Consumer Report's top tested insect repellents 2021
However you spend your time outdoors—camping, hiking, or even just hanging out in your backyard—it’s important to protect yourself from ticks and mosquitoes. Bug-borne diseases are on the rise…
Safer lawn care for your family and the environment
Many people are rethinking how they care for their yard by cutting back on lawn chemicals and fertilizers. Consumer Reports has some easy strategies to improve the…
Is a lush lawn worth all those chemicals?
Are you trying to keep up with your neighbor’s immaculate green lawn? It turns out it’s probably better for your community and the environment if you don’t. Consumer…
Handy hand and stick vacs
Spring-cleaning can be time-consuming. But one easy way to stay on top of debris on your floors is with a small vacuum, like a stick or hand vac. Consumer Reports runs…
Why you really need renters insurance
If you own a home, chances are you have homeowner's insurance to protect you when disaster strikes. But what if you rent? Do you still need insurance? The answer is yes, and as Consumer Reports explains, recent disasters have shown…
Pothole survival guide
Potholes! We know them well. Not only are they jarring, they can also do some serious damage to your car as well as your wallet. Consumer Reports explains why those pothole repairs are…
Better battery-powered lawn tools
Outdoor power tools have come a long way from those old plug-in electric lawnmowers and trimmers. Many of today's battery-powered tools pack as much punch as their gasoline cousins, but with less…
Surprise ambulance bills cost big bucks
Surprise medical bills are nothing new, and Congress has finally taken some action to help. But as Consumer Reports explains, there's one notable exception that can still end up costing unsuspecting patients hundreds, even thousands of dollars. Last March, Consumer…
Mental Health Apps: How private are they?
The past year has been unlike any other, filled with stress, anxiety and sadness for millions of us. So perhaps it's not surprising that many people are downloading mental…
Alternative to (Not so) flushable wipes
Now that we’re past the pandemic-induced anxiety over toilet paper, there might be a lingering problem in your bathroom: flushable wipes. As the name suggests, they do indeed flush, but after they leave your toilet bowl, problems can sometimes arise.…
Is rotisserie chicken healthy?
What’s got an amazing aroma, costs around 5 bucks, and is bound to make your life easier? You may be thinking about a fancy cup of coffee, but we’re talking about an irresistible…
Hidden cost of an inexpensive printer
Many of us have created a home office or classroom over the past year. And if you’re in the market for a new printer to complete the setup, you might think that buying an inexpensive model will save you money.…
Is the pandemic hurting your credit score?
The CARES Act, passed by Congress last March, allowed many consumers to defer payments on credit cards and certain federally backed mortgages and student loans. But some banks and…
Perfect pillow care
When was the last time you gave your bedroom pillow a good look? Peak under the pillow case and chances are it looks a little dingy, smells a little funky, and just needs…
