Blow Off Steam--and Clean the House--with a Steam Mop

How many of the cleaning gadgets on the market these days really fulfill their promise to make your home sparkling clean with little effort? One item that just might is a steam mop, a mop that contains a built-in water tank, which allows it to clean floors using steam, rather than cleaning products. Sounds like a dream right?

It can be, with a few caveats. First, since steam mops don't rely on cleaning solutions to get the job done, they work best on areas that aren't heavily soiled (i.e. those you clean frequently). Also, steam mops have a tendency to leave water behind, so be prepared to towel dry the wet spots when you're done. The pros are that you'll save money on all of the potentially hazardous products you won't need to add to your shopping list. Also, since most steam mops can run for about 12 minutes before the tank needs to be refilled, they're ideal for quick clean ups.

If you choose to sanitize with steam, look for a mop that comes with a swivel head for easy maneuvering, and pads that can be washed and reused, which will save on cash and waste reduction. And never leave the mop unattended. The steam can remove the sealant on hardwood floors or leave a burn mark if left in one place for too long.

Steam mops are generally sold at Big Box stores like Walmart, Target or Bed Bath & Beyond. (The Bissell 1867-7 Steam Mop consistently gets good performance reviews for under $100.) Happy mopping!