I have had professional house cleaning in the past. But they would just use a wet mop. A week after I got my new puppy I decided to get this steam mop. I have only used it a few rines, but this picked up dirt off the floor I didn't think I had thanks to the cleaning people. After just steaming the kitchen the mop head was black. Disgusting just thinking about how much dirt the cleaners left behind. I don't have cleaners anymore, but I have a great new steam mop/vacuum. And once my puppy starts shedding I'm sure it will be an even better investment. Even of it does next year it's still cheaper then hiring inadequate house cleaners.