Inside Consumer Reports Test Labs: Testing of steam mops gets under way

Based on the number of you searching for reviews of steam mops on ConsumerReports.org, we've got a feeling many of you have seen the infomercials and Web videos touting the amazing cleaning and sanitizing abilities of steam mops.

Your call for a review of steam mops got through loud and clear, so we're currently testing the Bionaire Steam Mop, Bissell 31N1 Steam Mop Deluxe, Eureka Envirosteamer 313A, H20 Mop Ultra, Haan HD-50 Duo, Oreck Steam-It Steam 100, Shark Steam Mop, Shark Steam Pocket Mop, Steamboy T1 Steam Floor Mop, and SteamFast SF-140. Watch our video on preliminary testing (right).

The testing uses 12 typical substances that could make a mess on the floor at your home. The items are placed onto floor tiles and allowed to harden before the testers tackle them with the steam mops. Watch the video here for some more details on our initial testing.

Early in the project, no steam mop has stood out. Look for our testing updates on the Home & Garden blog and at Twitter.com/CRHomegarden.

—Gian Trotta

Update: The report on steam mops is in. ( Ratings available to subscribers).