Before cleaning a remote control, remove the batteries. Then turn the device upside down so that the buttons are facing downward and shake it or tap it against your palm to dislodge any debris that might have fallen between the keys. If you have a compressed air canister, give the remote a blast to shake…
Most people aren’t using physical media anymore, which is why I spent the majority of my time testing the HW-Q990F with streaming media. I find that Apple TV has the best audio quality of any of the major streaming services, which tracks with my experience testing this bar: Atmos-mixed shows like sci-fi hit Foundation come…
At Ulta Beauty, you can stock up on skincare, makeup, and haircare, then head to the salon to get your brows shaped, your hair styled, and your ears pierced, all in a single visit. You’ll find brands like Dior, Estée Lauder, and Gucci alongside more affordable favorites and drugstore staples. Many locations house a Benefit…
If you’re the kind of person who gets nervous or squeamish at the doctor’s office, you might find that collecting your own samples doesn’t freak you out as much as someone in a white coat doing it. Depending on where you live and your transportation situation, at-home STD tests might be more accessible than visiting…
Contrary to popular belief, a supersoft mattress isn’t always a natural fit for side sleepers. In fact, the average firmness of the models in this roundup is around 4, on a scale of 1 to 10. Support and pressure relief aside, side sleepers should also look for the qualities that everyone wants in a mattress,…
Other than transitioning from one stage to the next, there are some situations that call for fully replacing your child’s car seat: Your child’s car seat has expired. Many parents don’t realize that child car seats carry expiration dates. This is particularly important when you have several children and use the same car seat for…
Don’t judge the pressure by eyeballing a tire. Modern tires bulge slightly, making them look a little underinflated, even when they’re not. This effect can be exaggerated on a soft surface, such as a dirt road or gravel driveway. At least once a month, use a tire gauge to check the pressure in all four…
Allen St. John Allen St. John has been a senior product editor at CR since 2016, focusing on digital privacy, audio devices, printers, and home products. He was a senior editor at Condé Nast and a contributing editor at publications including Road & Track and The Village Voice. A New York Times bestselling author, he’s…
Don’t try to remove the ice dam yourself. Few outdoor home repairs are as dangerous as working on a ladder resting against an icy gutter. The solution is to call a professional roofing contractor. They can remove excess snow from the roof and melt the ice that’s causing the backup. Climbing onto a slick and…
The portable models in our generator ratings run on gasoline, burning through 12 to 20 gallons per day, depending on the unit’s output and the load being powered. That means you’ll have to store a significant quantity of gasoline, start the generator manually, and refill it (when it’s off, to minimize fire danger) after running…