Greener cleaners go mainstream

In January, the Clorox Company launched Green Works (shown), a line of what it claims are “natural” cleaners. Days later, SC Johnson announced that a new Greenlist label would appear on its familiar blue Windex glass cleaner. Both products are now being rolled out into retailers nationwide. You know the green bandwagon is getting crowded when two behemoths of the household-cleaning industry climb aboard.

No sooner had the companies launched the products than some in the green blogosphere began questioning the safety of the ingredients used in these cleaners and whether they really are just more examples of greenwashing. So we decided to take a closer look.

Clorox Green Works
Clorox says that its Green Works products, which include all-purpose, bathroom, dilutable, glass-and-surface, and toilet-bowl cleaners, are at least 99 percent “natural.” But without a nationally accepted standard definition for that term, the company is using its own. Natural cleaners, Clorox says, are defined as having ingredients that come from primarily plant and mineral materials and contain less than 1 percent petrochemicals. But keep in mind, natural doesn’t necessarily mean nontoxic or nonirritating.

Unlike with many other cleaners, including some from Clorox, you will find a complete list of ingredients on Green Works packaging. That’s significant, since full disclosure is not required by federal law. At the same time, since it can be difficult to judge the potential harmful effects of ingredients you might be unfamiliar with, if you’re concerned about your health and safety, check for warning labels; they are required when a product contains ingredients that are known to cause harm to humans. Four out of five Green Works products carry “caution” labels, which indicate relatively less hazard than “danger” or “poison” labels would.

Four Green Works products carry the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Design for the Environment, or DfE, label (shown). The presence of the label means that the EPA evaluated the ingredients for health and environmental impacts. But it doesn’t signify that the ingredients are harmless; rather the label indicates that they are considered to be the least harmful in their chemical class. Also, since ingredients are judged individually, there is not one clear standard that all products with a DfE label must meet. Consumer Reports is in the process of evaluating the DfE label.

In April, a Sierra Club label will also appear on all the Green Works products. The label will indicate that the products have been reviewed by the club and are environmentally preferable to conventional products. However, the label is not free from conflict-of-interest, as the Sierra Club will receive financial support from Clorox as part of this partnership.

SC Johnson Greenlist
SC Johnson’s Windex Original blue glass cleaner is the first product to carry the company’s Greenlist label. However, the manufacturer claims it has been reformulating several of its products in accordance with the Greenlist process since 2001. Since the company defined the process, it decides what’s green. Basically, with Greenlist, ingredients are ranked on a more-to-less impact scale from 0 to 3. That information is then used to improve the “environmental and health profile” of products by reformulating them with ingredients considered by the company to be less harmful.

For the Windex, SC Johnson says it replaced a 0-rated solvent with a more environmentally responsible material and reduced the levels of volatile organic compounds in the cleaner. VOCs, chemicals found in many household products, can cause dizziness, headaches, and other acute symptoms.

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to find a complete list of ingredients on Greenlist products since the company is not required by federal law to disclose all the ingredients used. Without this information, it’s impossible for us to tell whether the green or any other claims are true.

SC Johnson also carries cleaning products with the DfE label, indicating they have gone through the government’s screening process for health and environmental impacts. Those products include Shout Trigger laundry stain remover and Citrus Action, Scrubbing Bubbles Soap Scum Remover with Orange Action, Shower Shine Daily Shower Cleaner, and Fantastik Oxy Power multipurpose cleaner.

In the end, the best way to find eco-friendly cleaners—from Clorox, SC Johnson, or any other manufacturer—is to look for products with labels that have been independently verified as green in the Eco-labels Center on GreenerChoices.org. Also read our report on greener cleaners and use the cleaner recipes there at home.—Kristi Wiedemann, Science and Policy Analyst, GreenerChoices.org

Essential information: For information on Earth Day and greener living, visit our Earth Day Guide.  

Comments

[Stephanie Digby]

Thank you, clear and informative. I often work with people who are chemically sensitive and believe in the "all natural" label. I try to explain to people that all natural includes hydrogen cyanide, aflatoxins, and other goodies. Maybe this will get their attention.

comments:
If the bathroom cleansers are green, they are not very "green" insofar as making people sick. If things are green they really should be fragrance free since the fragrances can contain environmentally unsound compounds and many (increasingly so) are sensitive to fragrance.

How about something on the "greenness" (and problems) with "air fresheners"?

[Paulette Daugherty]

As a bird owner, it is critical for me to know what is in a cleaner before I can consider it safe to use. Aerosols & fragrances are very harmful. Based on your informative article, I would not use these products in my home.

I mainly use a vinegar water blend in a spray bottle and my vapor steam cleaner. I like the idea of making my own cleaners as your article suggests.

Thank you for always looking out for my best interests, health and safety.

[Rick O'Keefe]

Green aside, just how well do they compare to other products?

[Susan]

I was taught that in order for a product to be a disinfectant the labels had to list the ingredients. If the label has words like deodorize or santitize the ingredients do not have to be listed and it is not a disinfectant. This has worked for me.

[J]

Unfortunately, the lemon oil fragrances in the Green Works products cause adverse health effects. Essential lemon oil contains terpenes which are naturally-occurring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of the turpentine family. These compounds are aromatic because they evaporate at room temperature and enter the air. The resultant presence in the air of ultrafine organic carbon-compound nanoparticles smells good to most, but has adverse health effects.

[Beth]

I was searching for safer cleaners because I had a lingering cough after washing windows which was bothering me. After watching Oprah's show on safer, greener cleaning products I tried Shaklee and am really hapy with it.
The product she recommended the most was called Basic H. I put 2 drops of this in 16 oz. of water and have the best window cleaner ever, with no cough! I don't sell it, and have no stake in the company, just passing on what Oprah passed on.

[Elizabeth]

Although I like the idea of these less toxic products, I am most concerned about whether or not they are effective at killing germs. How about some lab tests- put some of these 'green' disinfectant sprays up against some nasty germs, such as staph, rotovirus, salmonella, and ecoli. Which ones work?

What about the following brands?
* melalueca (they claim that Sol-U-Mel is an effective germ killer that is completely non-toxic... true?)
* Mrs. Meyers
* Caldrea
* Method

Thanks!!

[Carmen]

I wish you would do a research on steam cleaners such as ladybug and others sold out in the market. They are suposed to be the most ecological cleaners out there since the only thing you use is tap water.

[susan]

I too am interested in vapor steam cleaners and was hoping that you had done some research on it. Any information you provide would be very helpful. Thanks

[Megan]

I too came to the site hoping to find some research on steam cleaners (not carpet). I would prefer to use steam vs. chemical products. Like the reviewer above, I make my own cleaning products from vinegar & pure lavendar essential oil (it has natural antimicrobial properties). I don't have to worry about chemicals that could possibly be in any products. I don't trust the products mentioned above. I think the companies are just trying to take advatage of the current popularity of green products. INFO ON STEAM CLEANERS WOULD BE VERY APPRECIATED! Thanks

[greenhungry]

Found this great article about vapor steam cleaners on ePinions: epinions.com/content_4824670340

[Perfumes]

Thank you for that very intelligent and thought provoking post. Though I am not sure what you expected me to take from that.

http://www.perfumesofparis.net/

[Crystal]

I also am looking for information on steam cleaners (not the carpet steam cleaners) but instead a canister vapor/ steam cleaner or handheld steam cleaners. Any info CR can provide would be appreciated.

[Peggy]

I've been using Shaklee products almost since the company first started and I've been very happy with them. I use Basic-H for just about everything. I've tried other products, but nothing compares. I'm not a distributor - I usually buy the products directly from the company or have my sister order them for me (she's a p/t distributor). The company has been around a long time and I consider them to be highly reputable, but the most important things are that the products are environmentally safe, they never bother me or my family, they work well, and they are economical.

[Marilynn Peterson]

I came online today to get some information on steam cleaners, (other than carpet cleaners). I would love to have found a CR on the subject. I have a hand-held bissel steam cleaner that I like very much. It is great for cleaning my gas range and countertops, bathroom tile, etc. My only problem is that it only holds about 1 1/2 to 2 cups water per application, and I'm wondering what else is available. I'm interested in something with a tank that can be pulled along behind, much like a canister vacuum, with floor attachments, etc. Steam leaves a clean, shiny surface behind and looks like you have spent hours cleaning, when all you have done is sprayed the surface with steam then wiped off - a five minute job at most.

[Michelle]

I am looking into purchasing a home steam cleaner. Please do some research and help us consumers out!!!

[Karen]

I'm chemically sensitive and find even most "green" cleaners to be a problem. I'm considering purchasing a vapor steam cleaner, but I've read that the handheld steam cleaners don't last very long, and the canister ones are pricey. Please do some research, at the very least a survey of members who own them. Thanks.

[Melanie]

I found the dilutable cleaner to work very well, but, and this is the reason i won't buy it again, is all the suds. The suds remeind me of the cleaners my mother used to use that required a rinse after the cleaning. Back to ammonia for me.

[Jeffrey Chase]

I am really surprised CR has not performed a full research and rating on steam mops (not carpet steamers) such as Ladybug, Shark, H20, or Bissell??? It is time to get the skinny on these products! Thanks, CR!

[jane]

Steam mops seem the rage. Why no coverage on this product that seems to be of interest to so many?

[Ann]

Please, oh please, oh please, will you kindly test the steam cleaners on the market so we don't even have to deal with these harmful chemical cleaners that pollute the environment? It would be awesome to include the handheld steamers as well as the floor cleaners. Thank you so very much as I am seriously looking for an alternate to all chemically based products!

[cindy Manaois]

I was looking on your site for handheld steam cleaner..No where to be found. I was to say the least very disappointed. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[Beth]

Please do an article on steam cleaners. I am looking at Vapor Clean TR5 and Whitewing but want to know are they really any better than the cheaper cleaners

[Jim Mitchell]

I agree with Jeffrey Chase. Have a look at the High pressure steam cleaners on the market please.

[Della]

I, too, am looking for information on the hand-held steam cleaners. I prefer not to use chemicals, if at all possible. CR.....please!

[Kevin Barteaux]

Please count me in as another subscriber that would like some info on high pressure steam cleaners.

[Richard Varker]

Are you going to report on these portable steam cleaners in the near future?

[Dwight]

Dear CR: I too wish to get buying advice on a carpet/grout steam cleaner. Please help us out with this. I'd rather buy a steam cleaner as opposed to paying several hundred dollars to have our floors professionally cleaned, but I'd like to ensure I'm buying a quality product. Request that CR provide all of us a response...either you are planning to do research or not. Thank you.

[Osprey]

Please do research on hand-held and other STEAM CLEANERS (not rug cleaners). Thanks, Jude

[Paul S. Smola]

Please research Pressurized Floor Steam Cleaners such as Ladybug, Shark, H20, Bissell, and Euroflex - Monster Pressurized Floor Steamer System w/ Carpet Glide???

[Sonia H]

Please do a review on Steam mops!

[Robin]

I am with all the other posters....PLEASE do an article on steamers...particularly hand held type...the kind you can clean around the gross toilet seat!!! I would also welcome any floor steamer info as well. We all just need to know how to clean with steam!
Thank you :)

[Steve U]

Yes, where is the steam mop rating. I've been waiting and checking back to the site for a long time now.

[Steve]

Steam cleaner info please.

[Dominic]

I find it very frustrating that we pay a fee to professionals to find out what the best brands are to invest in, yet when I come to your website there is nothing on several mainstream products. The one I came to find out about today was steam cleaners. These are not NEW products. Please get some information on your website about these products, or at least respond to paying members' requests about when you will do a review.

[TG]

Puh--leassse. Enough with the new car ratings. I make a six figure salary and could care less. I buy used cars and pay cash. However, I could use pertinent information on steam floor cleaners. Particularly the Saeco Piccolo and if it is available still in the U.S.

[Holly]

I echo the wishes of others -- please give us information about the myriad vapor steam cleaners/vacuums on the market.

[Janice]

Please do some research on steam cleaners, I would love to buy one if they claim to work. Ladybug, Whitewing etc. The closest store to my home that sells the Ladybug is 250 miles away. I have tried several local Vacumm cleaner stores but they just blow off questions on steam cleaners, why? I do not know, not enough money to handle retail? Please help us out CR, I depend on you when making many purchasing decisions.

[EharrisJclark]

Need a general home steamer cleaner for serious health and agility problems. We subscribed to CR to be able to get some unbiased advise rather than sorting through the selling hype. Does CR think this consumer subject isn't important enough? Appatantly, your subscibers think it is! Do it now, please.

[B Heskett]

I have looked at several steam cleaners for months, various sizes. Chemical sensitive also. Need to clean floor tile and also bathroom tile. We need help. thanks

[Deidre]

We are also interested in a review of steam cleaners. Thank you!

[Sharon McComb]

PLEASE do an article on carpet steam cleaners. I'm tired of throwin money away. I've tried 3 and all were junk even though they bore brand names.

[Carroll Shelton]

Still waiting to see something about the new Steam Mops on the market. Would love for CR to study and advise consumers!

[Melissa Lorenz]

I dito the above requests to have consumer reports do an assessment on general purpose steam cleaners for the home. That was my goal in logging on today was to research and purchase one, and I'm disappointed to not find any information here, our one stop shop for research before buying.

Regards,
Melissa

[laura b]

Also Came to site to find ratings on steam cleaners, see many requests here & elsewhere in the CR blog for CR to review these products, going back at least til 2/08. Please review for us!

[Steve]

Please add my list to the long list of requests for CR to review high-pressure and vapor steam cleaners. I don't know why there has been no response by someone from CR given the large number of requests from members. Does anyone from CR actually monitor their message board?

[Naomi]

In the past, I owned a couple so called steam cleaners. Water was never hot enough to clean soiled carpet and I felt I was injecting chemical into carpet. I felt I could inject chemical into carpet by myself without spending a couple hundred dollars. So this time I was going to hire a professional to clean my 6 month old carpet but I didn't want to spend $150 to someone else so I did research on Vapor Cleaner and bought a used Vapor Cleaner Gaia. I am very happy with my Gaia although I would spend more next time for a brand new Vapor Cleaner with continuous fill and longer cord, perhaps Vapor Clean DESIDERIO Plus. Both Vapor Clean GAIA and DESIDERIO have extraction to extract water after injecting 180 degrees water. My carpet feels clean without chemical.

[Jack matt]

Your blog providing very good information about the product,i also seen steam cleaner http://steam-cleaner-machines.blogspot.com/ its very good machine for cleaning.

[Michelle]

Please do research on steam cleaners like the Ladybug (and cheaper options). I am interested in purchasing one because they don't use chemicals, but have no idea which one to get.

[Cori Riley]

I'm also looking for a steam cleaner for kitchen, bath and floor use (not just carpet) since I have a toddler and pets. So far, I'm leaning towards the Vapor Systems VX5000 commercial-grade steam cleaner for $695 (http://www.steam-cleaners-direct.com/) because the other units seem like they wouldn't be very effective or would break down quickly like the Monster 1200 advertised in infomercials and I would just end up having to spend the additional money to replace them. PLEASE DO AN ARTICLE ON STEAM CLEANERS ASAP SO THAT WE CAN MAKE AN INFORMED BUYING DECISION WHICH IS WHAT WE COUNT ON CONSUMER REPORTS FOR. People have been asking for over 7 months on this thread alone. Thank you

[Deborah]

After all of these requests, why hasm't CR tested the steam cleaners?? I just joined CR again because I am ready to purchase one and thought I could get information. I am quite disapointed.

[Daniel]

I'd like to see two reports on steam cleaners:
1) carpet/floor
2) hand-held/ multi-purpose (cleaning tubs, counters, toilets, and can be used to steam out garment wrinkles)

[Rudy Garcia]

Please test the steam cleaners on the market. Handheld steamers as well as the floor cleaners. Thank you.

[Linda Rumbaugh]

Your behind, we need info on the floor steam cleaners. Please & thank you.

[Tom]

Like so many others, I came here looking for info on STEAM CLEANERS as well.

[John]

Please review all hand held steam cleaners. I loved the one I had a few years ago, but it just stopped working. I tried to get it repaired but was told that the company went out of business. I bought another inexpensive model from Target, but it had no cleaning power at all. I really don't want to spend $1000. Please help.

[DR Silver]

Please review garment and multil-purpose steamers!!! I have checked this site numerous times over the last year, hoping a review will appear, and still nothing.

[Erika]

Another subsciber looking for information on STEAM MOPS. I just saw an infomercial on the HAAN FLOOR SANITIZER, and I came to the site to find Consumer Reports research findings on such steam mops. I am disappointed that there hasn't even been an acknowledgement regarding the consumers' request for this information

PLEASE RESEARCH STEAM MOPS AND VACUUMS.

[Vernon C. Smith]

I to am looking for a so called Steam mop ,or steam floor cleaner. My wife keeps telling me about one that you pump the steam out, and than I just saw the (HAAN FLOOR SANITIZER) on TV.
Plus there must be a lot of them out there to pick from.
I pay for my membership and can't tell you how many times I've wanted info on a product and YOU have nothing at all on it.
Signed , Disapointed

[Christine]

I'm so glad CR is planning a steam cleaner review Jun 2009. Please review Monster1200 for cleaning and sanitizing all surfaces including floors. It seems like it's mainly a disinfectant spray but hopefully it's good at cleaning and disinfecting. I worry about over-disinfecting too, but it seems nice to have a button so you can turn on and off the disinfectant when you want so at least you won't over-use it.

I just bought one with the floor attachment since it has a 30 day money back guarantee so we'll see. Ordering over the phone it seemed like a 'trustworthy, legitimate' company even through their computerized voice menus, but again, I'll try to post an update after I receive it.

[Patricia Stanfield]

Yet Another subsciber looking for information on STEAM MOPS. I just saw an infomercial on the HAAN FLOOR SANITIZER, and I came to the site to find Consumer Reports research findings on such steam mops. I am disappointed that there hasn't even been an acknowledgement regarding the consumers' request for this information

[Frances Kloha]

I also would like information on a steam cleaner, the Haan steam cleaner sanatizer, it cleans and dries. Thank you

[George Patterson]

The data for producing environmentally is now available to all Fragrance Houses and their clients, the mfgers of cleaning products. Many/ most fragrances currently in popular cleaners will eventually conform to the standards now promoted by the EPA. A convention is scheduled this June www.SustainableFragrances2009.com Suggest you consider updating your piece on green cleaners with coverage of this event. This new set of safe criteria will also require current "green" labels to have their current scents updated within three years of their last product review. Hint: many of the essential oils considered safe because they are "natural", are environmentally toxic under the developed criteria.

[Julie]

I am one of the many it seems who also needs a review of carpet steam cleaners. With many to chose from and their cost, it would be nice to have a source with which I ccould inform myself before making the expensive purchase. I thought CR was the place. Maybe I need to start my own business reviewing products.

[Vera]

I, too, came to your site to find information on the Haan floor cleaner sanitzer.

[Bill & Marilyn Voorhies]

We, too, are eager to get reliable info on steam cleaners for floors and carpets; we are eagerly awaiting your June issue and fervently hope it will address this mater. We've seen the infomercial on the Haan steam cleaner, but are reluctant to purchase it until/unless we get a positive report from you guys. Please come through for us!
Thanks.

[LINDA WILSON]

PLEASE, DO REVIEWS ON STEAM FLOOR CLEANERS LIKE H2O ETC.

[Amy]

Count me in as someone needing quality information about steam cleaners. I have a kitchen floor in serious need of deep cleaning and grout cleaning, and I don't want to pay $150 for a one-time professional cleaning when I can buy a unit for $350 that I can use all the time. Please review steam cleaners soon!!

[Alissa]

The people have spoken. They've been asking since November 2008 for CR to do a review of steam cleaners. Where is that review? The reason I signed up for CR was to get an unbiased review of steam cleaners and was disappointed to find that you still haven't reviewed this popular product. I haven't been able to find a good review yet. Don't let us down. We are eagerly awaiting a great review from you, CR.

[John E]

I am also interested in a review of floor steam cleaners for tile, grout & wood. Looks like the best machine according to Amazon customers is the Bissell 1867 except for the short cord. Wondering how it compares to Steam Fast SF-140 which is half the price. I hope Christine is correct and you will be publishing results in June.

[Rod]

I too would like to see a report done on the portable Steam Cleaners. All that are included in the "info" commercials and as many others out there, suchas The Sargent Steamer.

Thank you

[Gina]

CR: Kindly confirm whether you are doing a review of steam cleaners in June as mentioned above. If so, I will wait to buy one until I can see your report.
Thank you

[William]

CR sends me emails about "wanting me back", but it has to provide needed reviews in order to "get me back". CR seems pretty tone deaf on hearing the requests of their subscribers

[Sung]

STEAM cleaner reviews please!

[Annie g]

I am completely surprised that Consumer Reports has NO information regarding steam cleaners such as the Haan or Shark. Please test them out! After reading the requests for evaluation of these products, there seems to be a lot of disappointed Consumer Reports subscribers. Please review steam cleaners!!! Thank you!

[Ruth]

I add my voice to the many others who have requested information on steam cleaners/sterilizers. I have wood floors with rugs in main areas, carpet in the bedrooms and tile in the bathrooms. How effective are these machines? How often can they be used (I have a dog and am concerned with what she trails in on her cute little feet)? Daily? Weekly? Do they take a long time to clean and/or sterilize on the floor surfaces and countertops, ovens etc.? How do they stack up against conventional alternatives?
Thank you in advance for your help.

[cparker]

agree with all above. i have been checking this site for 1yr+ looking for a steam product recco. i've purchased the handheld scunci for cleaning and for garment steaming...aside from the steam burn i managed to inflict upon myself, it's ok but i'm ready to upgrade to a floor model. would very much appreciate CR reviews on such products. i am more interested in garment steamers. have noticed that one clothing boutique near me uses jiffy. have also seen rowena brand. thanks for your time and consideration.

[Gloria G]

I too am looking for information on floor steam cleaners. We need this info to make our decision. Hurry up please and thank you.

[renee]

Need information on steam cleaners such as the Haan asap

[Outlaw]

I just ordered the Haan Floor Steam Cleaner from QVC yesterday. In hindsight, I thought of CR and looked for your comments on that and similar products. I hope I remember to check back in June.

[Sue]

I just called CR and they don't plan to review steam mop cleaners in the next 3 issues (July, August, September). Earliest possible review would be in October if they decide to review them.

[Ann]

How about Steam mop ratings ? Come on CR I don't need help deciding what kind of potato chips to buy. Let's be relevant please!

[Kathy]

Hello,

Please advise me if you will be doing research and providing information regarding hand held steam cleaners? I have been looking at the Haan, Monster and SteamMax. For example will one have a longer cleaning duration period, because it holds more water and thus having to stop, fill and wait for it to reheat? How about pressure? Safety mechanism? accesories? and warranty or great customer care with each of the products? Thank you.
Kathy S.

[Raymond Holderman]

It wuold appear that CU has an important agenda, and it isn't about listening to customer requests for carpet steam cleaner ratings.

[KaYo]

Yeh! Steam cleaners have been on the market for several years - no review for at least three months - probably more - shows CR not keeping up with subscribers' wishes/needs. Get with it, please.

[Anne Green]

I'll add my two cents worth as well - please do a report on steam cleaners including the steam mops and the hand-held types used for cleaning bathrooms, barbecue grills, etc.
Reading the comments posted on buyers' sites such as Amazon, Walmart, etc, finds that the recommendations are all over the place, from terrific to a waste of money. Please give us some CR sanity on this topic.

[john]

I am not happy with cr online way to much money for what you get. I can see $15.00 not $26.00 I agree they sometimes review stupid stuff. I game here today to look for steam cleaners and found this blog. I don't think they care what we think they are going to do what they want not what we ask for. They actually reviewed shamwow!

[john]

Oh I forgot they also review our posts!

[Tricia]

Just confirming for CR, WE NEED/WANT A REVIEW ON STEAM CLEANERS PLEASE!!! I have tried 2 now: one shaped like a rhumba with floor and handheld attachments, called a "euro" or something. Worked great on bathroom tub, sink, and tile floors, and steam lasted a long time. The other was a handheld with dissappointed as to how long it lasted, strength, and no floor cleaner attachments (necessary unless you want to use little wand and take FOREVER to do floors). Friend recommends the Shark, available at Walmart and Bed, Bath & Beyond under $100, swears by it, but I see from website that it only does floors and has no hand attachment for counters, tubs, windows etc. I am looking hard, and need CR input, plz plz pay attention to your subscribers.

[Molden]

I am very disappointed in Consumer Reports not doing the reseach needed for me to evaluate and purchase one of the many portable steam cleaners on the market. I'm trying to go green as much as possible and eliminating cleaning products with any chemicals, even the natural ones, so your ratings would be extremely helpful. I keep checking back in the hopes you've taken action, but.... Thanks you for honoring this member's request and getting the job done!

[Robin]

GOOD GRIEF! I agree, Consumer Reports is not a new company and it seems ludicrous that you do not have reviews and reports for VERY common items... like carpet cleaners or garment steamers! I am requesting a refund for my online subscription... I've got NOTHING for my money!

[Carole D.]

I want to buy a steam mop ASAP. I have been reading many good reports on the Haan Steam Cleaner. I am disappointed and surprised that Consumers Report hasn't done any reporting on these. Why is that? Do you plan on doing so any time soon??????

[J Dilatush]

Another request for information on steam cleaners. Thanks.

[Melissa]

I echo all requests for steam cleaner reviews. Bed bugs are becoming an epidemic (witness the recent EPA conference and MANY news reports). Steam cleaners are purported to be effective to control these horrifying and tenacious pests. PLEASE review these cleaners (including commercial as these are supposed to be best for bed bugs) and comment on their effectiveness for said pests.

[Fred Helm]

I was going to subscribe to your online service, but since you don't seem to respond to customer requests and one of the items I was interested in was the Haan steam mop, I'll not subscribe.

[Bill Sturdevant]

I have an Aerobic Treatment Unit instead of a standard septic tank. It is very sensitive to anything put into it. I need to find good quality cleaning supplies that will not disturb the ATU and not empty my pocketbook. I am interested in every category of cleaner, including laundry detergent (for a high-efficiency front loader), dishwasher detergent, dish washing liquid, bathroom cleaners/disinfectants and other general cleaners, but especially would like to know what I can use for automatic toilet bowl cleaning. Can you or anyone point me to products that fit my criteria?

[Julie A. Black]

June 14, 2009/1:19 PM

It would be great if Consumer Reports would report on garment steamers. With people so
busy nowadays with work and home, we do not have time to iron our clothes!! Using
a garment steamer would free up much time for us. PLEASE test and review for us
the variety of clothing steamers now on the market.

[Barbara O'Connell]

I, too, like many other readers, want you to test both the canister steam cleaners and the sticks steamers. I own a Polti, which has been wonderful, but now there is no one to service it in the US. Mine is broken so I am looking online at the various cleaners and would like some genuine feedback before I invest in another one. The personal replies are off the wall, from one extreme to another. It's hard to use these to judge the products. My Polti cleaned like nothing I have seen before. I have 2400 sf of ceramic tile flooring and mopping is a filthy way to clean. Without having to use a cleaning product, a good steamer can remove anything from a floor and sanitize at the same time...The time one saves is unbelievable. Come on CR, do your job. You test things that mean nothing to me...I'm waiting for you to test something that is crucial to health and well-being to us who want germ killing without having to use chemicals.

[Joan Campbell]

I have an online subscription and have hoped to see a review of clothing / fabric / drapery steamers. Perhaps a steamer that cleans also will steam wrinkles from the aforementioned.

[Tracy]

I would also like a review on Steam Mops/Carpet Cleaners. I having been thinking about purchasing the Haan. But, I do not want to purchase something just because it looks great on the infomercial... Consumer Reports please review them for us. =) Thanks.