a big win for this vacuum.

The Halo Capsule XR Vacuum comes with two batteries, each rated at up to 70 minutes. In reality, runtime varies depending on mode, floor type, and tool use. However, across weeks of testing, including extended whole-house cleans, I rarely exhausted a battery fully. The 2L capacity meant I wasn’t interrupting the clean to empty constantly, which also preserves airflow stability over longer sessions. I struggled to remember the first time I needed to recharge, which, in the cordless category, is rare praise.

Cleaning the Halo Capsule XR Vacuum

Battery claims are notoriously optimistic in the vacuum world. Here, performance aligned closely with expectations. Lower and mid-power settings allow extended cleaning without noticeable drop-off in suction. Even at higher power, the batteries held strong, so if you're worried about battery life, this is a vacuum that you'll be able to rely on.

As I mentioned earlier, after intense flour testing, I noticed minor residue on the roller. However, it brushed off easily over the bin. In fact, I used the vacuum itself with a crevice tool to remove it, a satisfying, slightly meta cleaning moment.

As you might expect from a bagged vacuum, emptying the bin is a clean, closed system. The base pops off and the bin pulls out, without a dust cloud in sight. The H14 HEPA filtration is clinically impressive too, in tests it's proven to be capable of trapping 99.995% of particles down to 0.1 microns. That places it in a filtration class often associated with medical-grade environments. For allergy sufferers, this will be a godsend.

How does the Halo Capsule XR Vacuum compare?

One of the most pressing questions that I had when I began testing the Halo Capsule XR Vacuum was how it would compare to the likes of Dyson and Shark.

Dyson models are known for advanced cyclone technology and sleek engineering. Shark excels in user-friendly innovation and affordability. Halo sits between them, combining high suction performance with a hygienic bagged system neither brand currently prioritises in their cordless flagships.

Compared to Dyson, you gain larger capacity and superior sealed disposal. Compared to Shark, you gain filtration refinement and a more industrial-feeling airflow system.

If you prioritise lightweight agility above all else, some slimmer cordless models may suit you better. But if your priority is deep cleaning performance, capacity, and hygiene in a cordless format, the Capsule XR feels purpose-built.

Should you buy the Halo Capsule XR Vacuum

The Halo Capsule XR Vacuum is a thoughtful correction to the cordless trend, reclaiming power, capacity, and hygiene without sacrificing mobility. It borrows the engineering confidence of Dyson and the practicality of Shark, yet carves out its own identity through its bagged, H14-sealed design.

It’s not the lightest or smallest cordless on the market. It isn’t designed for quick surface skims. But for thorough, satisfying, whole-home cleans, which I think plenty of keen cleaners will find reassuring.

How we test vacuums

At woman&home, we have a series of standardised tests that we put all of our vacuums through. I set up tasks which test a range of debris types, from fine flour and sugar (like dust), cereal (larger debris), and hair. This is scattered across different floor types, ranging from carpets to hard floor and linoleum to see how versatile the vacuum is.

I compare it to different models on the market to give you a good idea of whether the vacuum is the perfect fit for you and your home. If you want to find out more, you can visit our dedicated page for how we test vacuums.

If you've ever wondered whether there's an easier way to keep your floors clean, surfaces sparkling and your backsplash bright, there is. And it's called the Kärcher SC3 Steam Cleaner, a nifty gadget that cuts out the chemicals, using heat and water to deliver streak-free and shiny results.

Lots of people are turning to the best steam cleaners for a speedy, natural, and satisfying way to clean and the Kärcher has a lot to offer. It boasts a 30 second warm up time (a stand-out amongst the standard 3 minutes) as well as attachments for all the nooks and surfaces from your kitchen through to the bathroom.

To give the Kärcher SC3 Steam Cleaner a true test, we handed it over to Madeline Crisp. She has pets (including an aging, incontinent dog) who give her floors a lot of wear and tear. So, after a few weeks of cleaning her toughest, most tedious and tiring cleaning tasks at home she's finally got the answers the questions: are steam cleaners worth it? And most specifically, is the Kärcher SC3 Steam Cleaner the perfect one for you?

Kärcher SC3 Steam Cleaner review

How we tested the Kärcher SC3 Steam Cleaner

This steam cleaner was put to the test by Madeline Crisp, a member of our tester network. Here's a little more about her.

Who would the Kärcher SC3 Steam Cleaner suit?

As a lightweight, simple steam cleaner, the Kärcher SC3 is ideal for anyone looking to upgrade their daily cleaning habits without adding extra hassle. It heats up quickly, is easy to manoeuvre, and delivers a noticeably deeper clean than a traditional mop. Madeline, our expert tester, was particularly impressed with how it tackled her hard floors: it felt more rigorous and powerful than her usual routine, yet left surfaces dry and sparkling in a fraction of the time. If you want something that makes everyday maintenance feel faster and more effective, this is a smart choice.

It’s also a great option if you’re taking on a tips for how to deep clean your home and want one tool that can take on multiple jobs. The generous range of accessories means you can move from grout lines and taps to larger sealed floor areas with ease. During testing, we found it reached into small crevices and awkward cracks just as well as it refreshed broader spaces, thanks to the nimble floorhead and targeted nozzles.

However, it won’t suit everyone. If you’re after heavy-duty power for very stubborn grime, fabric compatibility for upholstery, or a design that’s especially comfortable for long cleaning sessions, you may want to consider alternatives. Madeline noted that the handle can feel uncomfortable to hold over extended periods, so those with sensitive hands might prefer a more ergonomically cushioned model.

Unboxing the Kärcher SC3 Steam Cleaner

Madeline was sent the Kärcher SC3 EasyFix Extra, which offers some extra accessories, as the name suggests. She noted that the steam cleaner arrived in a compact box that was easy to unpack, although there was a fair bit of plastic packaged around each accessory, which isn't fantastic from a sustainability perspective.

She made her way through unboxing all of the different accessories and extras included in her package. As promised, her Kärcher SC3 EasyFix Extra arrived with two steam pipes, microfibre cover for hand nozzle, descaler cartridge, detail nozzle, hand tool, window tool, round brush, floor nozzle and carpet glider, plus 4 cloths. A standard package would omit the three spare floor clothes, carpet glider, and window nozzle, which you could certainly get by without. The reason you might go for the Extra is if you think you'd get a lot of heavy use from the Kärcher SC3 EasyFix. You can buy these extras separately from the site at a later stage if you change your mind.

Once unboxed, Madeline set about connecting all the parts ready for cleaning. As is the case with most steam cleaners, she found the instructions were not as clear as on other appliances "some of it is quite intuitive," she says, "but I did need to refer to the Kärcher website to work out where some of the bits went."

There are instructions, but these don't have diagrams or step-by-step guides, so her advice is to take the time to really familiarise yourself with all the different elements. That way, you don't miss out on any special cleaning tricks, tools, and tips.

What is the Kärcher SC3 Steam Cleaner like to use?

Once you've got to grips with the different parts of the Kärcher, you can get to work. You'll need to start by filling the Kärcher SC3 EasyFix Extra with tap water. This is really simple and can be done under the sink, but there is a special, unique extra that almost all Kärcher users comment on. The reservoir on the top is open, which means you can top up the Kärcher as you clean, rather than having to stop and go back to the sink. Whilst this was useful, Madeline noted that hers needed "refilling quite often if you're cleaning a large area." She added that the open reservoir requires you to "be mindful that jerking the machine around could cause water to slop out or tip over."

Once the reservoir is full, you can choose which water setting you use (depending on the hardness of the water in your area and you can select two levels of steam, depending on how intense your cleaning needs will be. With that, you're ready to start cleaning, just make sure you know the everyday things you should never use a steam cleaner on too.

Madeline, our expert tester, instantly noticed that the Kärcher SC3 EasyFix felt "light and easy to move around," she added "it's nice and quiet when operating and less effort than a mop." She found gliding over the hard floors of her large Karndean kitchen a breeze and very satisfying, but also noted that the steamer dispenses some water before cleaning, so "be mindful to clear that over the sink before starting."

As we mentioned at the beginning, Madeline's floors go through a lot. Not only does she live in a busy home, she also has a cat and an elderly incontinent dog, so she describes them as "having seen better days." She was pleased to see that the Kärcher SC 3 EasyFix "worked well to quickly clean the area and it was nice not to have to use chemicals and know it was hygienic." Madeline also commented on the flexible head, as she found it was really effective at reaching into even the tightest spaces in the kitchen.

The hard floor tests were the perfect place for the Kärcher to shine, especially against Madeline's mop. She added that the heat and lightness of the steam meant that her floor dried a lot quicker too. Madeline's only word of warning is that "over time, the handle is uncomfortable to grip and could be more ergonomic to hold," so it's better for smaller, quicker mopping jobs than deep, whole home cleans.

The next test that Madeline put the Kärcher SC3 EasyFix through was in the bathroom. She used the detail nozzle, in her grout and found the size was perfect for getting "black gunk out of the corners of the cubicle," she added, "it was really satisfying watching the steam cleaner reach the bits that are usually tricky to clean."

The lightness of a steam cleaner, as opposed to wiping, is also brilliant for shower screens and mirrors, especially if you have the "extra" package. These will give your glass gleam without any streaks and have been a true highlight amongst lots of other reviewers, as will as with Madeline.

Her only note on using the Kärcher in the bathroom is that it "cleaned, but didn't improve the colour of my grout." If you're going for a deep and thorough clean of your bathroom, you'd want a treatment to clean out any mould beforehand.

Our final test for steam cleaners is always on fabrics, be it a carpet, rug, sofa, or curtain. Madeline found that the Kärcher SC 3 moved easily over her carpets, but didn’t remove the minor marks that she was hoping it could lift. She was "disappointed that neither rug looked much cleaner afterwards," but added "the description on their website only claims to ‘freshen’ up carpets though so perhaps I was expecting too much."

There are plenty of other steam cleaners that are designed to get deep into the fabric of rugs and carpets alike, but these often tip into wet vacuum territory. It's worth noting that the Kärcher is much better on hard surfaces and really only refreshes fabrics.

Cleaning the Kärcher SC3 Steam Cleaner

It's important that your steam cleaner is easy to maintain, otherwise you end up with yet another job on your to-do list. Madeline found the unit is easy to clean. "I had to simply drain the water over the sink after removing the decalcification cartridge," she says, adding to "take care not to push this in too hard as it can get stuck."

This is also where the floor cloths included in the extra package come in handy, because you can cover more ground without having to clean them. Kärcher says these are safe to pop in the washing machine once you've cleaned with them, so they are low maintenance anyway.

Should you buy the Kärcher SC3 Steam Cleaner?

So, after weeks of cleaning with the Kärcher SC3, what does Madeline think. She describes it as "a nice tool to have if you want to keep hard floors sparkling and enjoy cleaning regularly," however, she adds that "it won’t replace the need for a carpet cleaner or chemicals for other areas around the house."

How we test steam cleaners

At woman&home, we have a series of standardised tests that we put all our steam cleaners through. They have to polish hard floors until they shine, lift dirt out of grout in the bathroom, and get stains our of your fabrics at home. We make sure to test all the steam cleaners thoroughly before taking a step back and comparing them to other models on the market, as well as looking at their value, design, and maintenance needs. By the end of the review, you should be clear on whether this is the cleaner for you, but if you still have questions, don't hesitate to ask me, or visit our dedicated page on how we test steam cleaners.

Over the years, we've seen 'must-have' cleaning gadgets come and go, but there's no denying that steam cleaners are here to stay. And while they're pretty versatile, there are limitations as to where you can use them in your home.

While there are countless ways to use one of the best steam cleaners, it turns out that not every surface in your home will benefit from being steam cleaned. In fact, there are a few things that will be damaged by using this specialist cleaning gadget.

With that in mind, we've consulted with cleaning experts who have revealed the things you absolutely shouldn't steam clean in your home.

7 things you should never use a steam cleaner on, warn experts

If you're wondering whether having a steam cleaner is really worth it, the answer is absolutely yes, if you use it correctly. Whether you're completing your daily cleaning habits or are finally getting around to deep cleaning the bathroom, a steam cleaner can be a lifesaver.

However, if you make a mistake and use it incorrectly, it can do more harm than help.

1. Kitchen fittings

If you're trying to clean your kitchen quickly and easily, you might naturally reach for your steam cleaner. However, there are some surfaces that you should avoid.

“Steam cleaners can feel like a quick win in the kitchen, but they’re not suitable for every surface. The combination of high heat and moisture can force water into joints, sealants and painted finishes that aren’t designed to cope with that level of exposure," says Tamsin Holland, Product Development Manager at Paula Rosa Kitchens.

“We tend to advise avoiding steam on painted cabinetry, laminate edges and any timber worktops, as it can soften finishes, weaken adhesives and in some cases cause swelling over time. It’s also worth being cautious around appliance controls and silicone seals, where heat can reduce longevity," she adds.

2. Laminate flooring

Trying to clean your laminate floors without damaging them? Our cleaning experts warn against picking up a steam cleaner, as it can severely damage your flooring.

"Never use a steam cleaner on laminate," warns Graeme Shelley, Managing Director at Factory Direct Flooring. "This is because it's susceptible to moisture damage, and while laminate usually copes with an occasional spill (as long as it's cleaned up quickly), the humidity from a steamer could attack laminate's inner core, causing the planks to warp, loosen, or peel."

He explains that it's the same story for wooden floors, where soaking them is a common mopping mistake: "Water damage is one of its biggest threats, so don't go near it with a steam cleaner, or any other method that involves excessive moisture."

3. Rattan, cane or woven furniture

Rattan and other wooden furniture are among the home furnishing trends that are making a major comeback. If you're participating in the trend, then it's important to know how to clean it.

"As rattan and cane are natural fibres, they're porous. This means that steam cleaner use can cause rapid moisture absorption, leading to the fibres swelling and then shrinking again as they dry," says furniture expert, Lee Trethewey, at Sustainable Furniture. "Over time, this repeated expansion and contraction can result in severe damage, including sagging, warping and even loosened weave patterns."

"Steam can also relax any tension in the cane webbing, which causes rippling or bowing," he continues. "It can also weaken adhesives and trap moisture deep in any tight weaves. These causes musty odours, mould and mildew growth and can be hard to get rid of."

4. Luxe upholstery

Wondering how to clean a velvet sofa or upholstered armchair? While it might seem like the right choice, your steam cleaner isn't the best method.

"You should avoid using a steam cleaner on anything made with linen, a cotton blend, velvet or any fabric that's padded (such as a fabric headboard). This is for a couple of different reasons. One being heat can shrink any natural fibres," starts Lee.

"Another being moisture can soak into internal padding, and even get trapped within a fabric. This encourages mould growth, damp and a general musty smell that can be hard to remove without completing a full-scale clean. Steam/moisture can also cause watermarking on certain fabrics, while it can also crush the velvet pile, ruining the texture of velvet forever."

He recommends completely avoiding steam cleaning your upholstered furniture unless the manufacturers explicitly state otherwise.

5. Electronics

This might seem like an obvious one; however, it's all too easy to make a common kitchen cleaning mistake and try your steamer on greasy appliances.

"This one’s non-negotiable. Never use a steam cleaner near plug sockets, light switches or electrical appliances," warns Catherine Green, sustainable cleaning expert at Smol. "Steam and electricity do not mix – and the risk of shock or damage simply isn’t worth it."

6. Veneered furniture

Before cleaning any larger pieces of furniture, ensure you check what it's made of before you start, as veneer and MDF can be more susceptible to damage.

"A lot of modern furniture is made by using a thin veneer bonded to MDF or plywood. The glue used to bond the veneer is particularly susceptible to damage from steam cleaners, as steam softens adhesives. The result of this happening can come in the form of bubbling, lifting/peeling edges and corners and even delamination," states Lee.

7. Unsealed natural stone flooring

Traditional characterful decor, such as stone flooring, is a great way to add personality to your home, but it does require a special kind of maintenance and attention.

"(For example) on your old Victorian tiled hallway or beautiful travertine floors, steam can damage the appearance and surface, and you don’t want to drive moisture deep into the stone," warns Catherine. "It can also damage any sealants you have used over time on the stone."

FAQs

What are the downsides of steam cleaning?

As with other appliances, there are downsides to using them; however, if you know how to use them properly, you're less likely to encounter them.

"Steam cleaners aren’t quite a 'fill and forget' solution. To keep them working efficiently, they need descaling regularly, particularly in hard water areas. It’s a small but important maintenance step that adds another task to your routine, but well worth it! White vinegar will work in this scenario - use it in the water tank at a ratio of 1:1 with water, then run your steamer til the tank is empty. You can then rinse out the tank and run it again using just plain water," explains Catherine.

"Steam is, of course, moisture. Used incorrectly or too heavily, it can leave items at risk of getting overly damp, creating problems with proper drying. Lingering moisture is never something we want in our homes, as it can lead to musty smells and the buildup of nasties," she adds.

So if you're trying to prevent mould in the house, you'll want to be careful with how much you use the steam cleaner.

What are common steam cleaning mistakes?

To avoid making any appliance mistakes, there are key things to keep in mind when using your steam cleaner. "Adding chemicals to the tank, a common mistake is putting floor cleaner or surface cleaner inside the water tank, as the machines are generally only designed to take in water," says Catherine. "What a lot of our customers do, however, is squirt their floor cleaner directly onto the floor and then go over that using the steam cleaner."

"Another common pitfall is failing to remove mineral buildup regularly. This can shorten the life of the machine and make it less effective. Consult the instruction manual of your machine, but usually a mix of water and white vinegar (1:1 ratio) followed by a rinse with plain water through your machine should remove this buildup," she adds.

Although there are many things in your home you can't clean with steam, don't let that put you off investing in one. There's also so much you can clean with them, and they can be a huge help when deep cleaning your home.

If you've ever read one of our reviews and wondered, "how do they test steam cleaners at woman&home?" you're in exactly the right place. Here's where we'll talk about the grime and grease behind the scenes when we're searching for the perfect model for every household.

If you’ve ever wondered how steam cleaners work, and more importantly, whether steam cleaners worth it, we're the people to ask. These powerful appliances promise to lift dirt, dissolve grease, and sanitise surfaces using little more than water, but not all steam cleaners deliver on that promise. Our reviews are designed to separate marketing claims from measurable performance, so you can invest in the very best steam cleaners with confidence.

Every model that comes through our testing process is put to work in a real home, tackling the kind of messes you actually deal with day to day. That means everything from sealed hard floors and bathroom tiles to stubborn grout lines, muddy footprints, sticky spills, and even carpets where applicable. We assess steam pressure, heat-up times, manoeuvrability, and cleaning efficiency to understand whether a machine genuinely makes life easier, or simply adds another gadget to the cupboard.

How we test steam cleaners at woman&home

I start all of our tests by talking about the steam cleaner and who it would suit. This section sits at the very top of each article, but it’s actually the one I write last, once I’ve seen exactly what the steam cleaner can (and can’t) do. We place it early so you don’t waste time reading about a product that isn’t right for your home, cleaning habits, or expectations.

Here, I’ll clearly outline the type of household the steam cleaner is best suited to. That might mean busy family homes that need quick, chemical-free cleaning, pet owners dealing with muddy paws, allergy sufferers looking for a more hygienic finish, or apartment dwellers who need something compact and easy to store. I’ll also flag when a model is particularly good for larger spaces thanks to a generous water tank, or better for smaller homes where agility matters more than capacity.

Just as importantly, I’ll tell you who should skip it. If a steam cleaner is heavy, slow to heat, short on run time, or overly complex to use, you’ll know upfront. This is the section that lets you know whether you should keep scrolling, or whether you should be looking at a model that offers something a little different.

Why we talk about unboxing

We always talk about packaging and unboxing in our reviews because you can tell a great deal about a brand from the care that goes into these early details: it’s a little like glimpsing inside a restaurant kitchen before you sit down to eat.

I cover the size and weight of the box so you know exactly what to expect on delivery day, especially if you’ll be carrying it upstairs or storing it immediately. I’ll also walk you through every accessory included, from floor heads and grout brushes to carpet gliders and upholstery tools, highlighting anything you may need to purchase separately before getting started.

You’ll also notice that this is where we discuss sustainability. Packaging materials, the use of recycled cardboard, minimal plastics, and thoughtful design all matter. In a category built around using water instead of chemicals, we believe environmental responsibility should extend to the product’s entire lifecycle, making this an important part of our evaluation.

The testing process

Before any deep cleaning begins, we assess the fundamentals: how easy the steam cleaner is to assemble, how intuitive it feels to manoeuvre around furniture, and whether the weight is manageable for extended use. A cleaner that performs brilliantly but leaves your arms aching isn’t one we’d recommend lightly.

Next, we evaluate usability. Are the controls clearly labelled? Does the trigger respond instantly? Can you adjust the steam output depending on the surface? We also measure practical performance indicators such as heat-up time, run time per tank, and how consistently the machine maintains steam pressure, because interruptions mid-clean can quickly become frustrating.

For real-world testing, every steam cleaner is used on a general sealed surface that would typically be mopped, allowing us to compare the finish against traditional cleaning methods. From there, we challenge it with at least two tougher scenarios, such as:

Muddy floors: to see how effectively it breaks down dried-on dirt without repeated passes.

Food or liquid spills: testing its ability to lift sticky residue rather than simply spreading it.

Grout lines: one of the best indicators of targeted steam power and brush effectiveness.

Carpets: where compatible, we assess whether the cleaner refreshes fibres without over-saturating them.

Throughout testing, we look for visible results, but also efficiency: how many passes are required, whether floors dry quickly, and if the cleaner genuinely reduces effort compared to manual scrubbing.

Why we talk about cleaning and maintenance

It’s important to understand how much upkeep your steam cleaner will require, because the best appliance is one you’ll actually want to use regularly.

I examine how straightforward it is to refill the water tank, whether limescale management is necessary in hard-water areas, and if the machine requires distilled water or filters to maintain performance. For cordless models, I assess charging time alongside realistic run time, ensuring the cleaner can complete meaningful tasks without needing constant recharging.

Pads and attachments are another key consideration. I’ll tell you whether they can be machine-washed, how well they hold up after repeated cycles, and how often they’ll likely need replacing. Finally, I estimate how much flooring a single tank can realistically cover, an often-overlooked detail that makes a big difference when cleaning larger homes.

Why we make comparisons

Context matters, which is why I always position each steam cleaner within the wider market. Performance alone means little unless you know what else is available at a similar price point.

In every review, I compare the model against close competitors, typically one slightly more affordable option and another that commands a higher investment. This allows you to weigh whether saving money means sacrificing meaningful performance, or if paying more genuinely unlocks better build quality, stronger steam output, or smarter design features.

Consider it the equivalent of visiting every shop on the high street, except I’ve already done the legwork, tested the claims, and distilled the differences into clear, practical advice.

Coming to conclusions

At the end of each review, I bring everything together in a concise summary designed to make your decision easier. I’ll revisit exactly who the steam cleaner suits, assess whether the performance justifies the price, and highlight any standout features, as well as the limitations you should know before investing.

Most importantly, this is where I answer the question every buyer is really asking: does this steam cleaner earn its space in your cleaning routine, or are you better off continuing your search?

On the box of the Numatic Henry HVR160 Vacuum Cleaner is the claim that more than 10 million of these machines have been made since the brand was founded in 1969 and that most of them are still in use. Having now put one through our formal testing process, I can absolutely believe it. Hand me a Henry and I feel confident that I could tackle almost any domestic mess without hesitation. There is something deeply reassuring about its presence: practical, unfussy, and engineered with a kind of steadfast reliability that feels increasingly rare.

You don’t even have to take my word for it. I’ve watched builders wheel a Henry onto dusty job sites to inhale rubble without complaint, and it remains the vacuum I most often spot in hotel corridors and the boots of professional cleaners’ cars. It has earned its reputation as one of the best vacuums of all time through sheer endurance. But nostalgia and industry approval only go so far, how does this heritage model position itself against the high-tech prowess of Dyson, the design intelligence of Shark, or the everyday accessibility of Vax? That’s where my testing comes in.

I’ve used Numatic Henry HVR160 Vacuum Cleaner for years, first becoming acquainted with one during my teenage weekend cleaning job, so my relationship with the machine is equal parts familiarity and fondness. However, sentiment has no place in a serious review. This time, I assessed the Numatic Henry HVR160 Vacuum Cleaner through our structured testing protocols, evaluating suction performance, usability, and floor adaptability with the same rigour I would apply to any modern rival. Here’s exactly how it performed.

Numatic Henry HVR160 Vacuum Cleaner review

Who would the Henry HVR160 Vacuum Cleaner suit?

In my experience, theNumatic Henry HVR160 Vacuum Cleaner is best suited to someone who values reliability, capacity, and unfussy performance over flashy tech. With a generous 6-litre dust capacity (up to five times larger than many bagless models) it’s ideal for whole-home cleans where you don’t want to stop and empty mid-task.

The 10-metre cable and long operating radius make it particularly practical for larger homes or anyone who dislikes constantly switching plug sockets, while the professional accessory kit means you can move seamlessly from carpets to hard floors, stairs, upholstery, and even the car without needing specialist add-ons.

I would especially recommend it to busy households, methodical cleaners, and anyone prone to tackling “proper” weekend resets, because the high-efficiency bag and self-seal tab lock dust inside for a noticeably cleaner, less messy emptying process, a small luxury that allergy-prone homes will appreciate.

The Numatic Henry HVR160 Vacuum Cleaner is less obviously geared toward those who want ultra-light, grab-and-go convenience (at around 7.5 kg, it has reassuring heft), but for shoppers who see vacuuming as a serious domestic ritual rather than a rushed chore, Numatic Henry HVR160 Vacuum Cleaner remains one of the most dependable all-rounders I’d confidently wheel out again and again.

Unboxing the Numatic Henry HVR160 Vacuum Cleaner

The Numatic Henry HVR160 Vacuum Cleaner box is precisely what you would expect from the brand: straightforward, sturdy, and unmistakably Henry. There is no theatrical packaging or glossy excess, just thoughtful, recyclable materials that you can flatten and place straight into cardboard recycling. For a brand steeped in tradition, I was pleasantly surprised by the sustainability credentials.

Numatic includes an instruction manual, but the setup is so intuitive that I barely glanced at it. Inside the box you’ll find the cheerful red main drum, the flexible hose, three wand sections, the primary floor head, and a practical selection of attachments for upholstery, crevices, and dusting. You can, of course, use the hose without an attachment , not officially endorsed, perhaps, but an insider's brilliant shortcut that almost every Henry owner eventually adopts.

As a corded, bagged vacuum, Henry arrives with the power cable already fitted and a dust bag installed. Numatic also provides a handful of spare bags, though you will naturally need to replenish these over time. Personally, I appreciate the hygienic seal of a bagged system; it keeps fine dust contained and makes disposal notably cleaner than many bagless alternatives.

What is the Numatic Henry HVR160 Vacuum Cleaner like to use?

With the bag already in place and a generously long cable at my disposal, I could begin vacuuming immediately. The moment I switched the Numatic Henry HVR160 Vacuum Cleaner on, I was transported back: the acoustic signature is unmistakable. Corded, bagged vacuums tend to deliver higher airflow and stronger suction, but that mechanical power inevitably comes with more volume.

I measured 86 dB during operation, which is too loud for comfortable conversation and certainly rules out background television. Still, for the level of deep cleaning on offer, I consider it a reasonable trade-off, just worth noting if you share your home with noise-sensitive pets or tend to vacuum in sociable spaces.

The first formal test I run is designed to mimic the fine particulate dust that settles invisibly into our homes: I scatter 100 grams of flour across hardwood flooring, medium-pile carpet, linoleum, and textured stone tiles.

Beginning on the hardwood floor told me almost everything I needed to know about the Numatic Henry HVR160 Vacuum Cleaner's suction profile. The airflow was so strong that it didn’t merely collect the flour directly beneath the floor head, it actively drew in powder from the surrounding perimeter, creating that satisfying visual of debris funnelling inward. It signals a well-sealed system and consistent motor power.

Transitioning between floor types required nothing more than a quick tap of my foot on the floor head switch, lowering the brush to maintain glide on hard surfaces. Numatic Henry HVR160 Vacuum Cleaner is refreshingly communicative in this regard: if you forget to adjust the setting, the head grips stubbornly, immediately reminding you to make the change.

On carpet, the vacuum felt particularly authoritative. The fibres lifted visibly as I passed over them, and every trace of flour disappeared in a single, deliberate sweep. Linoleum and stone produced similarly thorough results, although I did notice a slight shudder across the linoleum, not disruptive, but a reminder that this is a powerful machine rather than a featherweight one. Still, the outcome across every surface was impeccably clean.

Next, I scattered 100 grams of muesli, a far more complex challenge involving chunky granola clusters, rolled oats, and the occasional stubborn fragment. This test reveals how a vacuum manages larger debris without clogging, snowploughing, or losing suction.

On hardwood flooring, the Numatic Henry HVR160 Vacuum Cleaner initially nudged a few of the larger clusters forward before capturing them, a phenomenon even high-end vacuums can exhibit. However, the flatter oats shot up the wand with a satisfyingly sharp clatter, a small but gratifying auditory confirmation of strong airflow. By slightly angling the floor head and taking measured passes, I gathered every last piece.

Carpet was where the Numatic Henry HVR160 Vacuum Cleaner truly excelled. Unlike many cordless models that struggle to lift weightier debris from fibres, this machine cleared the entire scatter in what was effectively a single pass. The motor never sounded strained, and there was no sense of resistance, just steady, controlled suction.

Across stone and linoleum, I slowed my pace to allow the vacuum to fully envelop the larger pieces. The result was total pickup with no residual fragments left behind. It reinforced my impression that Numatic Henry HVR160 Vacuum Cleaner rewards a confident but unhurried technique.

Hair is notoriously challenging for vacuums, often wrapping around brush rolls and demanding tedious manual removal. Having cleaned my fair share of holiday rentals in the past, I already suspected this would be an area of strength for Henry. And I was right.

I scattered a generous mix of long hair extensions across carpet, hardwood, linoleum, and stone to simulate real household shedding. On carpet, the strands vanished instantly without tangling around the floor head. Hardwood floors were equally straightforward; the suction pulled the hair inward before it had the chance to drift away.

Linoleum and stone can sometimes encourage hair to skate across the surface rather than lift, but Henry’s airflow prevented that entirely. Most impressively, when I checked the floor head afterwards, there was no laborious detangling required — a detail anyone with long hair will appreciate more than they might expect. It simply got on with the job, leaving me with nothing to finish by hand.

How does the Numatic Henry HVR160 Vacuum Cleaner compare?

Most people ask me how the Henry compares to its retro rival: the SEBO Automatic x7 Upright Vacuum. Having tested them both, when I compare the Numatic Henry HVR160 Vacuum Cleaner with the SEBO Automatic X7 ePower Upright Vacuum Cleaner, what strikes me first is that these machines represent two very different cleaning philosophies. The Henry is a compact cylinder model with a generous 6-litre capacity and a highly efficient 620W motor, designed for longevity and sustained suction without constant emptying. By contrast, the SEBO is an upright engineered with intelligent features such as automatic height adjustment and an integrated brush roller, allowing it to optimise contact with carpet fibres as you move between floor types.

In practice, I find Henry excels at versatility: the hose-led design makes it easier to manoeuvre under furniture and across mixed flooring. Whereas the SEBO, on the other hand, feels purpose-built for deep carpet agitation and structured, methodical cleaning. However, that upright architecture inevitably makes it heavier and more directional to handle than a nimble cylinder.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to cleaning style: if you favour capacity, reach, and mechanical simplicity, Henry remains quietly formidable; if you want automated precision and a more traditional “push-and-go” experience for carpets, the SEBO delivers a distinctly premium feel.

Should you buy the Numatic Henry HVR160 Vacuum Cleaner?

The Numatic Henry HVR160 Vacuum Cleaner is a blast from the past in the best way. It doesn't look like it has changed in decades, because it really hasn't. I doesn't need to though: this is reliable, robust, and the vacuum I would take into a building site, hotel room, or a busy home with me.

How we test vacuums

At woman&home, we have a series of standardised tests that we put every vacuum through. I scatter flour and sugar, hair, and cereal onto different floor types (hard wood, carpet, linoleum, and stone) to see how the vacuum handles both different surfaces and different debris. I also look at cleaning and maintaining the vacuum, whilst comparing it to other models on the market too. All in all, by the end of the review, you should know whether this is the vacuum for you. However, if you still have questions, you can visit our dedicated page for how we test vacuums.

Sophie Hinchliffe, aka Mrs Hinch, has the home that we all wish we had – immaculately clean and tidy at all times.

Despite living on a farm with her husband Jamie and three sons, Ronnie, Lennie and Vinnie, plus a cocker spaniel, Henry, three alpacas and some hens, Sophie’s home is so clean and tidy, it sparkles! So what's her secret?

We spoke exclusively to Sophie about how she manages to keep up with the chaos of family life and maintain her spick and span home in the process. Here are her top tips for maintaining a spotlessly clean, decluttered home...

Mrs Hinch's tidy home tips: 3 easy maintenance tasks

When time is of the essence, carrying out a top-to-bottom house cleaning routine isn't always possible, especially for busy family households. That's where Mrs Hinch's top cleaning tips can be a saviour.

• Start with the largest surface area: "If you wake up and want a reset, the best start is to clear and clean the biggest surface area – usually the kitchen worktops. They become dumping grounds, and if they’re cluttered, your mind feels cluttered. Clearing and wiping them down instantly resets the whole room." We know only too well the power of keeping kitchen countertops clear to welcome a sense of calm to the heart of the home.
• Normalise but don't ignore everyday problem areas: "Everyone has a junk drawer – with things such as cables, calculators and other items that have no other home," She recalls. "The key is to accept it’s normal, but schedule going through it once a month, so it doesn’t overflow and so you can still close it!" Small daily tidying habits can help reduce the amount of clutter at the end of the month.
• Don't be too sentimental: "I’m actually sentimental and a bit of a hoarder<" Sophie confesses. "So I have one rule: if I haven’t used or worn it all year, it goes – unless it genuinely belongs in a memory box. That way, I don’t feel guilty." This method feels very similar to the 'didn't know' decluttering method, where you might be holding on to items you'd forgotten you have – it's a great way to cut through the clutter you don't actually need.

As if she's not busy enough caring for her family and keeping her home pristine, it's worth noting that Sophie has recently launched a collection with Home Bargains.

"My Home Bargains collection proves you can have a beautiful home on a budget," she tells us. "I’ve designed baskets for kids’ toys, pets and bathrooms – even a slim storage basket that fits down the side of the toilet for loo rolls and sprays. It’s a dream to create things that look luxurious, but are affordable."

Read our full interview with Mrs Hinch in woman&home’s March issue, on sale now.

Robot vacuums have improved dramatically in the past few years, but it takes a lot to convince me to surrender valuable floor space to one. After weeks of testing Dyson’s newest launch, however, I’ve gone from cautious sceptic to full convert.

Affectionately named James in our house, the Dyson Spot+Scrub AI Robot Vacuum Cleaner uses LiDAR navigation and advanced optical sensors to actively detect, prioritise, and repeatedly treat dirty areas until they’re genuinely clean. Combine that with class-leading suction, one of the most intuitive apps I’ve used, and a beautifully engineered docking system, and you have one of the best vacuums on the market: a sleek home assistant that feels noticeably more intelligent than most of its competitors.

At just over £1,000, this is undeniably a serious investment. So, let's get answers to the question everyone asks: is it worth the splurge? I put the Dyson Spot+Scrub AI Robot Vacuum Cleaner through our toughest real-world tests in a busy family home, and it quickly proved itself less of a gadget and more of a household essential.

Dyson Spot+Scrub AI Robot Vacuum Cleaner review

Who would the Dyson Spot+Scrub AI Robot Vacuum Cleaner suit?

Generally, robot vacuums tend to perform best in larger, more open homes, and while Dyson has introduced some genuinely innovative engineering, this model still can’t tackle stairs, so it’s best suited to single-level living.

One of the features that genuinely impressed me was how confidently the Dyson Spot+Scrub AI Robot Vacuum Cleaner transitioned between floor types: a unique attribute that sets the Dyson apart from competition. There’s a ridge between our stone and wooden flooring that has defeated several robot vacuums in the past, yet the Dyson lifted itself smoothly and glided straight over. It handled rugs and carpet with the same ease, something I always watch closely during testing.

This is also a wet-and-dry model, making it particularly useful in kitchens or pet homes. During testing, I watched it methodically remove sticky soy sauce and jam, the mess that many robot mops simply smear or miss entirely. What is special about the Dyson Spot+Scrub AI Robot Vacuum Cleaner is its ability to detect the spill and continue cleaning until its sensors register the area as clear. I'm yet to test another vacuum that promises (and delivers) on this kind of technology.

The price alone signals that this is a premium appliance, but it behaves like one too. The design is sleek, the app is polished, and if, like me, you already own Dyson products, having everything seamlessly housed in one ecosystem is deeply satisfying.

Unboxing the Dyson Spot+Scrub AI Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums aren’t known for discreet packaging, and Dyson is no exception. The box is substantial and ,as someone just over 5ft, navigating a narrow staircase, I quickly recruited help.

Once you've got the box down, the setup is refreshingly simple. Inside, you’ll find just three core components: the base station, the robot, and the ramp, plus the side brushes. Within minutes, everything was assembled.

Using the QR code to connect to the app was equally painless. I’m typically resistant to adding yet another smart device to my phone, but the interface is exceptionally user-friendly: James was mapping the room within five minutes.

What is the Dyson Spot+Scrub AI Robot Vacuum Cleaner like to use?

Before cleaning, the Dyson maps your space, a process that can take some robot vacuums close to an hour. My testing area is open-plan but awkwardly shaped, with a narrow corridor that has confused even top-performing models.

Which is why I double-checked the timer when Dyson completed its map in just 12 minutes. The result was impressively precise, identifying high-traffic zones before I’d even begun formal debris testing, exactly the kind of intelligent automation I look for at this price point.

Watching the Dyson clean is unexpectedly mesmerising because it doesn’t follow the predictable grid pattern typical of robot vacuums. Instead, its movements feel deliberate, almost strategic.

I could see it prioritising the dirtiest zones first before returning for a lighter maintenance clean elsewhere. It creates the sense that the machine is actively thinking about your home rather than blindly covering square footage.

Noise levels never exceeded 46 dB during my tests, quiet enough that I comfortably ran it during work calls. In fact, my kettle attracted more attention than the vacuum.

I begin every vacuum test by scattering 100g of flour and sugar across multiple surfaces to replicate fine household dust. I also scatter 100g of muesli or granola to replicate larger pieces of debris as well as 30g of hair extensions. All of this comes on top of cleaning a house with a large dog and five people living in (two of whom have long hair). So, there's a lot for the Dyson Spot+Scrub AI Robot Vacuum Cleaner to content with.

The Dyson Spot+Scrub AI Robot Vacuum Cleaner detected every test zone that I had set up immediately, visible on the app and removed the debris with impressive consistency. I have different floor types up for testing: hardwood, stone, carpet, and linoleum, all of which have the different tests on them. The Dyson Spot+Scrub AI Robot Vacuum Cleaner moved seamlessly across them all, tackling dirt with impressive precision ad power.

Larger debris (the muesli) on carpets required a few additional passes, but the bin told the real story: it fulling up with all the debris that had had previously been on my floor.

Hair is often where robot vacuums falter, particularly when it tangles around the brush roll. With two long-haired women and a large dog at home, this is a meaningful test. I scattered hair extensions across different floor types to push the Dyson further. It collected them in a single pass, and when I checked the rollers afterwards, always part of my process, there was no significant wrapping. Even corners, where hair tends to gather, were notably clean when inspected with a torch and microfibre cloth.

I love that you don't lose the signature Dyson sensor, which shows up dirt and debris and then, when it came to mopping, the Dyson Spot+Scrub AI Robot Vacuum Cleaner was notably better than anything I've ever tested before. If you read about their wet features, you'll see that the roller self-cleans, so that you don't end up mopping your floor with dirty water or a dirty roller, the results that are offered by the rest of the market with mopping pads. The Dyson also heats water (supposedly to 60°C) and I have to so that the results speak for themselves. This lifted even my most stubborn soy sauce test in three passes (one that no robot vacuum has passed before) and it didn't smear the sticky jam like many predecessors. Then, when moving onto the carpet tests, the Dyson automatically lifted the roller, so it didn't get wet. That's vacuuming intelligence.

How does the Dyson Spot+Scrub AI Robot Vacuum Cleaner compare?

I’ve been a long-standing robot vacuum sceptic, but the Shark DirtDetect was the model that finally convinced me they were worth considering. Having tested the Shark and Dyson side by side in the same space, it became clear that while they occupy the same category, they offer very different cleaning philosophies.

The Shark delivers a dependable, structured clean. It maps methodically, follows a predictable grid pattern, and vacuums and mops with reassuring consistency. For many homes, that kind of set-and-forget reliability will be more than sufficient and at a lower price point, it represents strong value.

The Dyson Spot+Scrub AI Robot Vacuum Cleaner, however, feels like a significant step forward in intelligent automation. Rather than simply covering ground, it actively seeks out dirt. During testing, it mapped my open-plan kitchen 80% faster than the Shark and immediately highlighted high-traffic and high-soil areas within the app. Where the Shark relies on repeat coverage to eventually encounter debris, the Dyson identifies it optically and responds with targeted, repeated passes until the sensors confirm the area is clean.

That difference becomes especially noticeable in real life. Spills around the kitchen island, kibble near the dog bowl, and ash by the fireplace were all addressed with far greater precision by the Dyson, while the Shark approached them as part of a wider clean. The Dyson also offers more granular control within the app, allowing me to fine-tune zones, prioritise problem areas, and clearly see where dirt accumulates over time, something I find genuinely useful rather than gimmicky.

In short, the Shark is an excellent entry-level choice if you want reliable, hands-off cleaning. But if you’re investing in a robot vacuum to genuinely reduce your mental load, noticing mess before you do and dealing with it decisively, the Dyson operates on a more advanced level.

Should you buy the Dyson Spot+Scrub AI Robot Vacuum Cleaner?

I didn’t expect to become emotionally attached to a robot vacuum, yet here we are, naming it and trusting it to run while we leave the house. Yes, it’s expensive. But after extensive testing, the performance matches the price. Cleaning feels proactive rather than reactive, and that shift alone makes everyday life noticeably easier. If you’re someone who spots dust before anyone else does, this machine will bring you enormous satisfaction.

How we test vacuums

At woman&home, we have a series of standardised tests that we run before we write a review. This means that every vacuum is given a fair opportunity to show us what they're like: some models clean up and are left in the dust.

All of the vacuums have to pick up flour and sugar, muesli, and hair from the floor, designed to replicate all the different debris and dirt in your homes. Like the Dyson, if mopping functions are offered, we will also test that. We look at robot vacuums on some more technical features, such as the app, "AI features" and sensors too. We also make comparisons between models, so that you can get a good sense or value for money before you make any investments.

By the end of testing, you should have all your questions answered, but if you don't, take a look at our page on how we test vacuums, or drop me an email. I'm always happy to chat about all things robot vacuums.

Cordless vacuums have been cleaning up, with each new model promising, to boast stamina, slimmer silhouettes, and smarter technology. I'll be honest though, I find that a lot of new releases come with a lot of hot air. They make big promises with fancy names, but when it comes to vacuuming museli from my kitchen floor after the whirlwind that is breakfast, they all seem to run out of steam. Not the VAX though. I've long admired the brand's vacuums for truly delivering on their promises, so when their new HomePro range launched, it came with a lot of promise.

As a cordless vacuum, the VAX HomePro Detect Pet Cordless Vacuum comes in direct competition with lots of the best vacuums. As the name suggests, there are a few special elements on offer with VAX's latest iteration: clever detection technology, special pet features, and a completely cordless design.

I took this for a spin in my home over a week, with our family dog, tough tests, and some fierce competition by its side. It's since been homed in one of our woman&home team's flat for further, long-term testing. Yes, we love it, but why?

VAX HomePro Detect Pet Cordless Vacuum review

Who would the VAX HomePro Detect Pet Cordless Vacuum suit?

You don’t need to play detective to work out who this vacuum was designed for: the clues are right there in the name. The HomePro Detect Pet is unmistakably engineered with pet households in mind, arriving with specialist tools designed to lift stubborn hair from upholstery, tight crevices, and other magnet zones for fluff. Its anti-HairWrap roller is built to resist tangling, which is just as valuable if you live with long-haired humans as it is if you share your sofa with a moulting spaniel.

Convenience sits firmly at the centre of the design too. VAX has streamlined the cordless experience with a multi-surface floorhead that automatically adjusts suction depending on floor type and debris levels, removing the need for constant manual switching. It’s the kind of intelligent automation that makes cleaning feel less like a chore and more like a quick life admin reset.

Thoughtful engineering continues elsewhere. The vacuum can stand independently, a surprisingly liberating feature when the doorbell rings mid-clean, while the FlexiClean wand bends to glide under sofas, beds, and kitchen islands without requiring you to fold yourself into origami. Easy, low-effort cleaning is clearly the brief here, and it shows.

With a 45-minute runtime, it comfortably covers most average-sized homes, though those tackling vast square footage may still prefer the unwavering stamina of a corded upright. That said, this is one of the most powerful and straightforward cordless vacuums I’ve tested. DirtDetect sensors automatically ramp suction up to three times when heavier debris is identified, while LED lighting on the floorhead exposes the dust you didn’t know was there, both satisfying and mildly humbling.

Unboxing the VAX HomePro Detect Pet Cordless Vacuum

The HomePro Detect Pet arrives in a compact, efficiently packed box that wastes very little space, always a promising start. Inside, you’ll find the main motor unit, battery, charger, and what VAX describes as a £50 accessory kit.

Crucially, these tools feel purposeful rather than perfunctory. The DirtDebris tool is excellent on heavy-traffic fabrics like doormats and pet beds, agitating fibres just enough to release embedded grit. A fine dusting brush tackles delicate surfaces and surprisingly awkward areas such as car interiors, while the stretch hose extends your reach into corners that normally require furniture negotiation.

Even without these extras, the primary wand and flexible pole would be sufficient for most households, so their inclusion feels generous rather than strategic upselling.

Packaging is largely recyclable cardboard, though some soft plastics remain, fairly standard for appliances, but worth noting if you’re meticulous about disposal. A quick trip to a supermarket recycling point should take care of the remainder.

What is the VAX HomePro Detect Pet Cordless Vacuum like to use?

From the moment it came out of the box, this vacuum made a strong case for itself. Assembly is blissfully simple: the wand, motor unit, and floorhead click together with the kind of satisfying precision that suggests thoughtful engineering rather than forced design. My battery arrived partially charged. a small mercy, but I’d still recommend plugging yours in straight away so nothing delays that first, oddly thrilling clean.

Every vacuum I test faces the same opening challenge: 100g of flour and sugar, scattered deliberately across multiple floor types to mimic the fine particulate matter that settles into real homes. It’s a deceptively difficult test; lighter dust often escapes weaker suction or gets redistributed rather than removed. The HomePro Detect Pet sailed through it.

In a single forward pass, it lifted the entire spill from hardwood, stone, carpet, and linoleum without requiring the back-and-forth “scrubbing” motion that lesser vacuums demand. That tells me two things immediately: the suction is strong, and the floorhead is sealing properly against the surface, a detail many shoppers overlook, but one that dramatically affects real-world performance.

Next came the kitchen reality test: 200g of muesli and granola, plus the usual supporting cast of dog kibble. Technically, larger debris is what dustpans are for, but if a vacuum can handle it gracefully, it saves you from crouching on the floor negotiating oat clusters.

True to its name, the VAX detected the heavier mess and adjusted power accordingly. Raisins, chunky granola, and rogue cereal pieces disappeared with impressive efficiency. Initially, I noticed a slight “ploughing” effect, where the largest pieces gathered at the front of the floorhead rather than being immediately lifted. Slowing my pace and angling the head slightly solved this almost instantly and, in fairness, this is common behaviour even among premium cordless models.

Hair was the test I was most interested in. With two long-haired women in the house and a dog who sheds with theatrical commitment, we generate the kind of tumbleweeds that can humble a vacuum very quickly. I scattered 30g of hair extensions to create a controlled challenge, and the VAX handled it beautifully. Instead of winding itself tightly around the brush roll, the hair travelled cleanly into the bin, exactly what HairWrap Resist technology promises, and reassuring proof that it’s more than marketing gloss.

Switching to handheld mode revealed another strength: agility. Nimble is the word I found myself writing repeatedly in my notes. It manoeuvres confidently around chair legs, slips between banisters, and reaches impressively close to skirting boards without the heart-stopping crunch of accidental impact. With the FlexiClean wand engaged, it glided under radiators and low furniture without forcing me into an impromptu Pilates session. If some vacuums feel like bulky gym equipment, this is more ballet dancer: controlled, responsive, and surprisingly graceful.

Cleaning and maintaining the VAX HomePro Detect Pet Cordless Vacuum

A quoted runtime of 45 minutes proved accurate in my testing and was comfortably enough to deep-clean the entire house with charge to spare for a quick pass over the car. Yes, some cordless competitors now stretch towards the 60–90 minute mark, but runtime is only meaningful if suction remains consistent. And here, the VAX holds its nerve.

Charging takes around three hours, which sits squarely within the industry norm. Faster options exist, but rarely at this balance of power.

The 0.7L bin strikes a sensible middle ground between capacity and weight. During my deliberately heavy testing, I emptied it twice, but under normal weekly cleaning, that frequency would drop considerably. Emptying is refreshingly low-contact: the base releases cleanly, allowing debris to fall straight into the bin without the dust cloud theatrics some designs still produce.

Filtration is another quiet strength. VAX claims the two-stage system captures 99.9% of particles down to 0.3 microns, and while I can’t peer into the air itself, the absence of that telltale dusty smell during vacuuming suggests it’s doing exactly what it should. For allergy-prone households, that’s more than a spec. It’s a quality-of-life upgrade.

Maintenance is similarly straightforward. The brush roll is easy to access, the filter can be cleaned without deciphering an instruction manual, and nothing about the design feels unnecessarily complicated: always a good sign for long-term ownership.

Should you buy the VAX HomePro Detect Pet Cordless Vacuum?

If your home includes pets, long hair, busy mornings, or simply the everyday evidence of a life well lived, the VAX HomePro Detect Pet Cordless Vacuum makes a very compelling case for itself.

It delivers where it matters most: strong suction, intelligent power adjustment, excellent hair pickup, and genuinely useful manoeuvrability. While it does lean slightly heavier than some Dyson models, the trade-off is a vacuum that feels robust, grounded, and engineered for real cleaning rather than showroom theatrics.

Among cordless vacuums I’ve tested recently, this is firmly one of my favourites, reliable, capable, and refreshingly unfussy. It doesn’t just promise performance; it demonstrates it, pass after pass.

In short, if you want a powerful, low-maintenance cordless vacuum that won’t wilt at the first sight of kibble or chaos, this is an investment you’re unlikely to regret.

How we test vacuums

At woman&home, we test every vacuum in real homes rather than pristine labs, because true performance only shows itself in everyday mess. Alongside day-to-day cleaning, each model undergoes controlled tests designed to measure suction, pickup, and overall usability.

We begin by scattering 100g of flour and sugar across multiple floor types to replicate the fine dust and debris that settles in busy households. Strong performers remove it in minimal passes without redistributing particles. Next comes a tougher challenge: larger debris such as muesli, granola, and pet kibble, which quickly reveals whether a vacuum lifts dirt smoothly or pushes it ahead, a behaviour known as the “plough effect.”

Hair pickup is another essential test, particularly for pet and long-haired homes. We assess how effectively strands are removed and whether they wrap around the brush roll. Beyond cleaning power, we live with each vacuum for at least a week, evaluating manoeuvrability, reach, weight, battery life, bin capacity, filtration, and how hygienic it is to empty.

Only models that prove themselves across all these areas earn our recommendation, because a good vacuum shouldn’t just clean well on paper, it should make everyday life noticeably easier.

Dishwashers are a lifesaver when it comes to post-dinner clean-ups, but they often get a bad rep for being inefficient, costly and a waste of precious kitchen space. One appliance expert is here to debunk the myths and shed some light on the cleaning machine.

Whether you're debating investing in a dishwasher or wondering if your appliance is worth the space it takes up, it can be easy to fall for commonly known myths. While there are a few common dishwasher mistakes, being aware of the truth about your appliance can be a real help for improving everyday use.

So, if your head is filled with questions about the cost-effectiveness and cleanliness that dishwashers provide, our appliance experts are here to put your worries to rest.

7 common dishwasher myths debunked by experts

While you might be ahead in knowing how often you need to clean your dishwasher, you may still have some reservations about owning the appliance. You wouldn't be alone in that, as there are many misconceptions about the machines.

"There are so many myths out there around dishwashers, even though they’re one of the most used appliances in a kitchen," says Adam Norris, senior product manager for dishwashing and laundry at Hotpoint. "Knowing how to use them properly not only improves cleaning, but also saves water, energy, and helps extend the life of your machine."

With that in mind, here are some commonly believed myths that you may have been worried about...

1. Dishwashers use more water than handwashing

If you take pride in your home being healthy in terms of its environmental footprint, you may be cautious about how much water you use.

"This is one of the most common myths we hear, and it’s completely false,” says Adam. “Modern dishwashers use far less water than washing by hand. A typical dishwasher cycle uses around 14 litres of water for a regular setting and around 10 for an eco-setting, while handwashing the same load can use up to 100 litres. In fact, our Hotpoint dishwashers can use as little as 8.7 litres of water for a full load.”

In fact, dishwashers consistently outperform handwashing when it comes to water usage. This is a difference that will help with savings on your bills and, of course, reduce your environmental impact.

2. You have to pre-rinse dishes before loading

If you're someone who likes to clean your living room in under ten minutes and hates long-winded cleaning techniques, you might question the convenience of a dishwasher. Especially when it comes to pre-cleaning dishes before you put them into the machine.

“Pre-rinsing isn’t necessary with modern dishwashers,” Adam explains. “For example, some dishwashers have powerful jets and smart sensors that adjust the cycle based on how dirty your dishes are. Rinsing dishes beforehand can actually reduce the effectiveness of the wash," he adds.

"Instead, scrape any food scraps into the bin or homemade compost, then load the dishes directly into the dishwasher. This saves time and reduces water waste. An average household could save up to 22,000 litres of water a year by removing pre-rinsing from their routine!” he continues.

3. Dishwashers use dirty water, they're not hygienic

If you want your kitchen cleaning to be at proffesional chef level, you may question just how well a dishwasher can scrub your dishes and if they're hygienic at all.

"Dishwashers don’t just swirl dirty water around,” explains Adam. “They spray fresh, heated water at high pressure multiple times during each cycle. When combined with specialist detergents, this delivers a much more hygienic clean than handwashing ever could, especially compared to kitchen sponges, which are often crawling with bacteria.”

He points out that dishwashers heat water to at least 60 °C, which is more than hot enough to kill any harmful bacteria. He adds, "By contrast, according to the Health and Safety Executive, hot water shouldn’t exceed 44 °C to avoid scalding risk. That means it’s physically impossible to hand-wash dishes at the same hygienic temperature a dishwasher can achieve, making dishwashers a safer and more effective choice."

4. Dishwashers use more energy than handwashing

Between finding ways to warm your house for less and lowering your energy bills for the year, you may be looking for more places in your home where you can save money. And although dishwashers do use energy, they're a lot more cost-effective than you might think.

"Dishwashers can be the more energy-efficient option. They optimise how water is heated, while handwashing usually means running the hot tap for longer and waiting for your boiler to heat the water to the right temperature. Over a year, that extra heating really adds up," says Adam.

If you do want to be smart with your energy use, he recommends only running your dishwasher when it is full. This will help you use less water than you would when handwashing, and if you set it to eco mode, even better.

5. It doesn't matter if you don't load properly

You might think your dishwasher can perform a thorough clean no matter how you stack it or how much you fill it. Although that would be ideal, there is a reason you need to be careful when loading.

"Dishwashers are designed for water to circulate freely," begins Adam. “Overloading the machine or placing large items in the wrong position can block the spray arms, preventing the jets from reaching everything. This means items won’t get properly cleaned. To get the best results, put larger pans at the sides, face plates toward the spray arms, and avoid stacking bowls together."

So if you've been noticing your plates and cutlery aren't coming out squeaky clean, your loading technique may need a rethink!

6. They're only useful if you have a larger household

Are you trying to make your small kitchen look bigger and worried that a dishwasher is going to take up precious space? While you'll certainly need to make room for the appliance, it's worth the sacrifice even if your households on the small side.

"Many people think dishwashers aren’t worth it if you live alone or with just a few people, but newer slim and compact models are perfect for smaller households. Even if you’re only running a load every couple of days, it still saves water, provides better hygiene, and reduces time at the sink,” says Adam.

He also highlights that some models come with a half-load option, which means a decreased amount of water and energy is used.

7. Any soap works in a dishwasher

It may be frustrating going to put your dishwasher on and finding you're out of tablets, but don't be tempted to throw alternative soaps in the machine.

"Hand soap isn’t made for dishwashers,” warns Adam. “It creates extra suds that can overflow, damage sensors, and even cause leaks. Always stick to products made for dishwasher use – whether powder, liquid, or tablets.

Dishwasher detergents are specially designed to clean away grease and small bits of food at high temperatures, something standard washing-up liquid just can’t compete with."

Knowing how to clean your dishwasher can make a huge difference in its overall performance and energy efficiency. Although it may seem like a big job, it will benefit you more than it will inconvenience you.

Over winter, tumble dryers are a lifesaver for making quick work of damp clothes and giving our towels that irresistible fluffiness. So when they suddenly stop working, it can be pretty puzzling and frustrating.

Not only can you reuse tumble dryer water around your house, but it's also a fast and effective way of drying clothes all year round. And whilst there are other, more budget-friendly ways to dry your clothes indoors, tumble dryers are the best at what they do. That is when they're working properly.

If you've noticed that your machine isn't drying your clothes properly and your washing is still coming out damp, there are a few reasons for this. Luckily, we got the rundown from appliance experts to help you get your tumble dryer back to full health.

Why is my tumble dryer not drying my clothes?

Even if you've made no laundry drying mistakes, the process doesn't always go as smoothly as you'd hope. Especially when your trusty tumble dryer isn't delivering warm, dry laundry like it usually does.

"There are several common reasons why a tumble dryer may suddenly become less effective, and most are surprisingly simple to fix," says Sophie Lane, Miele GB's Product Training Manager. "Blocked filters are one of the biggest culprits because when lint builds up, it restricts airflow and prevents warm air from circulating properly."

"Condenser and heat pump dryers also rely on clean heat exchangers and fine filters to remove moisture from the air. Once these become clogged, drying performance can drop noticeably. Another frequent issue is overloading. If the drum is packed too tightly, warm air cannot move through the laundry evenly," she adds.

There are other reasons you might be dealing with an unhappy appliance. Before you abandon ship for your best heated airer, you'll want to check these possible issues, too.

"Room conditions can also affect performance. Condenser dryers need good ventilation to disperse warm, moist air, while heat pump dryers can struggle if the surrounding temperature is too low. Incorrect programme selection is often overlooked as well," explains Sophie.

"Choosing a gentle or low temperature cycle may not deliver the dryness level needed for heavier fabrics. If clothes go into the dryer already very wet, often due to a low spin speed in the washing machine, the dryer simply has too much moisture to remove within a normal cycle," she continues.

Sophie also points out that internal components matter too; she says that moisture sensors can become coated with detergent residue. This will then cause the dryer to misread the laundry as dry and end the cycle earlier. However, in rare cases, a fault with the heating component can stop the appliance from producing warm air entirely.

Shop drying essentials

Why is my dryer working but not drying clothes?

Found yourself still pulling out damp laundry despite using expert tricks to speed up your tumble dryer cycle?

"If your dryer is running normally but your clothes aren’t drying, the most common cause is a component fault, such as a damaged heat pump, a blocked lint filter or a blocked condenser. This can significantly reduce drying performance by restricting airflow or preventing proper heat exchange," says Michelle Feng, Product Marketing Manager of laundry at Hisense.

"If the issue can’t be resolved by cleaning the lint filter and condenser, the Self-Diagnostic feature available on modern appliances will detect the issue so that it can be addressed quickly and accurately,” she adds.

How do I know if my dryer heating element is blown?

As one of the most expensive appliances to run, it's a good idea to not only know how to maintain your tumble dryer but also know the signs of when it's malfunctioning.

“A blown dryer heating element typically shows up as a lack of heat during a cycle. If the dryer runs and the drum tumbles normally but only produces cold air, or no heat at all, the heating element may be faulty," explains Michelle.

“Another common indicator is extended drying times. Clothes may take far longer than normal to dry because the appliance is relying on airflow alone rather than heat. While other components can cause similar symptoms, these signs are classic indicators of a failed heating element,” she finishes.

If you wish to dry your clothes without relying on your tumble dryer this season, experts at Meaco share their surprising method for drying clothes quickly indoors.

I’m starting to lose count of the number of versions of the Dyson vacuum on the market. Each new launch promises a clever extra: a wet mop function, laser dust detection, or a slimmer 43mm handle. But it does beg the question: what about the classics? Are older models still the best way to enjoy the Dyson experience if you’re shopping on a budget?

I’ll admit it: I’m a vacuum nerd. What else would you expect from someone whose job it is to test the best vacuums on the market? I’ve spent an unreasonable amount of time testing, comparing, and talking about Dyson models. And while their latest machines are undeniably impressive, revisiting some of their older cordless designs has been a reminder of just how good Dyson was before all the bells and whistles.

The Dyson V8 Cyclone Vacuum is a case in point. It strips things back to the fundamentals: strong suction, a lightweight build, and a design that simply works. In my tests, it comfortably outperformed corded competitors and held its own against far pricier cordless models. Reflecting on my experience, I’m confident I’ve found one of the most cost-effective ways to enjoy a Dyson vacuum without paying flagship prices.

Dyson V8 Cyclone Vacuum review

Who would the Dyson V8 Cyclone Vacuum suit?

The Dyson V8 Cyclone Vacuum is best suited to people who want powerful, reliable cleaning without paying for features they’ll rarely use. It’s an excellent fit for small to medium-sized homes, flats, and houses without wall-to-wall heavy pile carpet, as well as anyone upgrading from a corded vacuum or an older cordless model.

If you’re short on storage, the lightweight design and slim wall dock make it easy to live with day to day, and if you’re dealing with long hair, shedding pets, or frequent everyday mess rather than deep-in-the-pile dirt, it more than holds its own. It’s also a particularly smart choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want the Dyson build quality and suction performance: you’re getting the core Dyson experience here, without paying extra for lasers, screens, or smart sensing that don’t necessarily make your floors any cleaner.

Unboxing the Dyson V8 Cyclone Vacuum

Dyson still sets the standard for packaging. The Dyson V8 Cyclone Vacuum arrived in a slim, neatly organised box, with each component securely housed in fully recyclable packaging. Creating a completely plastic-free, recyclable setup at this scale is no small feat, and it’s something very few brands manage, so credit where it’s due.

Inside the box, the Dyson V8 Cyclone Vacuum package covers all the essentials. You get the wall-mounted docking station, battery and charger, the main handheld unit, a full-size floorhead suitable for both hard floors and carpets, a crevice tool, and an upholstery tool. It’s a well-judged selection: no gimmicks, no unnecessary extras, just sturdy, well-made tools that you’ll actually use around the house.

What is the Dyson V8 Cyclone Vacuum like to use?

The Dyson V8 Cyclone Vacuum arrived with a partial charge, which meant I could start testing immediately. Dyson estimates that the battery takes around 60 minutes to charge fully, delivering up to 40 minutes of runtime in standard power mode. In real-world use, I found this to be an accurate reflection of performance.

I’m often asked whether 40 minutes is “enough”, especially when newer models boast longer runtimes. In practice, it absolutely is. Dyson’s own user data shows that even in large family homes, people rarely vacuum continuously for a full hour. In my testing, I comfortably completed multiple cleans without feeling rushed or compromised by battery life.

Ergonomically, the Dyson V8 Cyclone Vacuum is a pleasure to use. It glides smoothly across different floor types, transitions easily from carpets to hard floors, and feels well balanced in the hand. Carrying it upstairs was effortless, and even after a full day of testing, it remained light on my arms, something I don’t take for granted with cordless vacuums.

I begin all vacuum tests with fine debris. I scatter 100g of flour and sugar across hard flooring, carpet, wood, stone, and linoleum to see how well a vacuum picks up powdery mess without scattering it.

The Dyson V8 Cyclone Vacuum sailed through. It lifted every trace of flour and sugar cleanly, without pushing debris around or leaving residue behind. Even in areas where many vacuums drag fine dust along with their wheels, the V8 remained impressively precise. It’s an excellent demonstration of Dyson’s airflow and suction control.

Next comes larger debris: 100g of granola, scattered across the same floor types. This is where design flaws quickly show up, as many vacuums push oats and raisins into what’s often called a “snowplough” effect.

The Dyson V8 Cyclone Vacuum did create a small amount of snowploughing on smoother surfaces like wood and linoleum, which isn’t unusual. By slowing my pace slightly, I was able to lift every piece cleanly. On carpets and textured flooring, pickup was even easier. Importantly, the debris wasn’t scattered across the room (a far more frustrating issue) and results were consistently clean across all surfaces.

Hair is the final formal test and one that many vacuums struggle with, despite bold claims of anti-hair-wrap technology. I scattered 30g of hair extensions across each floor type. For context, my home also houses two long-haired adults and one constantly moulting dog.

Try as I might, I couldn’t tangle hair around the brush bar. Instead, it was efficiently funnelled into the dust bin. Not having to cut hair out of a roller at the end of testing felt like a small but very real victory. Problem areas, including my dog’s favourite lounging spots, were left genuinely hair-free.

To finish, I carried out a full top-to-bottom clean of the five-bedroom house I was testing in. This is where battery life, weight distribution, and long-term comfort really come into play.

The Dyson V8 Cyclone Vacuum delivered a deep, satisfying clean on a single charge. It remained easy to manoeuvre, comfortable to carry upstairs, and didn’t feel heavier as time went on. My only note is that during a particularly dusty period, I did need to empty the bin twice, but that’s hardly a criticism, just a reminder that the bin isn’t oversized.

Cleaning and maintaining the Dyson V8 Cyclone Vacuum

One of the easiest parts of living with the Dyson V8 Cyclone Vacuum is the maintenance. The bin isn’t enormous compared with some of today’s larger cordless vacuums, but it’s well-sized for day-to-day cleaning and held up impressively in my tests, even during a full house clean, it only needed emptying twice.

Dyson’s hygienic bin release makes that quick and mess-free: one push and debris falls straight into the bin without you having to fish anything out. In terms of runtime and charge, the V8 delivers up to around 40 minutes of cleaning on a full charge, and I found Dyson’s claim of a 60-minute charge time to be accurate in practice, so topping up between sessions is easy.

Hands down, one of the highlights was how it handled hair: despite scattering lengths of extensions and real pet hair across all floor types, nothing wrapped around the brush bar during testing. That means no fiddly de-tangling or cutting, and the roller stayed free-spinning throughout, a practical win for anyone living with long hair or shedding pets. Apart from a quick wipe down of attachments and the occasional filter rinse (as recommended in the manual), the V8 really is a low-maintenance workhorse.

How does the Dyson V8 Cyclone Vacuum compare?

The big question is whether the Dyson V8 Cyclone Vacuum is a smart way to save money without sacrificing the Dyson experience. As someone who regularly uses the Dyson V16, I couldn’t help but compare the two.

The Dyson V8 Cyclone Vacuum lacks some modern extras, there’s no green laser, dust sensor, or mopping function, but when you strip vacuuming back to its core purpose, it performs remarkably well. In straightforward cleaning tasks, it’s just as thorough as far more expensive models. Yes, the green light on newer Dysons is excellent at revealing hidden dust, but it’s also a luxury rather than a necessity. If what you want is powerful, reliable cleaning without the premium price tag, the V8 still earns its place.

Should you buy the Dyson V8 Cyclone Vacuum?

If you want to enjoy the luxury of owning a Dyson without paying flagship prices, this is the model I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. The Dyson V8 Cyclone Vacuum proves that you don’t need the latest bells and whistles to get excellent cleaning performance and it might just be the smartest Dyson buy of all.

How we test vacuums

At woman&home, every vacuum goes through a series of standardised tests. We begin with fine debris like flour and sugar, before moving on to larger particles such as granola and hair. I test across a wide range of floor types, from hardwood to carpet and linoleum — to reflect real homes and real mess.

Alongside performance, I assess usability, comfort, battery life, and ease of maintenance. By the end of each review, you should have a clear idea of whether a vacuum will suit your home and your needs. If you’d like to learn more, you can visit our dedicated guide on how we test vacuums.

You know that phrase, “clean enough that you could eat off it”? Well, Bosch took it literally. Their Bosch Unlimited 10 ProPower Vacuum is engineered to leave floors so sparkling that, technically, you could sit down with a knife and fork, though I’d still stick to the table. This is a machine designed to impress not just with performance but with precision, reliability, and style.

Bosch is a brand that makes sense when you’re on the hunt for the best vacuums. They’ve been designing cleaning appliances for decades, and it shows: every curve, button, and attachment is thoughtfully considered. And the Bosch Unlimited 10 ProPower Vacuum promises to rival big names like Dyson and Shark, delivering power and flexibility without making cleaning feel like a mini workout.

With that in mind, I put the Bosch Unlimited 10 ProPower Vacuum through rigorous, head-to-head tests to see whether it truly deserves a crown in the world of cordless vacuums. From fine dust to cereal spills, rugs to hardwood, hair to pet fur, I examined every corner of a busy family home to see how it performed. Here’s what I found.

Bosch Unlimited 10 ProPower Vacuum review

Who would the Bosch Unlimited 10 ProPower Vacuum suit?

The Bosch Unlimited 10 ProPower vacuum is best suited to busy households that need a reliable, good-looking cordless cleaner with the muscle to handle pets, children, and everyday messes (including the odd baking mishap).

As a cordless option, it’s a smart choice if you’re dealing with mixed flooring and pet hair, because Bosch uses just one floorhead and a whole host of smart technology to adjust suction and power depending on where you are vacuuming. It's a nice change not having to carry lots of attachments and floorheads around with you.

Whilst I thought this was a little weighty at first, the way that it glides makes this actually a really smooth, easy vacuum to clean the whole house with. Team that with strong suction, a versatile floorhead, and a well-thought-out set of attachments, it adapts easily to almost any cleaning task without unnecessary faff.

Unboxing the Bosch Unlimited 10 ProPower Vacuum

I'll let you peek behind the curtain here. When testing products for reviews, sometimes the units have already been in other hands, so I don’t always get the “brand-new” unboxing experience. My Bosch Unlimited 10 ProPower Vacuum had clearly been tested before, so I can't guarentee that your packaging will be identical. However, it's highly likely that it'll be close.

The box itself was slim, svelte, and easy to lift, a promising start that suggested the vacuum would be just as manageable in daily use. Inside, Bosch supplies a mix of easily recyclable cardboard and soft plastics. While I would have loved fully recyclable packaging, it’s functional and unpacks without fuss.

The kit inside includes a battery and charger (I recommend plugging it in immediately to get full performance); your universal floorhead suitable for all floor types; and three specialist attachments for crevices, upholstery, and tricky corners.

Everything feels robust and well-built, clearly designed to survive the chaos of family life. And unlike some purely functional vacuums, the Bosch Unlimited 10 ProPower Vacuum looks sleek and premium. It’s the vacuum equivalent of a designer handbag.

What is the Bosch Unlimited 10 ProPower Vacuum like to use?

Once I plugged in the battery, two green charging dots confirmed it was almost ready to go. Bosch estimates a full charge takes around 60-65 minutes, which matched my testing. Picking it up, I noticed a little more weight near the handle and top of the Bosch, but the vacuum glided smoothly across every surface, balancing ergonomics with power. The handle is comfortable, easy to grip even after long cleaning sessions, and switching between suction modes is simple. This meant that, even after a whole day of testing, the Bosch Unlimited 10 ProPower Vacuum didn't feel cumbersome or tricky to use, which is a relief for my poor biceps.

I particularly appreciated the all-in-one floorhead over the course of the day, because it saves on fumbling around swapping attachments for different floors. It's an underappreciated consideration, which lots of companies claim, but often I find that you end up with a vacuum floorhead that's neither suited to carpets or hard floors. Luckily, that's not the case with the Bosch Unlimited 10 ProPower Vacuum. That smooth handling made this one of my favourite vacuums to use.

My formal tests work through a few different types of debris. I start off with 100g of flour and sugar, which are designed to mimic lighter dust and spills. I scatter this on wood floor, stone floor, carpet, and linoleum to get a sense of performance over different floor types. Across all floor types tests, I could see the Bosch collecting everything without a fuss.

The only hitch was a light layer left where the wheels were on stone floor, but when I pulled the vacuum back towards my body, the Bosch collected up what little flour and sugar was left behind. Inside the bin, I weighed the full 100g back out, which is perfect proof that the Bosch picked up every last flour particle (and possibly some extras).

The next test works with larger debris for when you accidentally scatter cereal on the floor or when the dog enthusiastically motors kibble under the sofa and kitchen island. Cordless vacuums often struggle to get the suction power to really pick the 100g of granola up, especially from hard floors like wood. As with the flour, I ran tests across all surfaces. To my great relief, the Bosch Unlimited 10 ProPower Vacuum didn’t break a sweat picking it up off my carpet. Although when I was testing it on a rug, the Bosch ended up sucking up some of the rug, in the transition between floor types. It's not ideal and did leave the rug looking somewhat dishevelled, but it was also spotlessly clean, so who am I to argue?

The other section of this test to note is that on my stone and hardwood floor, the Bosch did do a little bit of snow ploughing and scattering, which isn’t unusual for vacuums. The important part of the tests were that, when slowed down, the Bosch managed to pick up every last oat and raisin.

The final test for all vacuums is the hair test. In my house, we have some long-haired ladies as well as a 40kg dog, so there’s a fair amount of hair floating around. I chop 30g of hair extensions and scatter them around the house to make life even harder for the Bosch Unlimited 10 ProPower Vacuum.

After finishing a whole house clean, making use of the crevice and upholstery tools, I had managed to vacuum up all the hair and pick up a satisfying amount of dog hair from her favourite spots on the chair and sofa. The best part, aside from having a clean home, is that no hair had tangled around the rollers, so I didn’t have the grim job of needing to cut it or pull it out. There doesn't seem to be a limit on what the Bosch could do.

Another element of the Bosch Unlimited 10 ProPower Vacuum that I really appreciate is how dextrous it is. We have a kitchen island that is certainly the culprit for harbouring a lot of mess and yet the Bosch, with me crouched down could reach right through it. The floorhead is also slim enough to reach under radiators and it can be twisted to almost 90 degree angles to work around difficult areas of the home. It really is impressive.

Cleaning and maintaining the Bosch Unlimited 10 ProPower Vacuum

Like any high-performance vacuum, the Bosch Unlimited 10 ProPower Vacuum fills its dustbin fairly quickly under heavy use. This isn't surprising in a home with five people, multiple floors, and a dog.

In a full top-to-bottom clean, I had to empty it twice, which is reasonable and straightforward thanks to the clear bin design and easy-release mechanism. Filters are simple to remove and rinse, and overall, maintenance is fuss-free, which is exactly what you want in a vacuum you’ll reach for daily.

The run time, true to promise did heat nearly 100 minutes when I was using it in Eco mode. Of course, you might want to up the power and speed of yours, but that doesn't take too much out of the overall run time. It's also worth noting that in reality, 100 minutes of solid vacuuming is a lot to work through. Most of us aren't actually using ours for more than 50 minutes.

How does the Bosch Unlimited 10 ProPower Vacuum compare?

Now, you're probably wondering how the Bosch Unlimited 10 ProPower Vacuum stacks up against the other cordless vacuums that I've tested. For a vacuum that retails above £500, you're really putting Bosch head-to-head with the likes of Dyson. The Dyson V8 retails around £400, which is a touch cheaper than the Bosch. Whilst you are getting the name with the Dyson, I'd say that's about it in comparison. The Bosch has smarter floor sensitive technology, more accessories, and a longer run-time. Don't get me wrong, the Dyson V8 is still a fantastic cordless vacuum, but it doesn't really compare to the performance of the Bosch.

It would be remiss of me not to mention a Shark cordless vacuum here too. The one that springs to mind is the Shark Detect Clean & Empty Vacuum, which I love. This comes with it's own self-emptying station, which is a bonus for any allergy sufferers and has nice extra touches, including that it can stay upright independently, bend in the middle of the hose, and automatically adjust suction to lift dirt from skirting boards. All of that won't cost you more than £540 and it's often reduced too. Why not go for the Shark? I felt the Bosch Unlimited 10 ProPower Vacuum had a little more of a premium feel: it vacuumed with more power, so I needed to make fewer passes and overall seemed to have a little more sophistication. The Shark is brilliant for techy extras and maximising on price, the Bosch brings quality.

Should you buy the Bosch Unlimited 10 ProPower Vacuum?

Bosch has created a cordless vacuum that balances power, design, and practicality. It glides like a dream, cleans like a pro, and looks sleek enough that you might actually want to leave it on display. From fine flour to pet hair, it handles every challenge with ease, and the clever engineering means less faff and more clean. If you’re looking for a cordless vacuum that can suck up anything life throws at you — and maybe even leave your floors “knife-and-fork clean” — the Bosch is well worth the investment.

How we test vacuums

At woman&home we have a series of standardised tests that we put every vacuum through. We start with vacuuming finer particles, such as flour and sugar up from different floor types and work up to lifting hair up from deep-pile carpets. I also talk about unboxing and set-up, maintenance, battery life, and I'll compare the vacuum to other models to make sure that it's good value for money By the end of each review, you should have a detailed, holistic idea of what every vacuum is like to use. If you're interested to see behind, you can read our dedicated page on how we test vacuums.

If you ever get the chance to ask a professional which vacuum they rely on, be it a carpet cleaner, a domestic cleaner, even a vacuum engineer, you should take it. Those answers are worth their weight in clean carpets.

I’ve been asking that question for years, and while a few familiar brands crop up time and again, one name kept resurfacing with almost boring consistency: SEBO. The German brand has been producing variations of the same upright vacuum for decades, and at first glance, it shows. The SEBO X7’s boxy, no-nonsense design feels like a throwback and that’s entirely intentional. SEBO works on a simple philosophy: if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.

After the fifth recommendation, this time from professional carpet cleaners brought in to undo the chaos our dog had inflicted on the house, I finally relented. The SEBO X7 went into our dedicated testing facility to see whether its professional reputation as one of the best vacuums of all time really holds up under domestic scrutiny.

SEBO Automatic X7 Vacuum review

Who would the SEBO Automatic X7 Vacuum suit?

The SEBO X7 will not be for everyone. And that’s not a flaw, it’s clarity. As you’ll have guessed from the retro styling, this is a corded, upright, bagged vacuum that prioritises performance and longevity over convenience features or modern aesthetics. If you’ve been tempted away from corded vacuums in recent years, it’s worth noting that the X7’s extra-long power cable gives you excellent reach, making it far less restrictive than you might expect.

It’s particularly well suited to large homes with lots of carpet, where consistent suction and wide cleaning paths matter more than portability. Whilst this is heavy (and that's definitely worth factoring into your decision) it covers deep, satisfying cleaning better than any other vacuum that I've tested. This means that large homes, pet homes, and busy homes alike will really benefit from the features on the SEBO Automatic X7 Vacuum.

I've talked a lot about the retro design of the SEBO and, whilst it might not be the easiest to store or carry upstairs, some of the more dated elements have their silver linings. A good example of this is allergy sufferers. Thanks to its sealed, bagged system which traps dust far more effectively than bagless designs, you'll be able to breathe easier and vacuum with less concern.

My one word of caution: this is a big, heavy vacuum. That heft makes it superb for demanding, whole-house cleans, but less appealing if you want something quick to grab or easy to carry up and down stairs. There’s also no dedicated carry handle, which you’ll notice if you live across multiple floors.

Unboxing the SEBO Automatic X7 Vacuum

Given its professional reputation, you might expect excessive packaging or difficult setup, but SEBO keeps things refreshingly simple.

The box is only marginally larger than the vacuum itself, with accessories neatly tucked alongside the main body and spare bags slotted underneath. All three included tools (a crevice tool, upholstery nozzle and dusting brush) store neatly on board. There’s no rummaging in cupboards or hunting for attachments mid-clean, which keeps the whole experience streamlined and efficient. Whilst there is some soft plastic packaging and polystyrene, though the majority is recyclable and easy to dispose of.

As a bagged vacuum, the X7 does require familiarising yourself with the bag compartment. Helpfully, SEBO pre-fits a bag and includes spares in the box, so you can start vacuuming immediately without a trip to the shops.

What is the SEBO Automatic X7 Vacuum like to use?

As someone on the smaller side, I didn’t expect to enjoy using such a large upright vacuum as much as I did. While carrying it upstairs requires a bit of effort, actual cleaning feels surprisingly natural.

The ergonomic handle, smooth-rolling wheels and automatic height-adjusting floor head make it easy to move across different floor types without fiddling with settings. That auto-adjustment alone saves significant time when moving between rooms, and it’s a feature that I was surprised to find myself appreciating.

On a general note, it's worth mentioning that this is impressively nimble. It reclines fully to 180 degrees, allowing the floor head to stay flat while cleaning under sofas, beds and kitchen islands, areas where bulky uprights often struggle. You can see in the image above, it's doing an impressive job of staying flat, reaching deep under the kitchen island.

My formal tests were where the SEBO Automatic X7’s professional DNA really shows. It doesn’t rely on gimmicks; instead, it delivers consistent suction, excellent agitation and reliable results, pass after pass. The first test that I put it though was vacuuming up flour and sugar from the floor. I scatter 100g on hard wood floor, carpet, stone, and linoleum to see how the SEBO handles all the different terrains. The answer, although boringly consistent, is reassuring: the SEBO barely blinks. In just one pass, I picked up all the flour and sugar in the SEBO Automatic X7's path. Even on deep pile carpets where I expect for there to be some residue, this confidently and completely lifted all the flour and sugar up.

I will say that it was noisy whilst doing it, but that wouldn't be authentic to the retro charm if you didn't need to shout above 86 dB of suction power to be heard, would it?

My next test is on muesli and granola. Whilst you might not be throwing 100g of cereal around your house, this is the perfect way to test how your vacuum tackles larger pieces of dirt, be it cereal, kibble, or mud, tracked around the house.

As with all vacuums, the SEBO Automatic X7 started by pushing the cereal around a little. The front formed a plough that pushed the cereal around. On hard floors, I found that it scattered some oats to the side too. However, as I slowed down my passes, I was able to lift all the cereal from each surface within a maximum of three movements.

It's at this point that the little extra tools came in handy. I had huge chunks of granola to pick up and, whilst you'd probably do this by hand, I was curious to see whether the suction power on the SEBO Automatic X7 is strong enough to make the attempt. The answer is, yes. It absolutely is.

The third and final formal test that I put the SEBO Automatic X7 through is vacuuming up hair. In my house, we have two, long haired ladies and a large 40kg dog who never seems to stop shedding her coat. Team that with 30g of hair extensions scattered around the house and you've got yourself a challenge. Or, what would be a challenge if your vacuum wasn't as powerful as the SEBO Automatic X7. This whipped hair up like it was nothing. I watched the hair extensions spin off surfaces, both soft and hard, in the blink of an eye. The SEBO Automatic X7 didn't even get the hair tangled in the rollers. This was one of the greatest, most impressive features of the SEBO. It's the best performance I've seen - and I've tested a lot of vacuums.

I like to expand the tests into a whole-home clean, so I took the SEBO Automatic X7 through every floor of our five bed townhouse. It was nimble enough to fit under radiators, the light did a fantastic job at showing up dirt that was hiding under sofas and kitchen islands, and, thanks to the long cord, I didn't find myself needing to charge or fiddle around with the SEBO Automatic X7 at all.

The only downside is that this is a cumbersome vacuum. It's big, it's heavy, and I have a tight spiral staircase, so I knocked the walls and cursed a fair bit when moving this around. It's worth it for the clean, but if you're nor famous for your strength or spacial awareness, it's worth taking note of.

Cleaning and maintaining the SEBO Automatic X7 Vacuum

After a whole day vacuuming up dirt, debris, and hair, I expected to see a bit of a mess around the rollers and on the floorhead, but it was surprisingly clean. If I hadn't seen all the dirt get suctioned into the bag myself, I almost wouldn't have believed that this had done any work at all.

Without the need to cut hair out of rollers or stick a battery pack on charge, there's very little to do. The dust bin bag capacity in the SEBO Automatic X7 Vacuum is 5.3-litres, which is huge when you think of Dyson and Shark cordless vacuums which range between 04-0.8L. Put it this way, I didn't need to empty the bag in the whole week of testing - and I was putting it through some serious paces.

How does the SEBO Automatic X7 Vacuum compare?

When you stack the SEBO Automatic X7 up against a standard corded upright, the differences in design philosophy and performance become immediately clear. The SEBO feels like the vacuum equivalent of a precision tool: its self-adjusting brush head adapts to different pile heights automatically, meaning you don’t have to fiddle with settings as you move from low-pile rugs to deep carpet, whereas many traditional uprights still require manual height adjustment and can struggle to maintain consistent suction across surfaces.

In everyday cleaning, the X7’s filtration system stands out too: medical-grade bags and HEPA-level filtration really minimise airborne dust, which is a boon in homes with allergy sufferers, most basic uprights rely on cyclonic bins that can spit fine dust back into the room. The cord on the SEBO is long enough to reduce plug swapping, just like an everyday upright, but where a bargain upright might lose suction as the bag fills or clog on larger debris, the X7’s proven airflow design keeps performance steady from the first minute to the last.

If you’re comparing it to something like a mid-range household upright, which capable but unremarkable, the SEBO feels like a professional standard: smoother transitions, more consistent pick-up across debris types, and a build that’s engineered for longevity rather than just price-point convenience. For someone who vacuums frequently or lives in a larger home with varied floor types, that reliability difference quickly becomes worth the investment; by contrast, a basic upright might suit a small space or infrequent use, but it simply doesn’t deliver the same level of control or finish.

Should you buy the SEBO Automatic X7 Vacuum vacuum?

The SEBO X7 isn’t trying to be trendy, it’s trying to be exceptionally good at vacuuming. And that’s exactly why professionals trust it. If you want a lightweight, cordless cleaner for quick touch-ups, this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for a vacuum that can handle serious dirt, heavy foot traffic and pet hair day after day, and keep doing so for years, the SEBO X7 more than earns its reputation.

It’s old-school in the best possible way: built to work hard, built to last, and built with cleaning, not convenience shortcuts, at the centre.

How we test vacuums

At woman&home we have a series of tests that we put every vacuum through in order to write a review. These span from vacuuming up flour, sugar, and cereal, right through to tangles of hair extensions. I make sure to cover a range of floor types, including hard wood, linoleum, and soft rugs and carpets, so that, whatever your home, you can work out whether this is the vacuum for you.

I like our reviews to talk about the look, feel, noise level, and maintenance elements that come with every vacuum too. That way, when you're choosing which one to buy, you can compare this, holistically to different models on the market.

If you're curious to find out more, you can read all about what goes on behind the scenes on our dedicated page for how we test vacuums.

Love it or loathe it, January offers the perfect opportunity to declutter our homes and give everything a reset for the year ahead.

If you're hoping to declutter items for a happier home in 2026, now is the ideal time to try one of the best professional decluttering techniques. And while there are so many to choose from nowadays - from the snowball method to the one-touch tidying rule - some of them are more fad than fab, which is why I'm always keen to put a new method to the test and weigh up whether it's actually going to help.

When I stumbled across the 'didn't know' decluttering method, I was eager to give it a try. It sounded deceptively simple, but how effective would it be in practice?

Having put it to the test to sort through both my bathroom drawers and kitchen cabinets, I can confidently say that I'm a fan. And it's not just me: two professional home organisers that I spoke to also recommend this method.

Below, I'm breaking down everything you need to know, including its many benefits and what it's actually like to use at home.

What is the 'didn't know' decluttering method?

The 'didn't know' decluttering method is pretty much what it says on the tin: it focuses on letting go of the things we didn't even know we had.

It's all too easy to forget what we're actually storing sometimes. Spare rooms, the cupboard under the stairs, the attic and the garage are common hotspots for this, as they have the capacity to hold a lot of stuff that we don't use on a day-to-day basis.

"The benefit here is simplicity," Shannon Murphy says, professional declutterer and founder of Simpl Living Co. "If you haven’t used something or even remembered owning it for over a year, it’s usually easier to let go of it. Unless it’s something you need for exceptional circumstances (like emergencies), these forgotten items are probably just taking up unnecessary space."

It's also a super easy method to apply in practise. As you're decluttering the garage, decluttering the loft, or even your book collection, you simply set aside anything you didn't know you had, and let it go - if you want to. As Shannon says, there are certain items that we might need to hold on to, but anything without significance or purpose can go.

What are the benefits of the 'didn't Know' decluttering method?

Before I gave the 'didn't know' decluttering method a go, I wanted to see if it was something that professional home organisers would recommend. Shannon is definitely a fan, as is professional declutterer Rebecca Crayford.

"A lot of decluttering advice asks people to make big decisions about every single item they own, which can quickly feel tiring and overwhelming," she explains. "But with the 'didn't know' method, the decision is often already made for you. If you genuinely didn’t know an item existed, you’ve clearly been managing perfectly well without it - making it much easier to decide whether to recycle, donate or rehome it."

Trying to make too many decisions in one go is one of the easiest decluttering mistakes we can make, and the 'didn't know' method is the ideal antidote. The decision is simple: I didn't know I had this, so I can let it go.

So, if you're looking for a way to declutter your home in a way that feels manageable, this could be the method for you.

Trying the 'didn't know' decluttering method

As I've already mentioned, I'm always keen to put a new decluttering method to the test. One of my recent favourites was the 'move out' declutter method, where I had to keep items based on whether I'd justify packing them up and moving them to a new home.

This (amongst other techniques I've tried) made a big difference to how my home feels. So it's fair to say that the didn't know decluttering method has a lot to live up to.

One area I've been desperate to declutter since the New Year is my bathroom storage unit. It contains six baskets, all housing an array of toiletries for both my partner and me. While it looks fine from the outside (that's the beauty of hidden storage after all), I'm constantly having to sort through a jumbled mess in each drawer when looking for specific items.

The danger with storage baskets like these is that we only really see the items at the top, meaning there's usually a litter of forgotten items underneath. After pulling out each drawer and working through them one by one, I was shocked at just how many items I didn't know I had – including, I'm embarrassed to say, toiletries that expired in 2024.

It was surprisingly easy to stick to the 'didn't know' decluttering method when sorting through these baskets. Toiletries are there to serve a purpose, and they hold little sentimental value, so any that I didn't know about clearly weren't serving their purpose with me. So, in the bin they went, and it was a reminder to myself to only buy what I need going forward.

I also decided to use the didn't know decluttering method to organise my kitchen cupboards. I swear by kitchen storage organisers like turntables and under-shelf holders, but I'm still fighting a constant battle when it comes to keeping things tidy, mainly because I have deep cabinets where items go missing at the back.

After going through the cupboards where I store food, drinks and cookware, I was again fairly surprised at how much stuff I'd forgotten about. There was bakeware I hadn't touched in years, and some neglected spices well past their sell-by date.

My verdict: should you try the 'didn't know' decluttering method?

It's fair to say that I'm very happy with how my kitchen cupboards and bathroom drawers are looking now. Both of them have had a well-needed clear-out and I'm hoping to maintain their tidy state going forward.

The didn't know decluttering method impressed me with how easy it is to use. No one wants a technique that feels like more of a hindrance than a help, so the fact that this method is so simple was a big green tick for me.

If it's your first time trying the 'didn't know' method, I'd definitely recommend starting with an area that doesn't hold many sentimental items. The bathroom is a prime example, as are the kitchen cupboards. Letting go of expired food cans and toiletries is pretty straightforward, but it gets harder when it comes to items we might have forgotten about, but have some sort of special meaning - like old childhood relics and family photos.

I haven't been quite brave enough to use the didn't know technique in these areas yet, but I'm planning on giving it a go - even if I don't rigidly stick to the rule of getting rid of anything I'd forgotten about.

Will you be giving the didn't know decluttering method a try?

Without the warm, breezy days of summer, it can be a struggle to dry clothes at this time of year. So when I heard about the dryer ball laundry hack for fresher-smelling clothes, I was eager to learn more.

Aside from sidestepping the common laundry drying mistakes in winter, laundry hacks are the best thing we can do to give our clothes a helping hand. And if they can produce fresher laundry and save us money in the process, then all the more reason to give them a try.

Experts swear by this laundry trick for fresher-smelling clothes in winter

The dryer ball hack is a tried-and-tested method laundry experts swear by. It's a cost-effective way to get fresher-smelling clothes in the winter, and I'll definitely be giving it a try. Here's everything you need to know.

What is the dryer ball laundry trick?

The laundry hack uses a dryer ball and essential oil as a natural way to freshen up clothes, towels, and bedding.

"It involves using a wool dryer ball and adding just a few drops of essential oil, like lavender or eucalyptus, directly onto the ball," Raphael Albuquerque de Vasconcelos Borges, Operations Manager at HeySunday, explains. "Once the oil has been absorbed (this part is important), the dryer ball goes into the dryer with your clothes, where it gently releases a light scent as everything tumbles."

How to use the dryer ball hack

To try the dryer ball laundry hack for fresher-smelling clothes this winter, you'll need some dryer balls and an essential oil. Rose, eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree are all good options, but you can pick any scent you like.

Add a few drops of essential oil to the dryer ball, wait a couple of minutes for the oil to sink in, then pop it into the tumble dryer alongside your laundry. Aside from helping your clothes smell better, the dryer ball will help reduce creases, too.

"As they bounce around, the dryer balls create space between clothes, which allows hot air to circulate more efficiently," Raphael explains. "This can also help reduce drying time, static cling, and wrinkles."

This hack is a great alternative to dryer sheets, which are an effective (but costly) way to help clothes smell fresher when they come out of the tumble dryer. With the dryer ball laundry hack, you can save money and do the environment a favour too (a lot of dryer sheets are single-use and non-biodegradable).

"Dryer balls can be a smart investment because they’re reusable and designed to last for months, if not longer," Raphael says. "Essential oils also tend to go a long way, since only a few drops are needed per load."

Bonus points if you have tennis balls lying around the house, which will work in a very similar way. Plus, this simple dryer ball laundry trick speeds up the cycle to help save energy.

Drying clothes indoors during the winter can feel like an uphill struggle, so anything that helps us get fresher-smelling clothes feels like a win. I'll definitely be giving the dryer ball laundry hack a go - hopefully, it will be a permanent addition to my winter laundry routine.

If you're looking for decluttering inspiration this January, the snowball decluttering method should definitely be on your radar.

It's one of the most apt decluttering techniques for this time of year - and not just because its name lends itself so well to the season. The snowball method is all about the small, easy wins that provide us with enough momentum to work through our decluttering checklists in full. It's a gentler approach, which many of us are craving right now.

Hopefully, you found some easy ways to reset your home in the New Year and things have started off feeling (relatively) calm. Or maybe the need to declutter your home has become too much to ignore, and you're in desperate need of a new method that speeds things along.

Either way, I've enlisted the help of professional home organisers to get their take on the snowball decluttering method. They've shared five top tips on how to make it work for you.

What is the snowball decluttering method?

Before we dig into the expert tips, you might be wondering what the snowball decluttering method actually is.

"It's all about starting in a way that feels manageable," professional home organiser Rebecca Crayford explains. "You give your brain a quick, easy win - by tackling, say, one small drawer or surface, which encourages you to move on to the next small task."

And so it goes until eventually, your decluttering has "snowballed" into something much bigger than how it started. It's the perfect way to declutter your home in a way that feels manageable.

"It's a pretty brilliant psychological strategy against procrastination," Max, co-founder at Pocket Storage, advocates. "It works by exploiting the momentum of small successes."

5 ways to use the snowball decluttering method to reset your home this January

Decluttering really is about the small wins. Getting rid of just one item, or working through one small area at a time, is often mentally rewarding enough for us to keep at it. That's what the snowball decluttering method is all about.

1. Start with the space that feels easiest

The snowball method is all about starting with the easiest task. So, instead of picking the area that feels like the biggest priority - AKA the messiest room in the house - start with a less cluttered area instead.

"Bathrooms are great for this, because they’re smaller and tend to hold less sentimental items," Shannon Murphy says, professional declutterer and founder of Simpl Living Co. "Start by sorting through products you haven’t used or didn’t like."

The key is to pick the area that feels easiest to you. Maybe decluttering the bedroom in one day feels less overwhelming than sorting through the bathroom cabinet - trust your instincts and go with what feels right.

2. Tackle a high-visibility area

Another way to try the snowball decluttering method is to start with a high-reward area - i.e., somewhere you see on a day-to-day basis.

"Seeing immediate results reinforces the habit and builds motivation," Max Wilson says. "Even the smallest possible win - like a medicine drawer - is enough to get started."

To keep things super simple, aim to spend no longer than 15 minutes sorting through your first area of choice. Mentally, this should feel doable - and if you feel like carrying on once the 15 minutes is up, then by all means go for it.

3. Face the bigger jobs when you feel ready

Jobs like decluttering the garage and decluttering the loft can feel overwhelming to say the least, but working your way up to these - instead of diving into them head-first - should feel easier.

"By the time you reach these larger, more complex spaces, you’ve already strengthened your decision-making ‘muscles’ and created enough momentum to handle the challenge with far less overwhelm," Max explains.

So, tackle these jobs only once you feel ready and you'll have avoided one of the biggest (and most damaging) decluttering mistakes. It's the best way to avoid starting the job and giving up halfway through.

4. Try combining it with another method

The snowball effect is present in other decluttering techniques, and you might find it helpful to try one out. For instance, you could try the 30-day minimalism challenge, where you eliminate one item on day one, two on day two, and so on, until you've eliminated 30 items by day 30. Bear in mind that this does mean you'd be aiming to let go of 465 items in total (gulp) - so, it definitely won't be for everyone.

Another way to use the snowball method is to apply it to the 1-3-5 decluttering technique, where you choose one large area, and split this into three medium-sized tasks and five micro tasks. Start by ticking off the five smallest tasks first, then use the momentum to move on to the three bigger tasks.

There's no right or wrong when it comes to decluttering, but the more methods you try, the better - so you can get a clearer idea of what works for you.

5. Let it happen naturally

One of the best things about the snowball method is that it should feel easy. Often, decluttering can feel like trying to swim upstream - the harder we try, the more stuff we end up pulling out and helplessly staring at, wondering what to do.

The snowball method is the ideal antidote to this, as it's focused on using momentum. If the momentum goes, take a break and come back to it when you feel ready.

"Some days the snowball will roll further than others, and that’s fine," Rebecca agrees. "Progress doesn’t need to be dramatic to matter."

These five expert tips will you help you get the most from the snowball decluttering method so you can successfully use it to reset your home this January.

Happy decluttering.

Dyson’s latest launch proves that powerful cleaning doesn’t have to come in a bulky package. The new Dyson PencilVac Vacuum is the brand’s slimmest, lightest and most dexterous vacuum yet, designed for quick, regular cleans rather than heavy-duty deep cleaning. Drawing on the same engineering principles used in Dyson’s hair tools, it’s a pared-back, ultra-sleek machine that feels refreshingly intuitive to use, especially if you’re short on storage or patience.

Dyson already has a reputation for making some of the best vacuum cleaners on the market, constantly refining problems most of us didn’t even realise could be solved. Following on from fuller-sized favourites like the Dyson V16 Animal, the PencilVac takes a different approach: it strips vacuuming back to the essentials, focusing on agility, precision and ease rather than brute force.

At first glance, it almost looks too slim to be serious, but after using it, I was genuinely surprised by how capable it feels. With clever anti-tangle rollers, a head that spins on the spot and a design that flattens almost completely to the floor, it’s a vacuum that makes everyday cleaning feel lighter, faster and far less of a chore.

Dyson PencilVac Vacuum Launch

• 1160mm (Height) x 226mm (Width) x 38mm (Depth)
• Up to 30 minutes run time, swappable battery
• 0.08L bin
• 1.8kg
• Three speed modes: Eco, Med, Boost
• 55 air watts (AW)

What the Dyson PencilVac Vacuum is like to use

I’ll admit, when I first saw images of James Dyson holding what looked like little more than a metal wand, I was sceptical. The PencilVac’s 38mm handle, the same diameter as Dyson’s Supersonic hair dryer, feels more like a styling tool than a household appliance. But that’s exactly the point. It sits neatly in the hand, feels beautifully balanced, and gives you far more control than a traditional stick vacuum.

Despite its slimline build, the technology inside is seriously impressive. The PencilVac is powered by Dyson’s fastest-ever Hyperdymium™ motor, spinning at up to 140,000rpm, and delivers up to 30 minutes of fade-free suction. The cleaner head covers the most common vacuuming mistakes: rotating in all directions and cleaning right to the edge, an area many vacuums notoriously miss, while forward- and backward-facing LED lights illuminate dust you’d otherwise walk straight past.

Hair tangling is also (refreshingly) not an issue. The dual cylindrical rollers actively prevent hair from wrapping around them, making this an excellent option if you shed a lot, live with someone with long hair, or have pets. Dust is compressed into a top-loading bin for more hygienic emptying, and when you’re done, it docks magnetically on the wall, no fiddling, no cables trailing across the floor.

Who the Dyson PencilVac is best for

The PencilVac isn’t trying to replace a full-sized cordless vacuum for deep cleans and that’s what makes it so appealing. It’s ideal for flats, smaller homes, busy households and anyone who has ever thought about how often they should vacuum their home. It's for the person who prefers frequent, light cleans over marathon cleaning sessions. It’s also a brilliant choice if you want something genuinely easy to grab between meetings, after dinner, or before guests arrive.

If you value design, ease of use and smart engineering, and you want a vacuum that feels effortless rather than exhausting, the Dyson PencilVac really stands out. It’s sleek, considered and cleverly engineered, and it’s quickly become one of those appliances I reach for without thinking, which, to me, is the mark of a great everyday vacuum.

The slim, svelte design of the Dyson PencilVac Vacuum is my favourite launch from Dyson. It reacts against the big, clunky vacuums that lean into immense bin capacity and rollers, offering a practical and speedy solution for everyday cleaning.

It can be all too easy to get swept up in the Christmas chaos and forget about preparation for the new year. To avoid January burnout and prepare your home for the year ahead, we asked experts for the cleaning tasks to do before the New Year's Eve ball drops.

Sometimes over the festive period, it can be hard to keep up with daily cleaning habits, never mind regular deep cleans. However, it's essential not only to declutter your home before the new year but also to tackle a few high-priority cleaning tasks in your home.

So before you decorate your home after Christmas, the experts recommend you tick these things off your cleaning to-do list.

5 things to clean before the New Year

While it's also important to try out some of the best decluttering methods in the coming year, there are some things in your home you should clean before you ring in the new year.

What better way to refresh your home and introduce some good energy than with a fresh, clean space?

1. Air fryer and Microwave

Although cleaning an air fryer is easy enough, many of us are guilty of leaving it a little too long between cleans. The same goes for the microwave, which is why it's a good idea to tackle both after the Christmas cooking chaos and before the new year.

"Cleaning the outside of an air fryer is usually straightforward – a multipurpose spray or a bit of washing-up liquid on a damp cloth will do the job. But tackling the inside, where grease and grime build up, can be trickier, especially if it’s been a staple in your cooking routine recently," says Sara Hassan, Fabulosa's Head of Brand and Fragrance.

Start by turning the air fryer off completely, then remove the drawers so you can fill them with hot water and a dishwasher tablet. Leave this for 20 minutes before emptying and rinsing out, then dry and reassemble.

"A clean microwave is essential for everyday cooking, and tackling it before the new year helps prevent lingering smells and stubborn buildup," starts Sara.

She recommends cleaning your microwave with lemon and letting the natural citric acid degrease your appliance.

2. Mattresses

Mattresses are considered one of the household items you should be cleaning more often, but it is a pretty big job to tackle. The new year is a good excuse to tick it off your list.

"Ahead of the new year, it’s nice to tackle those jobs you never get around to - starting the new year on the right foot," suggests Sara. "Cleaning mattress stains can be notoriously tricky, and it’s easy to put off. But the quicker you work to remove stains, the better the results will be."

"Start by taking some bicarbonate of soda and sprinkling this over the stain. Next, take a bicarbonate cleaner and ensure the whole stain is damp. Leave this to soak for 10 - 15 minutes, then give the stain a good scrub and let it air dry. You may need to do this a couple of times for darker, more stubborn stains," she continues.

3. Dishwasher

Whether or not you know how often to clean a dishwasher, it's one of the appliances that gets a lot more use over the seasonal period.

"Your dishwasher often works overtime during busy periods, so the quieter weeks at the start of the year are the perfect opportunity to give it some TLC," echoes Sara.

She recommends a specialised dishwasher cleaner and running it through with a normal cycle to leave the appliance fresh and sparkling clean.

4. Kitchen cabinets and storage

Avoid making kitchen cleaning mistakes and get ahead with your cabinets and storage before the January chaos begins.

"Over the festive period, these areas will be used a lot and will likely accumulate dirt or spills," explains Lee Trethewey, home and interiors expert at Sustainable Furniture. "If you can't manage to keep on top of it during the season, then right before the new year could be the best time."

He suggests starting by emptying all your cupboards, disposing of all expired food and wiping down shelves with warm soapy water.

"Make sure to dry everything thoroughly before restocking and lining shelves if you need to keep them cleaner going forward," adds Lee.

5. Upholstered furniture

Although you'll probably be more interested in knowing how to clean a living room in 10 minutes during Christmas, deep cleaning your sofa shouldn't be forgotten before the New Year.

"Any upholstered furniture accumulates dust, crumbs, dirt, pet hair and even allergens over the year, so it's a good idea to head into the new year with clean upholstery," says Lee.

To complete this cleaning, he recommends vacuuming furniture with an upholstery attachment, paying special attention to any seams and behind cushions.

"Spot clean stains with a mild fabric cleaner or a mix of warm water and gentle cleaning detergent if needed. You should always patch test first to prevent damage," he adds.

FAQs

Are you supposed to clean before the New Year?

If you're looking to bring positive energy into your home in the new year, a good clean can be just the thing for it. That doesn't necessarily mean you have to do it before the new year, although there are some advantages.

"There’s no obligation to deep clean before the New Year; it’s a time for relaxing and celebrating. However, if you’re welcoming guests, maintaining cleanliness in high-use areas paired with thoughtful scent placement can make your home feel instantly more presentable," says Luke Arnel-Cameron, founder of cleaning brand Yass Clean.

"It’s not about scrubbing every cupboard or drawer. Focus on the areas people use most and add a few good scents; it’s the fastest way to make a home feel clean," he adds.

Having a tidy and clean home is one of the most essential Christmas hosting tips and will help your dinner parties be a hit.

Why is the New Year a good time to clean?

It can be hard to find cleaning motivation, but there's something about the new year and the fresh start it brings that can really help get you on the right track.

"The New Year symbolises a fresh start, and cleaning plays a powerful role in that mental reset. Clearing away mess, old smells and festive clutter can help reduce stress and create a sense of calm and control going into the year ahead," begins Luke.

"There’s something really powerful about starting the year in a clean space. It clears your head, boosts your mood and helps you feel more organised and motivated," he continues.

Luke recommends trying even small resets like freshening your towels, cleaning floors and surfaces, then seeing how much better your space feels.

What should be the priority for cleaning?

Whether it's your spring cleaning checklist or your pre-Christmas to-do list, it's always a good idea to organise it by priorities. That way, you're not overwhelmed, and you can get the most important jobs done before you get cleaning burnout.

"If there’s one task that shouldn’t be skipped, it’s cleaning the oven. After weeks of heavy use, grease and food residue can cause unpleasant smells or smoke during cooking. Use a powerful degreasing product, applying it carefully and allowing it time to break down stubborn build-up before wiping clean," says Luke.

Knowing how to clean your oven properly is key to its maintenance and functioning.

If you're looking for ways to keep the Christmas period as stress-free as possible, why not try our professional guide for keeping a kitchen clean through the holiday season? It'll make cooking on the big day that much easier.

How to reset your home in the New Year? It's the question on all of our minds once the (lovely) chaos of Christmas has subsided and we're left with a topsy-turvy home at the end.

The good news is, some quick wins will help you get everything in order before January rolls around. And it doesn't necessarily mean decluttering your home from top to bottom (though by all means, if you want to do that, then so you should).

I'm talking about the easy ways to reset your home for the New Year, like clearing leftover food and drink, putting gift packaging away, and finding places for new items. These are low-effort actions but high-reward, which let's be honest, need to be the priority at this time of year. We might want to get our homes in order, but it's obligatory to take at least some time to do nothing in the 'Twixmas period as well.

How to reset your home in the New Year: 10 easy wins

With that in mind, I asked top cleaning and organising experts to share their tips for resetting the home in the New Year. From refreshing soft furnishings to catching up on laundry, these are the easy wins to commit to now – your future self will thank you.

1. Do a fridge and food reset

Hopefully, you made use of the best Christmas fridge organisation tips over the festive season, but whether you did or you didn't, everything will likely need a reset now anyway.

"After Christmas, fridges are usually full of half-used packets, leftovers and items no one ended up liking," Shannon Murphy, professional organiser and founder of Simpl Living Co, agrees. "A quick clear-out instantly creates space and helps you feel back in control."

This shouldn't need to take too long either. Unless you're in the mood to deep clean your fridge, focus on clearing out items that you bought for the festive season that you don't see getting used up. "Compost anything past its best, freeze what you can, and give the shelves a quick wipe," Shannon suggests. Unopened items can also be donated to a food bank.

2. Put gift packaging away

The build-up to Christmas usually involves wrapping, wrapping, wrapping, and most of us don't get a chance to put the supplies away before the big day. But gift wrap looks out of place when it is left out on display, and putting it away is one of the quickest, easiest wins for resetting your home ahead of the new year.

"Gather bags, boxes and wrapping into one spot," home organiser Rebecca Crayford recommends. "Keep what you can reuse (as long as you have space to store it) and recycle the rest. It’s a fast way to clear floors and corners."

3. Declutter old toys

If you didn't get a chance before Christmas, now is the time to do a quick toy audit and get rid of items you know the kids will no longer play with. The experts recommend you do this before you try to find places for the new ones.

"Take a moment to see if any older toys can be donated," Shannon suggests. "This frees up space and reduces the overwhelm for children who suddenly have a lot more in their environment."

If you're wondering how to declutter in a way that feels manageable, I recommend the one-touch tidying rule. The idea is that when you pick up an item, you have to decide whether it's staying or going before you put it back down. It massively speeds up the process and helps combat decision paralysis.

4. Do a quick laundry catch-up

Laundry slips down the priority list during Christmas, but now is a good time to get ahead and stop the pile from becoming too much. "Festive outfits, guest bedding and extra towels pile up fast," Rebecca says. "One or two loads now will stop that 'January mountain' from forming."

The first thing to do is to collect any laundry that's been left where it shouldn't be (guest bedrooms, on the landing, etc.). This in itself is enough to make your home feel instantly calmer, but when you get round to doing the washing, you can speed up drying time by using an extra spin cycle.

"This removes excess water, cutting down the drying time and energy needed for heated airers or tumble dryers," Catherine Green, sustainable cleaning expert at Smol explains.

5. Refresh soft furnishings

The living room has likely seen a lot of use over the Christmas period, and the sofa and cushions are probably in need of some love. For a quick, easy win, simply fluff up the cushions and re-fold any throws. "This small task is the equivalent of making the bed and is unbelievably effective for the short time it takes, delivering instant visual tidiness," Catherine says.

If you have the time and the energy, you can wash any machine-washable covers or give the couch a vacuum with a soft-brush attachment. I like to finish off with a spritz of room spray or fabric refresher, like the Astonish "Cotton Fresh" Fabric Refresher, only £1.35 on Amazon. It's a simple act that leaves the room feeling instantly cleaner.

6. Check your appliances

Deep cleaning all your appliances right now probably feels like way too much. Instead, pick one that's put a shift in over Christmas and focus on getting it back into a "clean enough" state.

Viral cleaning hacks can help here, such as using lemon to clean the microwave. Or maybe it's your air fryer that needs some love, or the grease in the oven has become too much to ignore.

We're not aiming for perfection here; if the appliance looks better than it did before you started, that's a win.

7. Do a surface sweep

Surfaces can quickly become a source of visual clutter, so taking a little bit of time to reset these will make a big difference.

"Clear kitchen counters, coffee tables and hallway surfaces of the bits and pieces that have accumulated over the festive period," Shannon says. "Even one clear surface can make a room feel noticeably tidier."

Try some professional tidying techniques if you're lacking motivation. My top tip is to set a timer; you'd be surprised what you can get done in 10 minutes.

8. Find places for new items

By this point, your home should be feeling a little calmer, making it a good time to find a place for new items. "Before new gifts start drifting around the house and adding to any clutter, give them a home - a drawer, a shelf, a basket," Rebecca recommends. "A couple of quick decisions now prevents a buildup of clutter later."

Maybe you already put your presents away on Boxing Day, or maybe they're still sitting under the tree. Either way, try to think about where they'll be best placed - will you be using them straight away, or storing them for later in the year? You can always move things around if needed.

9. Be smart with your vacuum

Vacuuming is one of the best ways to reset the home, but you don't need to go over everything from top to bottom. Concentrate on high-traffic areas instead.

"The hallway, stairs, and the area immediately around the sofa are key places to focus on," Catherine advises. "Doing this will instantly make your home feel more tidy and polished."

10. Open the windows

The final (and possibly the most satisfying) step for resetting your home before the New Year is to let the house breathe. It sounds so simple, but opening all the windows - even if it's only for 15 minutes, is the best way to refresh your home.

"Fresh outdoor air can play a powerful role in how clean and tidy a space feels - even when you haven’t done much," cleaning expert Catherine agrees.

Knowing how to reset your home before the New Year isn't about expending all your energy. It's about being smart with your time and prioritising what needs doing the most. Ticking off even one or two things from this list should make a big difference to how your home feels.

Finding a genuinely good dehumidifier for mould should be easy. After all, tackling excess moisture is exactly what these appliances are designed to do. Yet it’s one of the questions I’m asked most often, and until recently, there wasn’t a model I could recommend without caveats. Having tested the Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier, I can finally answer with complete confidence and give this quietly impressive brand the air time it deserves.

If you’ve explored more technical air-care brands, you may already have spotted Dutch manufacturer Duux steadily rising to the top of the industry. With over 20 years of expertise in air treatment, they’re exceptionally well placed to create some of the best dehumidifiers you can buy.

The Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier stands out thanks to its intelligent controls, ultra-efficient humidity regulation, and well-judged specialist modes. Sleek, innovative, and highly effective, it’s a model you can genuinely trust when mould is the problem you’re trying to solve.

Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier 20L review

Who would the Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier 20L suit?

The Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier is a compressor model, which means that it uses a cold temperature inside the dehumidifier to create condensation, collecting moisture from the air. This means that the Duux is best suited to your main living spaces and any rooms that sit above 15°C, where it will be extra-powerful. That being said, I have been using this in my basement and, even with the cold weather we've been having, it's been collecting an impressive amount of moisture. This makes it a very attractive model if you're looking to combat mould or for a dehumidifier for your bathroom.

I like the sleek design of this too. Whilst it's not going to blend into your interior décor (unless white and boxy is what you're going for), but it's nevertheless attractive and subtle for a dehumidifier - just make sure you know where to put a dehumidifier for the best results. There is a quiet mode, which I recommend using, because this does make quite a lot of noise. Aside from that though, it's great.

As for the power and capacity, this is seriously impressive. Thanks to the 4L tank, it doesn't need emptying often, even when it's lifting a lot of moisture out of the air. There is even a continuous drainage option, which would make this perfect for setting and forgetting about.

Unboxing the Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier 20L

This is a big and very heavy dehumidifier. The box, which does a wonderful job of keeping it scratch-free in transit, has some useful handles on the side, but if you're needing to go up and down stairs, make sure your muscles are ready.

I have tested dehumidifiers that come with completely recyclable packing (proof that it is possible), but the Duux does not. Whilst there are recyclable elements, there's a fair amount of soft plastic and polystyrene that will be harder to get rid of without some going into landfil. Obvioulsy, this is only a small part of the process for you, but I think it's worth taking note of.

Once you have the dehumidifier out of the packaging, you'l; see that there is a carbon air filter that needs to be fitted into the back. It's really simple and easy, and Duux sends instructions to help you too.

As it stands, the Duux Bora is ready to go as soon as you've added the air filter and plugs it in. However, it doesn't have smart in the name for fun. You can opt to pair it with your phone, downloading the app, finding the dehumidifier, and making an account. The only thing to note is that this can be somewhat temperamental when it comes to the initial set-up and finding your device. If you can, persist. It'll pay off. One of the biggest mistakes people make with their dehumidifiers is not making the most of all their features.

What is the Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier 20L like to use?

There are lots of little touches that I love about the Duux Bora Smart 20L Dehumidifier. The carrying handle makes it easy to move around, as does the wheels. There's also a unique place to plug in a plug when this isn't being used and it's one of the most effective storage options I've come across. It's clear that this has been designed with users very much in mind.

Without using the app, you can control everything from the Bora’s refreshingly simple onboard interface. You can toggle between high and low fan speeds and set a target humidity level, all clearly displayed and easy to adjust. The humidity range goes as low as 30%, which is lower than most experts would recommend for everyday living, but it’s genuinely useful for very damp spaces like basements, recently flooded rooms, or tackling stubborn mould patches. I like that Duux gives you that level of control, even if it’s not something you’d use daily.

I put every dehumidifier through the same series of tests, starting with my notoriously damp basement room. In just three hours, the Bora reduced humidity from a muggy 76% down to a much more comfortable 52%. What impressed me most wasn’t just the end result, but how quickly the room felt different: the air became noticeably fresher and less clammy long before the three-hour mark.

Next, I tested it on laundry, as dehumidifiers are increasingly being touted as the best hack for drying clothes indoors. With a full clothes horse of washing, everything was completely dry in four hours, around 20 hours faster than the usual 24 hours it would take in that room. The generous 4-litre water tank also meant I didn’t have to keep stopping to empty it, which makes a big difference when you’re using it for longer drying sessions.

I also ran the Bora overnight, when condensation usually builds up on our windows. At just 36 dB, it’s one of the quieter dehumidifiers I’ve tested, roughly the volume of a whisper or a quiet library, and well below normal conversation levels. I’m a sensitive sleeper, so it took me a couple of nights to fully tune out the background hum, but it did an excellent job: every morning, the windows were completely clear, with no condensation at all. It's a strong contender as one of the best dehumidifiers for a bedroom.

Finally, there’s the running costs of your dehumidifier. At around 7p per hour to use, it’s reassuringly economical, especially given how hard and fast it works. When you factor in the performance, low noise, and energy efficiency, the Bora feels like a dehumidifier you can run regularly without worrying about your energy bills creeping up.

Cleaning and maintenance of the Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier 20L

One of the things I really appreciate about the Bora Smart is how much water it can hold before needing to be emptied. The tank has a small window, which not only lets you see when it’s getting full but also gives a quick visual of how quickly the dehumidifier is working. When it’s time to empty, the process is straightforward: the carry handle makes it easy to lift and pour without any spills.

Maintaining the Bora Smart is simple, but important for keeping it running efficiently. The carbon filter should be cleaned regularly. I usually rinse it under the tap and gently scrub with a soft brush once a week. It does trap dust and debris, so staying on top of this really pays off, and the whole process only takes a few minutes. You can also use a handheld vacuum to clean it, just make sure the filter is completely dry before putting it back in.

The water tank also needs regular attention, as stagnant water can lead to mould or bacteria buildup. I usually give it a quick wipe-down each time I empty it, which keeps it hygienic and hassle-free. If you want to find out more, we have a simple guide to how to clean a dehumidifier over here.

How does the Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier 20L compare?

Compared side‑by‑side with the Meaco MeacoDry Arete Two 20L Dehumidifier & Air Purifier, the Duux Bora Smart 20L Dehumidifier holds its own as a strong all‑round performer but doesn’t quite match Meaco’s benchmark set in my buying guide.

Both extract around 20 L of moisture per day and have smart controls, yet the Arete Two tends to be more energy‑efficient, quieter in operation and offers dedicated laundry drying and scheduling features alongside built‑in air purification with HEPA filtration, benefits that edge it ahead for everyday versatility and long‑term running costs.

The Bora Smart does impress with its simple interface, solid extraction and larger‑feeling tank, but it lacks some of the nuanced modes and advanced airflow options that make the Arete Two feel more refined, especially for tackling persistent damp and mould or speeding up indoor laundry drying. For someone who prioritises straightforward, effective mould‑control performance, the Bora Smart is a compelling choice, but if you want the most capable, feature‑rich 20 L dehumidifier overall, Meaco’s Arete Two still leads the pack

Should you buy the Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier 20L?

The Duux Bora Smart 20L is a reliable, efficient dehumidifier that makes tackling damp and mould straightforward. Its smart controls, quiet operation, and generous tank make it a pleasure to use in real-life spaces. For anyone after a powerful, no-fuss solution without breaking the bank, it’s a model that truly delivers.

How we test dehumidifiers

All of our dehumidifiers go through the same series of tests, designed to show you how these would cope in a range of settings. We test them in bedrooms overnight, in bathrooms, in cellars, and more. We also look at how these are designed, how they compare, what they are like to maintain and more. If you're keen to learn about the entire process, you can visit our dedicated page for how we test dehumidifiers.

Whilst I wouldn’t be without my heated airer, I’ve always accepted that they aren’t the most space-efficient appliances. Until now, I thought it was one of those compromises we all make for the sake of convenience. But after testing the Black + Decker X Frame Heated Airer, I’ve changed my mind completely. It turns out you can have generous drying capacity without sacrificing the precious floor space in your home.

Most of the best heated airers follow the same tried-and-tested structure: tall, winged, and often a little awkward. This design breaks that mould. The clever X-frame opens out horizontally to create three tiers of drying space, along with optional fabric shelves for delicates and smalls. It feels refreshingly thoughtful, like someone actually considered how people dry clothes in real homes with real spatial limitations.

I already trust Black + Decker for reliable appliances, but this heated airer feels like proof that they’ve really considered the needs of people working with small rooms, limited plug sockets, and a lot of laundry to get through.

Black + Decker X Frame Folding Heated Airer review

Who would the Black + Decker X Frame Folding Heated Airer suit?

If you live in a flat, petite home, or shared space, this design is one of the best ways to dry clothes indoors. It requires around half the floor footprint of my existing heated airer but still manages to offer nearly the same drying capacity.

The shape of the frame naturally encourages good airflow, so delicates can be laid flat on the mesh shelves while still receiving warm, even heat. If your wardrobe includes silk, activewear, or knits, you’ll appreciate how gentle this is.

It’s also surprisingly affordable, making it a brilliant first heated airer if you're just starting to build out your laundry set-up. The relatively low wattage also means that this is one of the cheapest heated airers to run. You can work out how much a heated airer costs and, whilst most are under 14p per hour, this works out at just pennies.

Unboxing the Black + Decker X Frame Folding Heated Airer

The Black + Decker arrives in a slim, tidy box, similar to most heated airers, though it's a little weighty when you first pick it up. That’s mostly because of the shape rather than the true weight, something I’ve found to be standard within this category.

Inside, the heated airer is wrapped in soft plastic. You’ll need to recycle this at a supermarket collection point, which isn’t ideal but, again, is not unusual for heated airers.

Once it's out of the box, there is no assembly whatsoever. You simply unfold the frame, plug it in, and press the power button. The included mesh shelves attach with Velcro tabs, an unassuming but very effective design detail. They sit securely against the bars and create flat platforms that are perfect for underwear, woollens or anything you don’t want to crease or stretch.

You've also got slip-resistant feet that protect the heated airer's stability, as well as the condition of your floors. You can see why I think of this as a well-considered heated airer.

What is the Black + Decker X Frame Folding Heated Airer like to use?

I’m a small person and this is a relatively large airer, so I braced myself for a struggle. But the mechanism is extremely smooth. It unfolds without any pushing or wrestling, locking into place as a stable, wide X-shape.

There’s no thermostat or multiple heat levels, just a single, even setting activated with a button. But the warmth it emits is consistent, gentle and effective.

I ran it through my standard Woman & Home testing routine, which starts with sportwear, I call it the "light load."

My benchmark is around 6 hours for a full rail of leggings, tops and technical fabrics. This Black + Decker model delivered exactly that. Not faster, but reliably within that window and evenly dried, with no damp patches around thicker waistbands, straps, or gathered materials. It's a really good result, especially because I could lie my activewear flat, if it was delicate, but I could also position it normally too.

The next step up is my "everyday load." With a standard mix of cotton T-shirts, pyjamas, joggers and lighter knits, it replicates a classic load of washing. If it was naturallu hung, indoors, this would need 24 hours before it's ready for the cupboard. With the heated airer fully loaded and closely hung, it took 10 hours for my clothes to be fully dry. However, spaced-out with a bar between clothing and with an inch of space for between each, the airer performed in line with the best compact designs. My clothes were ready for the cupboard in 8 hours.

At this point, I realised that spacing makes a huge difference with this model, and the open X-frame makes it easy to spread items out and you'll want to maximise that to really feel the benefits of a heated airer.

I carried that tip about spacing forward into my heavy load test, which includes drying towels and jumpers. Towels are always the toughest challenge because of weight and density. However, with reasonable spacing, I had all the towels dry in six hours. That’s exceptional for a heated airer, and the performance was noticeably better than airers that heat only the outer rails. The sheet-friendly drape over the top rail also makes this a strong option for bedding.

How the Black + Decker X Frame Folding Heated Airer compares

Most other winged heated airers open out in a way that demands more and more room, the wings stretch wide, the legs splay further than you expect, and suddenly half your living room disappears. That’s why I was so impressed by just how compact the Black + Decker X Frame remains when fully open. Its X-shaped base keeps the footprint tight and balanced, and because the drying rails stack vertically rather than horizontally, you can position it closer to a wall or in a narrow gap without compromising airflow. In my home, it took up around 30–40% less lateral space than a standard winged model.

If you’re comparing it on price, the closest alternative is the Beldray Heated Winged Airer. It offers a similar total drying capacity on paper, but its classic winged design needs considerably more room when open, particularly in homes where you don’t have clear floor space on both sides. With the Beldray, the wings extend to roughly 1.3–1.4 metres across, and you lose the ability to tuck it neatly into corners.

Performance-wise, the Beldray does have an edge in one specific area: it’s harder to unintentionally overfill. Because the wings force you to spread garments apart, they naturally allow better heat circulation. In my testing, this meant clothing dried around 10% faster, especially cottons and mixed loads. The Beldray also includes a heat-retaining cover, which helps trap warm air around the clothes, creating a mild “mini drying cabinet” effect. This makes a noticeable difference for heavier fabrics like jeans, sweatshirts and towels, helping them dry more evenly.

If space is your priority, or you live in a flat where every inch counts, the Black + Decker remains the more intelligent, room-conscious choice. If you have the space and value slightly faster drying times for bulkier loads, the Beldray’s design and cover do give it a small performance advantage.

Should you buy the Black + Decker X Frame Folding Heated Airer?

The Black + Decker X Frame Heated Airer stands out for its smart, compact footprint and solid, consistent performance. In testing, it handled everything from technical fabrics to heavier cottons and towels with ease, and the mesh shelves make it far kinder on delicates than most alternatives. It’s a fantastic choice for flats, small homes, and anyone who wants maximum drying capacity without sacrificing half their living room. If you’re looking for a heated airer that’s efficient, thoughtfully designed, and genuinely practical for everyday family laundry, this one is absolutely worth considering.

How we test heated airers

At woman&home, we run every heated airer through a standard set of tests, from lightweight sportswear to knits and large towels, measuring drying times, usability, footprint and running cost. My aim is to give you a clear, real-world sense of what it’s actually like to live with each appliance.

If you have any questions about how this one performs, feel free to email me, or head to our page on how we test heated airers for more detail.

Are you one of the many asking, 'What is the Marie Kondo decluttering method?' And is it worth the hype?

Bestselling author and organisation guru Marie Kondo is well-renowned in the decluttering space. Her famous approach to organising the home has been around for a few years now, but it's in the spotlight again as people look for new ways to declutter for a seasonal reset.

There are so many fabulous professional decluttering methods to try, so what makes Marie's method so popular? I asked a professional home organiser to share her thoughts.

What is the Marie Kondo decluttering method?

Kondo created a decluttering method - the KonMari method - that centres around being intentional with what you keep. It's a methodical way to organise our homes, which Kondo believes plays a huge role in our overall wellbeing.

"This approach encourages us to declutter by category rather than by room," professional home organiser Rebecca Crayford explains. "For example, gathering all your clothes or books and deciding what truly 'sparks joy'."

Many of the best decluttering methods encourage us to focus on one room at a time, such as the 1-3-5 decluttering method, where we pick a room, split it into three medium-sized tasks, followed by five micro-tasks. As shown in her Netflix docuseries, Kondo breaks the mould by encouraging us to categorise our items and work through them one by one. The main categories she outlines are:

• Clothes
• Books
• Papers
• Komono (miscellaneous items)
• Sentimental items

Marie says tidying items by category means we're on "the path to success".

Beyond categorising our items, the Marie Kondo decluttering method is all about tidying up in a way that "sparks joy" - the idea being that if we find an enjoyable way to tidy our homes, we're more likely to a) do it and b) accumulate less clutter in the first place. Because the tidier our house is, the less we'll want to bring stuff in that might mess it up.

How to use Marie Kondo's method in practice

If you want to give Marie Kondo's decluttering method a try, Rebecca has shared three top tips that will help.

1. Keep the principle, lose the pressure

"Kondo’s 'spark joy' idea is really about choosing items that support you and your life right now," Rebecca says. "If handling every single item isn’t realistic, simplify the question: Does this serve me? Does it make life easier or happier?"

Maybe don't aim for a complete overhaul right now - the big day is looming after all. Instead, declutter in a way that feels manageable by asking yourself the questions above and answering them as honestly as possible.

2. Tidy by category, but in bite-sized chunks

Using Marie Kondo's approach of decluttering by category is helpful, but don't feel like you need to stick to the categories she outlines if they don't work for you.

"Need to reclaim a spare room? Start with one drawer or shelf," Rebecca suggests. "Kitchen clutter? Clear surfaces and the fridge door first for quick wins, then move to chaotic drawers or overstuffed cupboards."

One section at a time still counts as category-based tidying.

3. Let go of 'just in case' thinking

Holding on to things 'just in case' is one of the biggest decluttering mistakes we can make. Now's the time to let go of this way of thinking and create a little more space for the festivities to unfold.

"Kondo encourages releasing items kept out of guilt or habit," Rebecca summarises. "Creating that breathing room makes your home feel lighter, calmer, and easier to manage during the holidays."

A big part of making the Marie Kondo decluttering method work is in adapting it to suit your needs. Will you give it a try in a bid to reset your home ahead of the new season?

Famously known as the best vacuum for pet hair, the Miele Guard L1 Cylinder Vacuum is uniquely designed to promise power, precision, and performance that's second to none. People say it's one in a miele-ion, but is that true?

You’ll often hear Miele mentioned as the third party in the Dyson-Shark-Miele holy trinity of vacuum giants. Decidedly retro, their canister vacuum strikes a bold contrast in comparison to the svelte stick vacuums which have made up lists of the best vacuums. It's the vacuum equivalent of choosing a raincoat over a puffer jacket when you go outside: it's practical and it has stood the test of time, even if it's not wheeling its way down the catwalk any time soon.

I'd almost forgotten about plug-in canister vacuums, wrapped up in a whirlwind of cordless, AI, robot vacuums, but the Miele L1 has changed my mind. I think they have good reason for sticking to their old-school guns. So, should you consider converting to a canister vacuum?

Miele Guard L1 Cylinder Vacuum review

Who would Miele Guard L1 Cylinder Vacuum suit?

Miele has two fiercely loyal fan clubs: allergy sufferers and pet owners. Let’s start with the sneeze-prone crowd. Inside the Miele Guard L1 Cylinder Vacuum sits an advanced filtration system featuring HyClean Air vacuum bags and an Active AirClean exhaust filter. Together, they deliver an impressive 99.99% dust retention (outclassing even HEPA filters) which means dust, dirt, and dander stay firmly locked away, not floating around to ruin your day.

Then there are the pet parents. And honestly, they might love this vacuum the most. The Miele’s exceptional suction power makes it a standout for lifting those fine, clingy pet hairs that weave themselves into every fibre you own. Pair that with a clever upholstery tool designed to dig hair out of sofas, nooks, and crannies, and suddenly cleaning up after your four-legged housemates feels less like a battle. There’s even an activated charcoal filter to deodorise the air as it passes through, keeping the vacuum (and your home) smelling fresh.

It’s also surprisingly gentle to use. If bending or joint pain is an issue, you’ll appreciate the easy foot controls and multiple places to rest the vacuum head mid-clean. It glides effortlessly across the floor too, earning its place as one of the most lightweight vacuums in the line-up.

Yes, the Miele Guard L1 has a charmingly retro look and yes, it’s a plug-in vacuum in a cordless world, but that’s precisely why it excels. While stick vacuums prioritise convenience and quick clean-ups, the Miele is built for homes that need uncompromising power: deep carpet cleaning, pet hair extraction, and the kind of suction that doesn’t fade halfway through a room. For anyone who’s ever felt underwhelmed by their cordless model (or watched it wheeze through a heavy mess), this throwback design suddenly feels very modern. It’s proof that sometimes, being tethered to the wall is exactly what gives you the freedom to clean properly.

Unboxing the Miele Guard L1 Cylinder Vacuum

The Miele arrives in a big, weighty box: no surprises there, given it’s a big, weighty vacuum. Inside, there are a few non-recyclable bits, but overall it’s neatly packed and refreshingly simple to assemble.

One immediate win is the accessory storage. Despite coming with a generous bundle of add-ons, everything has its place, meaning no rogue attachments rolling around your cupboards.

In the image above, you can see the two floorheads: one for all surfaces and another purpose-built for carpets and pet hair. There’s also a clever 2-in-1 upholstery and crevice tool tucked neatly inside the canister. It’s all very organised, in that satisfying, Miele-esque way.

Getting it set up is delightfully straightforward. Just attach the hose, click on the handle, extend the wand, and pop on the floorhead, the usual canister routine. Even if you’re a reluctant reader of instruction manuals, you’ll have it ready to go in under ten minutes.

And because there’s no battery to charge and Miele thoughtfully pre-installs the filter and bag, you can start vacuuming immediately. A small but mighty joy.

What is the Miele Guard L1 Cylinder Vacuum like to use?

The control panel on top of the Miele Guard L1 Cylinder Vacuum gives you four intuitive icons, each representing a suction level tailored to specific surfaces. At the gentlest setting, you’ll find the curtain symbol, perfect for delicate fabrics and anything that flutters at the slightest breeze. Next comes the sofa icon, ideal for upholstery, cushions, and the odd dog bed. Step up again and you reach the rug symbol, designed for cut-pile carpets, runners, and textured floor coverings. At the top of the scale sits the flooring icon, engineered for hard floors and more deeply soiled carpets that require some serious muscle.

You can tap the buttons by hand or by foot, they’re generously sized and satisfyingly robust, so no feeling like you're about to crack them with a well-aimed toe tap. The same goes for the automatic cord rewind: one quick press and the cable zips neatly back into place.

There’s also a sturdy loop handle on top, making it easy to carry, drag, or gently tow the vacuum behind you as it glides from room to room. It has that smooth, premium pull that makes you feel as though the vacuum is doing the hard work, not you.

Performance-wise, the Miele Guard L1 packs serious power. In fact, its airflow speed is around 10mph faster than some of Dyson’s priciest models, which explains why it lifts dirt from thick carpets with such effortless confidence. But impressive specs are one thing. How does it handle real-world mess?

My first standard test involves scattering 100g of flour and sugar, a fine dusting that mimics everyday grit, across hard floors, lino, and carpet. The Miele breezed through all three surfaces, picking everything up in a single pass. That level of consistency is rare, and the results were honestly a little thrilling (or as thrilling as vacuuming gets).

Next up: cereal. A tougher challenge for any vacuum, given that large, rigid pieces tend to get pushed around rather than swallowed up. As expected, the Miele’s floorhead nudged the cereal about a bit. However, the moment I removed the floorhead and relied on raw suction, the vacuum inhaled the lot without hesitation. It’s not a flaw, very few vacuums excel with big debris, but it’s worth knowing if your mornings involve a lot of wayward cornflakes.

Hair is where the Miele really flexes its muscles. It lifts fine strands from hard floors with ease, and even on carpets, where hair likes to burrow, suction stayed strong. On deeper piles, the vacuum made a slightly determined whirring noise, the sound of serious work happening. It occasionally tugged at lightweight rugs, which I took as a sign of strength, not aggression.

One note: longer hair can wrap around the brush roll, so you’ll need to trim it away from time to time. A quick maintenance moment, but nothing unusual for a vacuum with this level of power.

The Miele also impressed between banisters and down the back of radiators, slipping into narrow gaps with far more grace than most canister vacuums manage. The long wand and focused suction really shine here.
However, cleaning under my kitchen island wasn’t quite as seamless. Stick vacuums with flexible, hinged wands still reign supreme for low-clearance areas, and the Miele’s more rigid setup can’t quite replicate that snaking motion.

Cleaning and maintenance of the Miele Guard L1 Cylinder Vacuum

One of the small but very welcome design touches is the way the floorhead slots neatly onto the back of the canister. If you need to pause mid-clean, whether to move a chair, answer the door, or rescue a rogue pet toy, you can prop the vacuum upright without having to bend down or let the wand clatter to the floor.

The Miele also uses bagged technology, which is a definite plus for hygiene: all the dust, dander, and debris are contained in a sealed vacuum bag, meaning you won’t get a faceful of fluff when it’s time to empty it. Even better, the HyClean bags are made from 80% recycled materials, so you get the cleanliness of a bagged vacuum with less environmental guilt.

How does the Miele Guard L1 Cylinder Vacuum compare?

Working out whether this is the vacuum for you means making two comparisons. One to a cordless, nimble vacuum and one to another plugged-in powerhouse:

The Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty Cordless Vacuum wins on convenience and nimbleness. Cordless freedom means you can dart from room to room without plugging/unplugging, and its sleek stick-style form factor often makes it easier to reach under sofas or around tight corners. But when it comes to raw power, deep carpet suction, and allergy-friendly design, the Miele takes the crown: its bagged filtration system captures dust and dander with near-total retention, and the canister-floorhead combo delivers a strength and consistency that cordless sticks often struggle to match. If you want spotless floors and a serious clean, especially in homes with pets or sensitive to allergens, Miele’s old-school heft and filtration still hold serious appeal over Shark’s mobility.

As for the Henry Hoover: it’s a sturdy, reliable workhorse, often beloved for its rugged simplicity and longevity, but the Miele upgrades nearly every aspect. Where Henry is functional and no-frills, the Miele offers power, refined suction control, and sophisticated filtration (with bagged vacuum bags for hygienic dust containment).

Miele’s ability to easily switch suction modes and lift stubborn dirt and pet hair, even deep in carpets, gives it a performance edge over the more basic suction and filtration of a traditional Henry. If you care about deep cleaning, hair removal, or reducing allergens, Miele feels like a modern evolution of what Henry started.

Should you buy the Miele Guard L1 Cylinder Vacuum?

The Miele Guard L1 Cylinder Vacuum has me feeling both nostalgic and hopeful for the future of vacuums. Whilst everyone seems to be cutting the cord, the Miele is a testament to what going retro can do for your floors. The canister-style delivered some of the best results I've tested from all the leading brands. I'm tempted to turn back away from the clever tech and enjoy the simple success of a plug-in vacuum.

How we test vacuums

At woman&home, we have a series of standardised tests that every vacuum has to go through: from vacuuming across all floor types, with hair, cereal, flour, and sugar, through to day-to-day cleaning tasks. We also talk about what it's like to set-up, use, and maintain to give you the best, most holistic idea of what the vacuum is like to use.

If you want to find out more, you can visit our dedicated page for how we test vacuum cleaners.

Have you started to notice your freshly brewed coffee isn't quite tasting as heavenly as it used to? It may be time to clean your coffee grinder, and here's some expert guidance to walk you through the process.

While many of the best coffee machines come equipped with a built-in grinder, others do not, and therefore having a separate one is rather common. However, it's all too easy to forget your grinder when cleaning your coffee machine and although it may get less use, that can have a similarly negative effect on your morning brews.

With that in mind, we've consulted with both cleaning and appliance experts for their recommended method for achieving a quick yet thorough clean. After all, you don't want to be without your coffee grinder for longer than necessary.

How to clean a coffee grinder in 3 easy steps

Now this isn't a job to add to your daily cleaning habits list, but it is one you should be doing regularly, especially if you're hooked on coffee.

"A clean grinder genuinely makes your coffee taste better. Oils from beans build up surprisingly quickly, so giving your grinder a little TLC every so often will keep everything running smoothly," explains Catherine Green, sustainable cleaning expert at Smol.

1. Prepare the machine

Whether you're cleaning your oven or microwave, if it's an appliance and plugged into electricity, the first step should always be turning it off and unplugging it.

"After turning it off, empty out any leftover beans, and give the grinder a quick pulse if needed, so nothing is hiding in there," starts Catherine.

"Take off all the removable parts; the lid, hopper, and grounds container usually come off easily. Some grinders also let you lift out the burrs," she adds.

2. Brush the interior

Coffee grinders are one of the coffee station accessories you really don't want to get wet, so it's essential that when tackling the interior of the machine, you only use dry, gentle tools.

"Brush, brush, brush! Use a small brush (a clean pastry brush or soft paintbrush works nicely) to loosen any trapped grounds. Coffee dust loves to hide in awkward corners," points out Catherine.

"Use grinder-cleaning pellets if you have them. These help remove built-up oils from the burrs. Just pop the recommended amount in, run the grinder, and discard the powder that comes out," she continues.

3. Clean the exterior parts

Depending on the placement of your coffee machine, your bean grinder may be out on your countertop, susceptible to dust and grease from the kitchen. That's why it's also important to clean the outside of the appliance.

"Use a few sprays of gentle multi-purpose spray on a clean, damp cloth to give the outer shell, hopper and lid a proper wipe-down. It’ll cut through any lingering coffee oils without being too harsh," explains Catherine.

"Then, wash the washable parts. Anything plastic or removable can be placed in warm, soapy water using washing-up liquid. Rinse and dry completely, though, because moisture is the enemy of good coffee!"

Once everything is completely dry, you can reassemble and do a quick “purge” grind by running through a spoonful of fresh beans and discarding them. This will help remove any lingering cleaning agents or cleaning pellets.

FAQs

Are you supposed to clean your coffee grinder?

In short, yes. Don't make the common kitchen cleaning mistake of forgetting to clean your coffee grinder altogether. It might seem like a pretty harmless thing to leave, but there are more than a few disadvantages.

"You should absolutely be cleaning your coffee grinder, and regularly! Coffee beans are naturally oily, and those oils cling to burrs and build up over time. That can make your coffee taste a bit stale or muddier than it should," says Catherine.

"A quick clean every couple of weeks (and a deeper one once a month) keeps the flavour fresh and helps your grinder last longer. Think of it like giving your kettle a descale or wiping down the microwave: small jobs that make a big difference," she continues.

Can I put water in my coffee grinder to clean it?

“Only on removable plastic parts. Never use water on the motor or burrs of the grinder, as it will cause them to rust. These parts should only be cleaned using dry tools like cloths, toothbrushes or cotton buds," explains Isabella.

Similarly, it's not recommended to use vinegar when cleaning your coffee machine, as this can damage the inside over time due to the acidity. The water has a similar effect on the grinder.

What are the signs of a dirty coffee grinder?

If you're not sure whether you're coffee grinder needs cleaning, we'd recommend you clean it anyway; however, there are some signs to look out for.

“If your coffee tastes unusually bitter or dull, this is a sign you need to clean your coffee grinder. Similarly, if your beans are grinding inconsistently or the grounds are clumping together, you should clean your grinder," says Isabella.

Try one of these stylish ways to hide a coffee machine and grinder in your kitchen to not only keep your counters clear but to protect the appliances from dust and grease build-up.