Most cost-effective steam mops

The three mops that were used in the experiment were a Shark Steam Pocket, a Shark Genius, a Bissell PowerFresh Slim and a Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe.

To test each mops' effectiveness, the magazine used an imaging software to measure how much of the mess each mop could successfully clean up. The mops were each given a score based on the amount they could clean up.

In order to get a deep clean with the Shark Steam Pocket and get steam to the mop head, Consumer Reports discovered that you will need to repeatedly move the $80 mop up and down along the floor.

Two mops had a similar cleaning ability: the Bissell PowerFresh Slim, a $130 mop, and the $100 Shark Genius. Consumer Reports recommends the Shark Genius because of the lower price and only a minimal decrease in cleaning ability. The Shark Genius also allows users to spray steam onto a stain directly and use both sides of the mop.

For people who are looking for a mop that can get tough stains out with ease, Consumer Reports recommends the Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe, a $90 mop that the magazine lists as their best buy. It features an extra brush that can be used for an even deeper clean and what the magazine calls "very good" cleaning ability.

Keep in mind that each of the mops in the experiment require distilled water for usage and each left moisture residue, something that is not good for hardwood or laminate floors.