Cleaning hard floors is one of those domestic chores that can be quite rewarding, yet it is frequently laborious and monotonous. This rings particularly true when relying on conventional mops and buckets. Over time, I have experimented with various floor-cleaning techniques and gadgets, including the Tineco Floor One S5 Smart Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaner and Mop, and the straightforward Flash Speedmop, which also performs brilliantly on bathroom tiles and kitchen cupboards.
However, the Philips OneUp 5000 has genuinely transformed my cleaning routine. It is essentially a cordless electric hard-floor mop that dispenses clean water and cleaning solution onto the surface, scrubs it thoroughly, and then extracts the dirty water into a separate tank. My floors have never looked better, and I can now clean the entire downstairs of my house in under 10 minutes.
Design and Ease of Use
It is engineered for hygienic hard floor cleaning and demands minimal physical effort compared to traditional mopping methods. One of its standout features, I have discovered, is just how straightforward it is to assemble and use, with no fiddly settings to navigate. It offers two modes: one for daily cleaning and another for a more intensive clean that utilises additional water.
It also does not require constant charging, making it practical for everyday household use. I reckon I used it roughly 10 times before it required charging, and even then, it powered up quickly. When it comes to performance, it delivers excellent results and feels more hygienic and efficient than conventional mopping techniques, while proving less wasteful than the Flash Speedmop. The pads can be reused and washed in the machine, eliminating any waste.
Performance and Drying Time
My wooden flooring dries remarkably quickly after using this device, meaning I do not need to avoid treading on it for hours while it dries. The dirty water compartment drains and rinses easily, so you never need to handle the grimy water. It is also incredibly satisfying to observe the murky water, even when you believe your floors are spotless.
I consider the device groundbreaking, and I have never encountered anything comparable. But that does not mean I believe it is flawless.
Drawbacks
One disadvantage I have discovered is that the unit is rather heavy to manoeuvre, which can make cleaning beneath furniture challenging. Nevertheless, once you establish a rhythm, it glides smoothly across hard floors. Furthermore, the water reservoir is relatively compact, meaning it may require refilling more than once when tackling larger spaces, particularly in the more intensive cleaning mode.
Reviews of the floor mop echoed my sentiments, with one stating: "This feels quite heavy at first, but once you get cleaning the floor, it moves quite easily. The clean water container does not hold much water. I managed to clean a relatively long corridor, and then it ran out of water." Another noted: "The only downside is that it is relatively heavy, pushing around and going underneath cupboards." It is worth noting that the Philips OneUp Floor Cleaning Solution is required for the device to function properly, priced at around £17 for two bottles. It is not ideal that the appliance restricts you to its own branded cleaning solution, though the liquid is consumed so gradually that replacements will not be needed for quite some time.
Battery Life and User Feedback
That said, users have praised its battery life and straightforward operation. One reviewer wrote: "It is really simple to use, I particularly like the amount of battery life in it and the fact it has a simple collector for the dirty water and clean water tank, both easily removable and easy to wash, etc. Philips is a premium brand, and this item is well worth the money." A second said: "I find this mop cleans my hard floors much more effectively, and also the floors dry very quickly. The mop is lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, and it gets into hard-to-reach places. It is sturdy and comes with an easy-to-empty water tank."
Price and Availability
Retailing at £150, it sits considerably higher than your standard mop. Nevertheless, given its convenience and ease of use, it remains a decent value for anyone seeking a hassle-free cleaning solution. The device is available to buy from Argos and directly through Philips, complete with a two-year warranty and free delivery.
Comparison with Similar Products
With most rivals on the market being steam mops, there are very few products quite like this one available. A comparable model I have tested is the Tineco Floor One S5 Smart Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaner and Mop, which combines vacuuming and mopping. It performed brilliantly and was straightforward to operate, though its bulkier frame makes it less practical for smaller kitchens or utility rooms. The Kärcher EWM 2 Electric Wipe Mop operates similarly to the Philips OneUp 5000, featuring one tank for clean water and solution, and a separate tank for dirty water. That said, it offers only 20 minutes of battery life, making it better suited to compact spaces. It will set you back £139 if bought directly, or £139.99 from Argos.
One reviewer of the floor mop said: "Good cleaner. Very easy to use, smooth and light. I find it very difficult to remove the water filler, and I also struggle to put the rollers on. Not good for arthritic or weak hands, otherwise very good." Another wrote: "Got this a few weeks ago, lifesaver has been a lifesaver with having a new pup who loves to leave my floors messy. The mop is always ready to use, and floors are clean in seconds, no need to fill mop buckets, etc."
