OK, I did something that I never thought I would do in a million years. I bought a Euro-Pro product. It hurts to even say that. I can't believe I just uttered those words.... I swore I'd never sink so low, but the positive reviews online (for the pocket model only) and entertaining infomercial led me to try it. 100 bucks at Wal-mart. I enjoyed watching the infomercial for this and for the Navigator... they are both on Youtube. I enjoy infomercials for some reason! I got it home and tried it on my kitchen floor... it left streaks, and didn't get any dirt up... but I'd just scrubbed the floor with a toothbrush on my hands and knees the night before, so I didn't expect it to get any dirt. The handle is very flimsy. The release latch for the telescoping part WILL break, it bends almost to its breaking point each time I try to use it, and I baby it because I know what low quality products Euro Pros are. It does not stand up on its own, super annoying. Heaven forbid it ever fall down. Because my place is so small, I brought it in to work tonight to try there. It's a textured semi-glossy ceramic tile with off white grout. As I pushed it over the floor I noticed it left streaks that did not go away when it dried, but overall the floor did seem cleaner and the pad was dark gray on both sides when I finished. It makes a loud hissing sound when it ejects steam. Was super annoying to have on at work just because of the noise. I do not like that it lacks a power switch. Also, it doesn't have a grounded plug and it's a "water" appliance... seems like asking for trouble! I don't like the lack of a trigger for steam control. It is supposed to spit steam out when the handle is pushed forward, but I've found it does it as soon as it warms up, until it's unplugged and has cooled off.... it does more on the forward stroke, but the steam is always "on".
So, do I like anything about it? Well, the cord is surprisingly longer than I thought it would be. 25 feet. The cord clips are designed really well because the hold the cord securely in place, but still allow it to move when the handle is pushed or adjusted. At least it has a quick release cord wrap, but still that's annoying because you have to pull it out before you can turn it, and it has detents that it sinks into all the way around, so it not smooth twisting motion. Simply unnecessary. I like that the pockets fit on securely (anyone who tried the original Envirosteamers with the elastic "waffle weave" pads will appreciate that). I like that they can be flipped and that so many extras are included. I like the idea of not having to buy disposable "stuff" (never liked Swiffer products). I like that the filling tank has a "bowl" shaped mouth so the water kind of funnels in, and that the water level is easily visible. I also like the pretty blue light that lights up the Shark emblem.
I may have been happier with a Haan or Bissell (both better names, and both free-standing models... I know the Bissell has a trigger, but not sure about the Haan), but I will give the Shark a little while and see how it does before passing final judgment. I have 90 days to return it, so I'll at least keep it until it breaks.... which it will, it's too flimsy not to. I'm not throwing the box away or shredding the receipt just yet!
I'm about to do under the 'fridge, so we'll see how it performs there. I added a bit of vinegar to the tap water (not hard, by the way) to see if that will help with the streaking. Maybe I could put some jet dry in, who knows? I may try distilled water too, just to see. I also thought that it may have streaked because the pads are new and haven't been washed yet.... It's streaked on both of the things I've tried it on... and the reviews that didn't ADORE this thing (not many, but there were some), stated that was a problem.
Thanks for your advice and opinions.
Brimmer.... I have the Rubbermaid Reveal too.... it's good for quick pick ups, but I don't think it cleans deeply. The spray is hard to direct and most of it falls on the mop head itself... which is hard to push and difficult to swivel, not to mention way too wide for small spaces. They almost got it right!
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