Steam mops are the latest gadget that claims to make cleaning your floor a cinch. Consumer Reports tested 10, ranging in price from $70 to $150, to see whether one can really cut your workload.
First testers got the lab floor very, very dirty. They used ketchup, syrup, mustard, and other stuff to create a scientific mess. Because you can't always get to spills right away, the mess was left overnight to really set in.
So how did the mops do? Well, some weren't very good, taking a long time to steam away soils. Others didn't soak up much, leaving gooey gunk to be pushed around the floor. And once the steam mop is finished cleaning, you still have to deal with a mess. All of those mops use removable pads that you need to wash. They get pretty grimy, so you might want wash them separately from your clothes.
When all the tests were done, Consumer Reports did find a good steam mop it named a Best Buy. It's the $70 Eureka Enviro Steamer. It steams for a full 20 minutes on a tank of water and has a long cord so that you can clean larger areas.
However, Consumer Reports says a $15 squeeze mop and some hot water will do just as good a job, and cost you a lot less.
As for the highly advertised Shark Steam Pocket Mop, Consumer Reports found it did a good job, but not as good as the less-expensive Eureka or even the squeeze mop.
Better Bikes
With a tough economy and gas prices on the rise, it's no wonder bicycles are big business. The bicycle industry had more than $5 billion in sales in the U.S. alone last year. Beyond recreation, people are also using bikes for transportation. So if you're gearing up to buy a new bike, Consumer Reports can help you narrow down your choices.
Consumer Reports tested 17 bikes that are good for commuting or just tooling around town. There were three types in all.
• Fitness bikes are most like road bikes, with a small seat and narrow tires, but they're more comfortable because you sit semi-upright.
• Hybrids are a cross between a road and a mountain bike. They have wider tires and can have front shocks and suspension seats so that they absorb more of the bumps for you.
• Comfort bikes have an upright riding position and a nice wide seat, and they are best for slower-paced, recreational rides.
At Consumer Reports, each bike is put through a series of tests. Rough road surfaces are used to measure shock absorption. And a brake test determines how far it takes for a bike to stop. Testers also size up the gears to see how easy they are to shift.
When all the tests were done, Consumer Reports top-rated two bikes. The Cannondale Comfort 4, at $580, has very good handling and is quite sporty for a comfort bike.
If you're looking to bike longer distances or tackle more hills, the Fuji Absolute 3.0 fitness bike is a better bet. At 26 pounds, it's fairly lightweight. It costs $480, less than many other fitness bikes.
Consumer Reports says that no matter what bicycle you choose, make sure it fits you. Testers recommend buying at a bike shop, where you can get help from an experienced salesperson and actually take it for a ride to make sure it's right for you.
