Posts Tagged With ‘ Cleaning ’

Earth Day is a good reminder of what to do every day and throughout the year for the health of the planet. I spend a lot of time on it. I know many people do, too. The theme for this year’s Earth Day is Invest in Our Planet. What Americans are doing for planet health Three-quarters of Americans say that they’re particularly concerned with helping the environment as they go about their daily lives, while 24 percent say they aren’t particularly concerned, according to a Pew Research Center survey. However, only one-in-five say they try to live in ways that help the environment “all the... Continue Reading

As a researcher, I was surprised several years ago when I ran across a study on pets that are allowed to sleep in their owners’ beds. It found E.coli, a bacteria that can cause illness, on the pillows, sheets, and blankets. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends taking precautions to help reduce the risk of getting sick from germs pet can carry whether you’re playing with, feeding, or cleaning up after your pet. Wash your hands with running water and soap. In addition, make sure your pet gets regular veterinary care. Provide your pet with a good diet, fresh water, clean... Continue Reading

Since I avoid the use of harsh, toxic chemicals in cleaning, I often use vinegar in cleaning. However, Consumer Reports says it shouldn’t be used in nine cases: Clothes irons. Vinegar could damage the inside of the iron. Countertops: Vinegar is an acid, and it can etch and dull natural stone such as marble and limestone. For granite, it can break down sealers. Dishwashers: Vinegar can eat away at the rubber parts of dishwashers. Electronic screens: Vinegar can damage the anti-glare properties on screens and make touchscreens less responsive. Flooring: Diluted vinegar can dissolve the... Continue Reading

I’m approaching the 200th issue of my newsletter Helpful Money Tips for You. This week’s newsletter tips are especially valuable, so I’m posting a copy of the newsletter below. You can sign up for my newsletter at https://tinyurl.com/makeyourmoneywork. It’s free, so get it now and tell your friends about it, too. Readers say they love the tips, and my newsletter has won a few of journalism prizes, too. Rita R. Robison Newsletter 1. Look for deals in March on outdoor furniture and grills, winter clothing, activewear, running shoes, winter sports equipment, select airfare deals, and more. 2.... Continue Reading

The recall of about 8 million The Laundress laundry and household cleaning products is the largest recall announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission last week. Testing has identified bacteria in some of the recalled products, including those produced between January 2021 and September 2022. The recalled products can contain bacteria, including Burkholderia cepacia complex, Klebsiella aerogenes, and different species of Pseudomonas; many are environmental organisms found widely in soil and water, and some may also be found in humans. People with weakened immune systems, external... Continue Reading

Big product recalls from last week included an exploding aerosol air freshener for linens, an exercise bicycle with loose pedals, canvas shoes with toxic chemicals, and a garment cleaner that can cause burns. I’m sharing details about the largest one, the garment steamer that has burned 32 people, two of which were second-degree burns. Empower Brands has received 241 reports of hot water spouting from the Black+Decker Model HGS011 Easy Garment Steamer. About 518,500 are being recalled. The steamers have date codes 102ZJ through 210ZJ on the plug blades, and they were sold in a variety of colors.... Continue Reading