Most routine household chores require cleaning but not disinfecting. Old-fashioned soap and water will do the trick. If you like the convenience of wipes, there are plenty that clean but don’t disinfect.
CR says is to save money by skipping the fabric softener. It can leave a layer of residue on your fabrics, irritate sensitive skin, and reduce the absorption of your towels.
CR says coolers can also work for last-minute storage. Depending on the temperature, they can be used for perishable foods or beverages, freeing up space in the refrigerator.
Consumer Reports recommends pouring seasonings into a separate dish beforehand and discarding what you don’t use to play it safe. You might also want to wipe down the containers after use.
Halloween is one of the deadliest days of the year for pedestrians, especially children. The risk of a pedestrian fatality is 43-percent higher on Halloween.
Even if you don’t live near an active fire, there’s a good chance you can see and feel the effects of smoke and dust pollution both outside and inside your home.
CR also suggests getting rid of any online accounts you no longer use since having too many digital accounts increases the risk of your data being misused or stolen.
Install an alarm on each floor, test at least once a month, and replace it after 10 years. Consumer Reports’ exclusive Smoke Detectors ratings are free, so no membership is required.
Kids smartwatches offer a lot of the same communication benefits as a smartphone, like calling and texting, but with more security, privacy and control by the parents.
Your spare tire expires just like your other four tires. You heard right. Spare tires expire. The last two digits of the DOT number on the sidewall of the donut tire indicate the year the tire was manufactured. If it’s older than ten years, replace it.
Experts recommend choosing cinnamon with the lowest lead levels in CR’s tests, sticking with mainstream brands, and limiting overall lead exposure from all sources.
It’s common for kids to experience a spike in sicknesses after starting day care. Discuss this new transition with your pediatrician and stay vigilant about hand-washing and vaccinations.
As Consumer Reports explains, the pressure is now on Amazon to better notify shoppers of potentially defective, dangerous, and recalled products sold on its website.
Both auto insurance and credit cards can have significant limitations regarding rental cars, including what kinds of vehicles they cover, for how long, and in what countries.
A new investigation by Consumer Reports and Made Safe finds some surprising and potentially harmful chemicals lurking in some of the more popular floss brands.
As artificial intelligence chatbots like ChatGPT rapidly move from novelties to everyday tools, can we trust them not to spit out misleading information—or, even worse, information that’s downright dangerous?
A Consumer Reports survey found the average rental car cost was about $86 per day. That adds up to roughly $600 a week. National was the only car rental agency rated highest for overall satisfaction and the cheapest, at $73 a day on average.
To help you strike a balance between cost and safety Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety identified more than 50 used cars under $20,000 with top safety and reliability ratings.
