BUY THE STEAM CLEANER!!! :D
One of those, combined with the "Miracle Cloths" that are on the market (available at hardware stores or L&T or BBB, etc.) and you're all set!
The two most dramatic examples I have of what a fantastic cleaning job that steamer does are:
a) all those knobs, buttons, and everything else on your stove that collects grease, which you can never get completely clean...spray 'em with the steamer and all that stuff wipes away effortlessly.
b) grout on between ceramic tile kitchen counter tops...be prepared to be grossed out by what you find on the cloth. I was...enough said.
I've even found that if I moisten the cloth with the steam and then use it as a dust cloth on wooden furniture, it works great. The furniture is cleaned and dusted at the same time. Don't spray the steam directly on the furniture, however.
I used to use lemon oil, and all the other cleaners ever invented, to clean house. Not so much anymore. (I was a world-class whiner about how hard it was to keep surfaces dust free...that happens when one spreads oil all over them!) The steamer and the cloths, along with a natural bristle clean / new paint brush to clean crevises, etc., pretty much describes the contents of my "cleaning caddy".
I also have a floor steamer...I haven't used a mop on the floor in years! If you have a "Swiffer" -- TOSS IT! I have a large amount of ceramic tile...oh, my gosh! The mopping / rinsing was a MESS! Now, I just fill up my steamer, run it over the swept floor, and toss the cleaning pad into the laundry! The cool thing is that in less than 5 min. the areas steamed are dry...and streak-free.
I've used the floor steamer on ceramic tile, Pergo, and vinyl floor covering for years. No problems.
I use the steam-moistened cloths on windows, mirrors, and any other surface where I would have used the other expensive stuff.
You can also use the hand-held steamer to remove wrinkles from clothes, drapes, etc.
It's a great all-purpose tool. Just be careful of the tip...it can be very hot.
Speaking of those miracle cloths...buy some. I love 'em. I use them wet and dry. If I'm just dusting stuff, I'll wet the cloth, wring it almost dry and use it as a dust cloth. When it's dirty, just toss it into the laundry.
I found some miracle cloths in the car care section of the hardware store. Those seem to be a bit heftier than the ones sold in the housecleaning section.
In conclusion: :roll:
If you can, purchase a hand-held steamer and a floor steamer.
Always use distilled water, no matter what the manufacturer's instructions say.
Purchase a supply of "Miracle Cloths"
Purchase a couple of extra cleaning pads for the floor steamer.
Toss all those multiple / redundant household cleaners you have. ( I confess to having a couple of the all-purpose ones for those "in-between times" when I don't use the steamer)
Benefits:
In the long run, you save $$$ because don't need to use a different product for each cleaning task
In the short run, your time spent cleaning is much more productive because you're truly cleaning, not just moving stuff around
You save $$$ with the Miracle Cloths (I still have my "rag" stash...but the Miracle Cloths trump the rags for cleaning)
When you're finished cleaning with steam, there is no lingering "manufactured fragrance", i.e. "lemon fresh"
You are relieved of having to find a safe place to store the steamer(s), out of reach of children.
Pets who walk on floors that are steam cleaned don't pick up residual cleaner...and then lick their paws, literally injesting the cleaner you used.
Oh, one last tip:
The steamer does a fanatastic job on the interior of the microwave. Alternatively, to clean gunk and goo off the interior of the microwave (especially the top), just put a cup of water into glass cup or dish, set the microwave on "HI" and let it go for 5 minutes. Carefully remove the hot water and use the Miracle Cloth to wipe clean the microwave. It's that easy.
madolyn