The Polti Vaporetto 3 Clean stick vacuum Review allowed us to assess its suction performance. But to extend its field of competence, the manufacturer has equipped it with a removable steam generator intended to remove more stubborn traces, whether on the ground or in raised places, a gas stove for example. We wanted to know if this function was effective, or at least relevant.

Set up

Before you can let go of the steam, you must first prepare the Vaporetto 3 Clean. The steam generator being mobile, we were able to verify that it was as easy to extract the tank from it when it was on the main handle as it was removed from the latter. The filling requires a little skill, because the opening is not the widest; nothing insurmountable however.

Note that the repositioning of the tank is also done without any complications, whether the generator is on the handle or in nomad mode. All you have to do is turn on the device by pressing the large white button on the right and wait 27 s (stopwatch in hand) for the Steam Regulation icon to stop flashing and thereby indicate that the steam generator is ready to work.

Some leaks in nomadic mode

Before trying to wash the floor, we carried out a few tests with the detached module, equipped with the precision nozzle. The installation of the accessories (steam nozzle, flexible pipe, brushes …) posed no difficulty, each plugging in by forcing just enough so that the whole does not move inadvertently. We had to wait a few moments between the moment when we pressed the button that triggers the creation of steam and the exit of it, without this being really disabling. Nevertheless, we noticed that liquid water, in the form of droplets, escaped from the nozzle in a fairly large amount. If used near a surface that does not appreciate water, it is better to provide a sponge or cloth. It was after this first contact that we got down to business by replacing the module in the handle.

Ah, the stain!

In order to be able to judge the washing efficiency of the Polti Vaporetto 3 Clean, we pushed it to its limits by imposing on it a very difficult Review, similar to the one we give to robot floor cleaners. He therefore had to overcome four encrusted stains: lipstick, sweet drink, edible oil and carbon black mixed with water. We have chosen the maximum steam flow.

After a first round trip, we notice that the carbon trace has been more spread out than eliminated. The lipstick is slightly dimmed and the sweet drink remains clearly visible. The latter also hangs particularly. The oil appears to have been well removed.

The results are much more satisfactory after three passes since carbon and oil are now almost invisible. On the other hand, the traces of sugary drink are always noticed a little too much for our taste, but we feel that it gives way as the passages, because the mop hangs less and less. Lipstick is very visible.

We continued our cleaning until we no longer noticed any visible improvement, which happened after six or seven round trips. The sugary drink was finally eliminated, but the lipstick, even faded, is still there.

Efficiency is there

In the end, the steam function shows a certain effectiveness on even difficult stains. If the trace of lipstick remains present, note that even cleaning with a scouring sponge will not have been right. However, to maintain optimal effectiveness, you should consider washing the mop carefully. Indeed, it is particularly dirty at the end of this Review.

The combination of the two cleaning methods therefore seems very relevant. The only downside, the Polti Vaporetto 3 Clean is intended first and foremost for hard floors; owners of flaked apartments and lovers of long pile carpets can forget about it.