There's a saying that "you can't believe everything you read." Buyers should keep that in mind when they read product reviews online that haven't been verified.

More than ever --whether it's travel, computers or steam cleaners -- today's consumers are doing their homework before they buy, and a big part of that is reading what others have to say about the product.

Unfortunately, you can't always trust that reviews aren't fake. Have you heard the term "astroturfing"? The website RealSimple describes it this way:

"Increasingly, retailers and manufacturers ask their customers to write positive reviews of their products or services on various websites—sometimes offering a discount for doing so. Advertising and public-relations agencies have also gotten in on the act, masquerading online as delighted consumers. . .These reviews appear to be genuine but aren't."

How can you spot a fake review? RealSimple offers these tips:

-- "Examine the review's language. 'A real review is typically more moderate in its praise,' says John Falcone, an executive editor of Cnet.com, a technology-review site. Also, watch for a description of the user's experience: 'Authentic reviews provide specific information about how the item performed,' says Michelle Madhok, the founder of SheFinds.com, a shopping-advice website. Be wary of reviews with formal product names, model numbers, or tech or marketing jargon.

-- "Investigate the reviewer. Some sites, like Amazon.com, cross-reference user reviews with their buyer database and label those people as "verified purchasers" of the merchandise that they're reviewing. These are the most reliable reviewers. However, you should be skeptical of assessments from onetime critics."

In 2015, it was reported that Amazon filed a lawsuit against fake reviews, and that, while small in number, they "significantly undermine the trust that consumers and the vast majority of sellers and manufacturers place in Amazon."

Fake reviews are not an issue for Vapor Clean's products. Every customer review is verified by Yotpo, a leading e-commerce company. They confirm reviews are from actual customers, which are labeled "Verified Buyers."

When you do your research on different companies selling steam cleaners, look closely at their reviews, and know when you do business with Vapor Clean, you are reading real reviews from real buyers.