A recent comparison test between two popular floor cleaners, Flash and Fabulosa, has revealed a clear winner for achieving shiny, fresh floors. The test was conducted by a senior spare time reporter who regularly cleans her laminate floors weekly.
The contenders
Flash All-Purpose Cleaner, marketed as the number one in the UK, claims to remove up to 100% of grease and dirt. The fresh lemon scent variant promises a lasting smell and brilliant shine. A one-litre bottle costs £2.25 from Heron. Fabulosa's cotton fresh concentrated disinfectant cleaner, priced at £1 for a 220ml bottle, boasts long-lasting freshness and kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses.
Testing methodology
The living room floor was divided into two halves. On one side, Flash was used according to instructions: two caps (60ml) in five litres of water. The strong lemon scent was immediately noticeable but not overpowering, and the cleaner bubbled well, spreading easily and leaving an instant shine.
On the other side, Fabulosa was used: one capful to 400ml of water, doubled to two capfuls in 800ml water for sufficient volume. The cotton fresh smell was much stronger, with a warning against use in food contact areas and keeping pets away from wet surfaces. The cleaner left a nice shine but had some dry patches and less bubbling.
The results
After drying, Flash left the floor visibly shinier and fresher. The Fabulosa side had a lingering strong smell even with windows open, and the need to keep pets away was inconvenient. Although Fabulosa is cheaper, Flash offered better value with more uses per bottle. Overall, Flash was the preferred choice for a superior clean.
