Hizero to Unveil a New Vision for Hard-Surface Hygiene at IFA 2026

Keeping kitchen and dining floors hygienically clean can be a time-consuming task, particularly in busy family homes, cafés, restaurants and other food-related environments. Hizero believes technology can make that work considerably easier.

The company, known for its distinctive zero-suction hard-surface cleaning technology, has announced that it will unveil the most significant development in its history at IFA 2026 in Berlin.

Although full details are being kept under wraps, Hizero says the launch will involve far more than the introduction of a few new cleaning products. Instead, the company plans to present a broader vision for the future of hard-surface hygiene in both domestic and professional settings.

This could be particularly relevant to kitchens and hospitality businesses, where crumbs, liquids, grease and other food debris must be removed quickly and effectively. 

Maintaining clean floors and other hard surfaces is not simply about appearance; it can also help businesses create a more welcoming environment and reduce potential hygiene and safety risks.

Hizero argues that the cleaning industry has spent decades making incremental improvements to familiar equipment. It believes the next stage will involve reconsidering the entire relationship between people, technology and cleaning.

“We believe people are ready for a new conversation,” Sam Li, CEO and founder of Hizero told That's Food and Drink.

“For generations, cleaning has been treated as an unavoidable household chore. We believe there is an opportunity to rethink that assumption and explore how technology can help people spend less time maintaining their environments and more time enjoying them.”

Visitors to IFA 2026 can expect new products across several market segments, alongside a hard-surface hygiene strategy extending beyond conventional floorcare.

Hizero will also share insights into how consumers think about cleaning, time and wellbeing. The company believes that homes and workplaces will undergo a significant change in the way they are maintained during the next decade.

The new portfolio has been designed to make Hizero’s technology accessible to a broader market while supporting the company’s longer-term ambitions.

Hizero will reveal its new product range at IFA Berlin from 4–8 September 2026. Visitors can find the company at booth 10.1131 in Hall 10.1 at Messe Berlin.

The company will also participate in the ShowStoppers global media showcase on 3 September, where technology businesses will meet journalists and industry influencers.

For anyone responsible for keeping a busy kitchen, dining area or hospitality venue clean, Hizero’s forthcoming announcement could offer an interesting glimpse into the future of practical surface hygiene.

https://www.hizero.com

You can also buy Hizero products via our own Amazon-powered online shop https://link.amazon/B03uSGWma

Why Are So Many Steam Mops Ending Up in Secondhand Shops?

And Are They Worth Buying in the First Place?

If you’ve been browsing your local charity shop or scrolling through Facebook Marketplace lately, you may have noticed a recurring theme among the secondhand offerings: steam mops. 

From big-name brands to obscure Amazon finds, steam mops of all shapes and sizes are cropping up in unused or barely-used condition – often at a fraction of their original price.

So, what’s going on? Why are these supposedly time-saving, deep-cleaning gadgets being cast off in near-mint condition? Are steam mops not as magical as they seem, or is there more to the story?

The Appeal of the Steam Mop

Steam mops promise a lot. They use heated water vapour to sanitise hard floors without chemicals, cutting through grease, grime, and bacteria with ease. For anyone trying to reduce chemical cleaners or tackle mucky floors in kitchens, bathrooms, or pet-heavy homes, that sounds like a dream.

The marketing is compelling, too. Just fill it up, plug it in, and glide your way to spotless floors. Many models even claim to work on sealed wood, tiles, laminate, and more. In theory, it’s the 21st-century mop we’ve all been waiting for.

The Reality: Why So Many Are Abandoned

Despite the hype, many steam mops find their way into cupboards — and eventually charity shop shelves — for a few common reasons:

Not As Versatile As Expected: Some users discover steam mops aren’t suitable for their flooring. Unsealed wood and certain types of laminate can warp or suffer damage from too much moisture and heat.

Faffy to Use: Though advertised as easy, steam mops can be fiddly to set up and clean. The water tank needs regular refilling, and the cloth pads need washing or replacing. Some users simply revert back to their spray mop or traditional mop and bucket.

Disappointing Results: If floors aren’t visibly dirty, the steam mop may not seem to do all that much. And stubborn stains can still require scrubbing, which feels like a letdown after all that promise of “effortless” cleaning.

Impulse Buys: Let’s be honest — steam mops are often bought on a whim during a cleaning spree or while watching a home shopping channel. They’re not always well-researched purchases, which can lead to quick disappointment.

Storage Issues: They can be bulky, and in smaller homes or flats, they’re not the easiest of things to stash away neatly.

So, Are Steam Mops Worth Buying?

Maybe. For the right person, a steam mop can be a handy tool. If you have a lot of hard floors, particularly tiles or sealed surfaces, and you're keen to avoid chemical cleaners, they might work well. They can also be useful for cleaning up after pets or kids — especially in high-traffic areas.

But they’re not miracle machines. They still require effort, can’t be used on all surfaces, and might not replace traditional methods entirely.

Should You Buy One Secondhand?

Absolutely — with a few caveats:

Check the condition: Make sure it heats up, produces steam, and comes with the necessary accessories (like reusable cloth pads). And is certified as safe. 

Look for reviews: Some models are known for breaking easily or underperforming. A quick Google search or a browse on consumer forums can save you trouble.

Sanitise before use: Give it a thorough clean before first use, especially if it’s been sitting unused for a while.

You might even find a bargain on a higher-end model that someone gave up on too soon.

The Bottom Line

Steam mops have a bit of a Marmite reputation — you’ll either love the convenience or loathe the faff. But if you spot one secondhand for a tenner or less, it could be worth giving it a go. Just don’t expect it to revolutionise your cleaning routine overnight.