To Steam Or Not To Steam...

I have always had to juggle the twin stresses of making sure my house is clean and avaoiding that bleach/cleaner smell- it gives my the dry boak, always has. Then, in addition to this, with a little one about, I was always worried about the amount of chemicals littered about the house, especially where my tiny baby may come into contact with it (like the bath/toys etc- not under the sink!) With the increased choice of steam cleaners I thought I had found the ideal solution... AND they can clean your windows too!

BUT just how environmentally friendly can they be? The lack of chemicals in your home, being absorbed into our bodies, or going down the plughole and into the environment, is a big bonus, obviously. However, it takes electricity to make the steamers work. I know there are gizmos out the that work out the energy consumption and cost of any electrical equipment, but how on earth can you measure the greenness of the 2 methods against each other?
Is it better to have less chemicals, but add to greenhouse emmissions?

Answers on a post card please... :D

BTW I have yet to get my windows completely clean with the steamer, maybe I should go back to the vinegar. :)