There are so many innovative household products available today, that homeowners could purchase a never-ending supply. Each day, new and exciting technology, gadgets, and other implements are invented and marketed to homeowners. Probably the most popular are those intended to make life easier in some way.
I have a dust pan that lies flat on the floor and features a long handle, so you don’t have to bend over to collect debris after sweeping. What a great idea! It’s convenient and affordable, and a perfect example of a household product that sells because its simple.
However, not all products are as simple. Some are very complex, even though they are equally as helpful. The problem with the more complex options is that they sometimes still have a few “bugs” after being released to the public. These bugs run the range from tiny imperfections or other easily resolved problems to major difficulties including safety hazards.
Bigger issues, especially hazards, often lead to recalls or outright bans of various products. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission hosts a list called “Recalls Related to Household Products” on its website. Recalls and bans are listed with the most recent at the top of the page.
I was surprised to see the number of candles listed for recall. You might also be surprised to see many of your favorite brands and products included in the list. While recalls are supposed to be well advertised and consumers are supposed to be notified in the case of dangerous products, this information does not always reach consumers.
If you purchase a product with cash and it is not registered, the manufacturer has no way to contact you. If you don’t visit the manufacturer’s website, read consumer magazines and reviews, you may not see any of the warnings. Since these and many other situations may leave us without knowledge of recalls, it is a good idea to check the Consumer Product Safety Commission site from time to time.
Quote from the site:
“The CPSC’s work… contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.”
Check it out: US Consumer Product Safety Commission
Other Cautions:
Home Generators—What You Should Know Before Buying One
Household Product Alert–Dryer Sheets