Right I need one and just don't know what is the best one, so having a few spare moments at work I have popped on to ask the question.

I need one that not only will be good on hard surfaces(like floors) but also will do curtains, mattresses and other soft furnishings.

Argos sell a variety, however they seem to start off at a fairly good price for those suited to hard srufaces only and take a massive leap in price for anything that is suitable for soft furnishings too.

Any thoughts, ideas?

Yes I would be interested in the answers to this one too

I had a Polti Vaparetto for about 15 years and loved it.  When I downsized I gave it to a friend with a larger home and it's still going strong.  It must be about 25 years old now!

I bought a Shark Portable Steam Cleaner which is great for me now.  Mine has a shoulder strap and attachments that change it from a appliance/upholstery cleaner to a floor cleaner.  I've looked at Argos and theirs seem to be either/or not both! :(

http://www.idealworld.tv/Polti_Vaporetto_Pocket_Steam_Cleaner_187925.aspx?fh_location=//idealworld/en_GB/categories@lt;{idealworld_1001_8009}/brand_iw@gt;{polti}/categories@lt;{idealworld_1001_8009_8057}

http://www.idealworld.tv/Polti_950_Steam_Cleaner_with_2_Year_Warranty%2c_11_Piece_Accessory_Kit_and_20_Phials_of_Kalstop_199471.aspx?fh_location=//idealworld/en_GB/categories@lt;{idealworld_1001_8009}/brand_iw@gt;{polti}/categories@lt;{idealworld_1001_8009_8057}

If you buy from here, don't forget to go through TopCachBack to get money back! :)

I had a kartcher that was good and have recently had another Polti and its going back as it fell apart.  Not like polti at all.

I'd go for either of them does everything including teh kitchen sink

My sister had a Polti which I got a loan of a few times, worked a treat, it was very satisfying seeing all the gunk come out of various nooks and crannys.

I'm doing the same, looking for a steam cleaner and currently sitting on Amazon going through the various makes and reading the reviews.  Amazon is good for reviews with good customer service.

Thanks peeps. When I get to work I'll bring up the site to look at your links and suggestions.

I have a Karcher too.  It's very good loads of attachments, it even got the Artex off the kitchen ceiling (with the wallpaper steamer attachment).  Mine has been dropped a few times e.g. from the top of a step ladder, and the case has had a few bits broken off but it still works just fine - it has a good solid water tank. It's five years old now and has been put to very good use. 

Two years ago I bought the Little Yellow from Ideal World when it was on special offer (£35 I think) because I'd never had a steam cleaner and didn't want to invest too much money.

It's been brilliant what with three dogs (one incontinent) and two toddler grandchildren.

I'm not pushing this brand particularly and might upgrade to a Polti when this packs in but my little Yellow friend has cleaned everythingfrom ceramic tiles, parquet, rugs and upholstery. It even de-creased a wedding dress. Best of all it totally destroys odours.

Whatever you buy, steam cleaners are definitely the way to go.

I've got a grenn h2o steam cleaner off sky TV. It does floors, wndows, shower screens, floors, clothes, tiles just about anything. It comes to pieces for all sorts of jobs. Not the cheapest at all but don't regret it has saved me a fortune on flash etc as uses only water at 230 so really does clean the floor.

I've decided that after looking through my options on Amazon and the shopping channels alike that I would plump for one that you have recommended. I have purchased the Polti 950 from a site which was charging £94 including delivery. Fingers crossed it comes and works.

ive got a karcher,dont use it much as it never seemed to clean anything!might have another try if it removes odours,my house is smelling a bit doggy lately,despite taking one carpet up(after 3 pups,not at its best!)yet ive leather settees,and wipe all surfaces regularly!must be the last carpet,i will try steaming it!

I have a Polti, but, other than using it for steralising things (eg. it is great around a bathroom, as there are attachments for toilet bowl cleaning etc - I used it multiple times last Jan when two of us in the house caught norovirus when hospital visiting!) I have found it pretty useless for actually removing visible dirt. In fact, about a month ago I gave up the struggle and bought a Vax carpet washer (which also does hard floors). This really does remove dirt! I have used it on carpet, rugs, porcelain tiles, kitchen floors and a sofa with very good results. Its downside is that it's a very heavy, bulky thing to move around (and store).

In the end, with cream carpets and a dog I had to get something that would use detergent to get the dirt out!  I suspect if my (until now) secret wish list for an Airedale and a Saluki was granted, I would use that Vax every other week, and the steam cleaner once or twice a year.

I think it depends exactly why you want a steam cleaner - as a steam cleaner the Polti is a neat, straightforward thing to use. It does what it says on the tin, but I realised after buying one that it wasn't what I really needed.

Claire

Let us know how you get on Suejaw.  I looked at the Polti 950 link, I ummed and ahed, wondering if I could afford it this month, wondering if it was worth the money etc..... Well, I've just checked it out again and the price has now gone up to £142.98 :-(

It seems good so far, however it's useless on a memory foam mattress.
I paid £94 including delivery and that was by googling the item and seeing what options came up for retailers.