This replaced an old-style steamer I have been using for year and did not clean all that well.  I love the way this steamer cleans and picks up anything left on the floor at the same time.  It also has an extremely long cord so I can do large areas without have to move to a different outlet.  It doesn't say it is required, but I do use Distilled Water as I think if does a better job of creating steam without clogging the machine.