Ranking Hot Tubs

By Chaz G. T. Patto

Saying decisively that a certain product is "the best" can really vary year by year as styles change and models get updated, become obsolete or are discontinued. But major companies also have reputations to consider.

Ranking the reputations of manufacturers is subjective and can vary based on individual preferences, specific categories, and customer experiences. The reputation of manufacturers can be influenced by factors such as quality, craftsmanship, design, durability, customer service, and value for money. While it is a difficult process to provide an all-encompassing ranking, here are several well-regarded manufacturers with a stellar reputation:

1. Jacuzzi: Jacuzzi is widely regarded as one of the most reputable hot tub manufacturers. They have a long history and are known for their innovation, high-quality craftsmanship, and advanced hydrotherapy features. Jacuzzi hot tubs often receive positive reviews for their performance, durability, and luxurious design.

2. Sundance Spas: Sundance Spas is a well-established brand known for its high-quality hot tubs. They offer a range of models with various sizes and features, including advanced hydrotherapy systems and energy-efficient designs. Sundance Spas hot tubs are appreciated for their durability, comfort, and reliability.

3. Hot Spring: Hot Spring is recognized for its reliable and well-built hot tubs. They offer a wide range of models with advanced features such as targeted jet systems, energy-efficient designs, and user-friendly controls. Hot Spring hot tubs often receive positive feedback for their performance, comfort, and long lifespan.

4. Bullfrog Spas: Bullfrog Spas is known for its innovative design and customizable jet systems. Their unique JetPak technology allows users to personalize their hot tub experience. Bullfrog Spas hot tubs are recognized for their quality construction, energy efficiency, and customizable features.

5. Caldera Spas: Caldera Spas offers a range of hot tubs known for their therapeutic benefits and comfort. They prioritize relaxation and wellness features, including targeted jets and ergonomic seating. Caldera Spas hot tubs often receive positive reviews for their performance, durability, and soothing experience.

6. Master Spas: Master Spas is a reputable brand known for its well-built hot tubs with various features and sizes. They offer a range of models, including swim spas, that are appreciated for their quality construction, powerful jet systems, and energy-efficient designs.

7. Viking Spas: Viking Spas is known for its affordable hot tub options without compromising on quality. They offer a variety of models with different features and sizes. Viking Spas hot tubs often receive positive feedback for their value for money, durability, and decent performance.

8. American Spas: American Spas offers a range of hot tubs known for their affordability and quality. They provide a variety of models with features such as hydrotherapy jets, LED lighting, and efficient heating systems. American Spas hot tubs are appreciated for their value, durability, and ease of use.

Dishwashers, Ranked

By Chaz G. T. Patto

Saying decisively that a certain product is "the best" can really vary year by year as styles change and models get updated, become obsolete or are discontinued. But major companies also have reputations to consider.

Ranking the reputations of manufacturers is subjective and can vary based on individual preferences, specific categories, and customer experiences. The reputation of manufacturers can be influenced by factors such as quality, craftsmanship, design, durability, customer service, and value for money. While it is a difficult process to provide an all-encompassing ranking, here are several well-regarded manufacturers with a stellar reputation:

1. Bosch: Bosch is widely regarded as one of the most reputable dishwasher manufacturers. They are known for their high-quality build, reliability, and advanced features such as quiet operation, efficient cleaning cycles, and flexible loading options. Bosch dishwashers often receive positive reviews for their performance, durability, and energy efficiency.

2. Miele: Miele is a premium brand that has a strong reputation for its high-end dishwashers. They are recognized for their exceptional build quality, superior cleaning performance, and long lifespan. Miele dishwashers often come with advanced features, such as specialized wash programs and cutlery trays.

3. KitchenAid: KitchenAid is known for its high-quality and stylish home appliances, including dishwashers. They offer a range of models with advanced features such as powerful cleaning, adjustable racks, and quiet operation. KitchenAid dishwashers are appreciated for their reliability, performance, and aesthetic appeal.

4. Samsung: Samsung is a well-known brand that offers a variety of dishwashers to suit different needs and budgets. They are recognized for their innovative features, sleek designs, and solid cleaning performance. Samsung dishwashers often receive positive feedback for their ease of use and energy efficiency.

5. Whirlpool: Whirlpool is a reputable brand in the home appliance market, and their dishwashers are known for their reliable performance and durability. They offer a range of models with various features, including flexible loading options, efficient cleaning cycles, and energy-saving modes. Whirlpool dishwashers are appreciated for their value for money and solid performance.

6. LG: LG is known for its innovative and feature-rich dishwashers. They offer a range of models with advanced technologies such as steam cleaning, adjustable racks, and smart capabilities. LG dishwashers are often praised for their efficiency, quiet operation, and sleek designs.

7. GE: GE offers a variety of dishwasher models with different features and price points. They are known for their reliable performance, solid construction, and user-friendly interfaces. GE dishwashers are appreciated for their ease of use, effective cleaning, and value for money.

8. Kenmore: Kenmore is a brand primarily sold through Sears, offering dishwashers at various price points. Kenmore dishwashers are known for their affordability, decent performance, and reliability. They often provide a good balance between price and features.

Ranking Washing Machines

By Chaz G. T. Patto

Saying decisively that a certain product is "the best" can really vary year by year as styles change and models get updated, become obsolete or are discontinued. But major companies also have reputations to consider.

Ranking the reputations of manufacturers is subjective and can vary based on individual preferences, specific categories, and customer experiences. The reputation of manufacturers can be influenced by factors such as quality, craftsmanship, design, durability, customer service, and value for money. While it is a difficult process to provide an all-encompassing ranking, here are several well-regarded manufacturers with a stellar reputation:

1. LG: LG has gained a strong reputation in the washing machine market for offering reliable and innovative products. They are known for their high-quality build, energy efficiency, and advanced features such as steam cleaning and smartphone connectivity. LG washing machines often receive positive reviews for their performance and durability.

2. Samsung: Samsung is another reputable brand known for its washing machines. They offer a wide range of models with advanced features, including large capacities, smart capabilities, and efficient washing cycles. Samsung washing machines are appreciated for their reliability, sleek design, and user-friendly interfaces.

3. Whirlpool: Whirlpool has a long-standing presence in the home appliance market and is well-regarded for its washing machines. They offer a diverse range of models to suit different budgets and needs. Whirlpool washing machines are often praised for their durability, ease of use, and effective cleaning performance.

4. Bosch: Bosch is recognized for its high-quality and innovative washing machines. They are known for their efficiency, quiet operation, and advanced technologies such as EcoSilence Drive and VarioPerfect. Bosch washing machines are appreciated for their build quality, reliability, and extensive range of wash programs.

5. Maytag: Maytag is a reputable brand known for its durable and reliable washing machines. They offer a range of models with various features and capacities. Maytag washing machines are often praised for their sturdiness, effective cleaning performance, and longevity.

6. Electrolux: Electrolux is a well-established brand in the appliance industry, including washing machines. They offer a variety of models with features like large capacities, energy efficiency, and innovative technologies. Electrolux washing machines are generally known for their solid performance, durability, and sleek designs.

7. Kenmore: Kenmore is a brand primarily sold through Sears, known for offering a wide range of washing machines at different price points. Kenmore washing machines are appreciated for their affordability, reliability, and decent performance.

8. Amana: Amana is known for its affordable washing machines that deliver reliable performance. While they may not offer as many advanced features as some other brands, Amana washing machines are recognized for their simplicity, durability, and good value for money.

 

Where to buy Leather Conditioner in Toronto?

Leather Conditioner is used for all sorts of leather products, from old boots, purses, baseball gloves, clothing, leather furniture, and a wide assortment of leather goods. As leather gets old it starts to crack from loss of moisture and the conditioner helps to reinvigorate the leather, trap moisture inside, and helps keep your old leather products from falling apart, cracking, etc.

At present we are not going to pass judgement on which leather conditioner is "best", although we would certainly be willing to try samples if various manufacturers wanted to ask us for a review.

BUT WHERE DO YOU BUY IT?

Unfortunately not a lot of stores actually sell Leather Conditioner. Here is a list of places I found which sell it:

#1. Northbound Leather on Yonge Street / 7 St Nicholas Street.

A 500 mL bottle is $26.

#2. Bootmaster at 609 Yonge Street.

An approx. 500 mL bottle is $19.95

#3. Tandy Leather, two locations: 5562 Tomken Rd, Mississauga; or 158 Anderson Avenue Unit 12, Markham

A 16 ounce spray bottle (Dr. Jackson's Leather Conditioner Pump 16 oz.) is $14.99

Note that this is not a complete list of stores in Toronto which sell leather conditioner. If you know of other stores which sell leather conditioner please post in the comments below, along with the size of the bottle lists in mL or ounces and the price at that store.

So if you are looking for the best price and the most convenience, traveling to Tandy Leather might be an option if you happen to be in Markham or Mississauga. But if you want convenience and are in downtown Toronto, then Bootmaster has the better price. Northbound Leather is clearly gouging on price (although they did have the best service of all three stores).

If you do manage to stop at Tandy Leather, we always recommend browsing their store and checking out their broad range of leather and fur products. Also for people who are into homemade leatherworking, there is no better place to buy everything they need.

Scrubbing Bubbles Vs Scrub Free

Today I decided to do a test of two different products sitting in the closet next to the bathroom.

#1. Scrubbing Bubbles

#2. Scrub Free

Both claim to be able to scrub your bathtub with very little work involved. So I decided to do a double test, side by side. I sprayed half the bathtub with Scrubbing Bubbles and other half with Scrub Free.

I then walked away to play with our cat - see Victoria has Claws - and then came back.

When I returned the Scrubbing Bubbles side of the bathtub was noticeably cleaner. The Scrub Free half looked like nothing had even happened.

To finish the job I sprayed the Scrub Free half of the bathtub with Scrubbing Bubbles. Because apparently Scrub Free isn't living up to its name.

Which is weird because I remember using Scrub Free a lot when I was younger and seemed to always do the job, but now it doesn't seem to work that well. Could it be that Scrub Free has changed their formula to cheaper chemicals and now it does a shoddy job compared to what it used to do?

Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Cleaner

Noticed the bathtub tiles were dirty so tried out Scrubbing Bubbles all purpose cleaner - which is really meant for bathrooms, but I guess you could use it for other things.

When it comes to bathroom cleaners I just want the chemicals to do 99% of the WORK and the user should have to put in very little effort. Basically it should be so easy a lazy 5 year old could do it. Spray it on, let it sit for a few moments,  give it a light scrub if necessary and it is done. Ideally actually "scrubbing" the surface should be optional.

And in this case it was. When I scrubbed it I could not tell if the "Scrubbing Bubbles" had already done its job and it felt like I was scrubbing for the sake of scrubbing. So huzah. A product that fulfills what I wanted it to do.

Update - See my new post on this topic at Scrubbing Bubbles Vs Scrub Free.

Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover

Purchased "Tide To Go" Instant Stain Remover today.

Why? Spilled ice cream on my new shorts from the Hudson Bay. Brand new shorts. Seemed like such a huge waste to already have a stain on them.

So I figured I would try the stain remover product to see how quickly and easily it removes stains.

So far so good. The shorts are currently drying after being treated with Tide To Go. The stains appear to be gone, but we shall see and confirm after the liquid cleaning solution dries.

Danby Countertop Dishwasher

Note to self, buy a Danby Countertop Dishwasher from Home Depot.

http://www.homedepot.ca/product/counter-top-dishwasher-ddw611wled/984958

Why?

Reviews rate it as 4.2 stars out of 5, it fits my kitchen countertop perfectly, and it only uses 12 litres of water during a regular wash cycle. And it comes with a 1 year warranty.

I have a Danby freezer already (9 years and counting...) and am very happy with the build quality of the freezer. So I am going to guess based on experience that the dishwasher is equally as good.

If you are like me and hate washing dishes, having a countertop dishwasher is more convenient and doesn't require much effort to install.

Home Depot price is $248 CDN. (Walmart sells the same model, but the price is $278 because they like gouging Canadians...)

Last Defense Utensil Wipes - Good or overly paranoid?

Okay so the makers of Last Defense Utensil Wipes emailed me last week asking if they could send me samples of their product. Which they did.

What it is - in case you did not read the image up above - is disinfectant wipes meant to be used on utensils, glasses, tea cups, etc., basically for anyone who is super paranoid about germs.

Now I do see a real world application for this, namely people with low immune systems like people suffering from HIV / AIDS (who have no immune system at all because the HIV virus killed it).

However for the vast majority of people, worrying about germs is largely just that: Worry and paranoia.

The truth is the vast majority of germs is not going to be spread via utensils and cups at restaurants. It is going to be spread by touching door handles and door knobs, or even just coughed into the air and be attached to water molecules, in which case you will just breathe in the germs...

So unless you are planning to start wearing a face mask over your mouth and nose all the time when outdoors, chances are likely you are going to be exposing yourself to germs.

In which case there are now designer germ masks in a variety of different colours and patterns to choose from.

Back to the Last Defense Utensil Wipes I should probably say that they do work and disinfect whatever it is you are cleaning with them.

Probably. I don't have a microscope that can see germs, so I am only guessing. I cannot tell you whether they work or not at cleaning germs away.

But it probably does do what it says.

In which case you have to ask yourself, how paranoid art thou?

Well if you are the type of person who worries about the cleanliness of restaurants then maybe you should not be eating in public in the first place. Just stay at home, never leave home and eat only things you grow in your private greenhouse.

Conclusions...

The product probably does work, but it is one of those niche products that really only appeal to people who are paranoid about eating in public places where germs are in the very air you are breathing anyway.

So if you get sick, don't blame the Last Defense Utensil Wipes because it is not their fault. They are probably doing their job. You breathed in the germs from the air anyway because that is the nature of the world we live in.

Battling Mold on your Window Sills

Canadians might be seeing a lot more mold growing on their window sills and walls near their windows this winter due to excessive cold we have experienced this winter. The reason is because the colder temperatures on the glass windows causes condensation on windows, the water collects on surfaces near the window and then the mold grows wherever there is moisture.

The good news is that is just superficial and looks disgusting. Black mold, the kind that can damage your lungs, won't grow on such surfaces because there isn't enough food supply for it to eat. Common green mold just needs moisture and a little bit of dirt to grow - but isn't dangerous to be breathing in.

Mold commonly grows more often in bathrooms and kitchens more often because of the extra heat and moisture in these rooms. Some people who have very warm bedrooms will also experience more mold around their windows and on window sills.

So how do you Clean Mold on Window Sills and Walls?

Honestly, good old fashioned soapy water is good for cleaning off the mold, but the stuff I recommend is Pledge and / or Pine-Sol. That way it isn't just clean, but smells nice too.

Afterwards dry all the surfaces with a towel - and I recommend following up with a paper towel to be doubly sure it is dry.

In the future make an effort of cleaning the area of any condensation if you notice condensation building up, that way the mold won't have a chance to grow in the first place.

Mouthwashes - Alcohol Vs Alcohol Free

I have posted on mouthwashes before, but this time I was trying out the alcohol free version of Crest mouthwash.

I even compared it with Scopes' cool peppermint, and I must say I prefer the alcohol free mouthwash from Crest. It was waaaaay better tasting and I could feel a definite difference in terms of how clean my mouth was afterwards. Longer laster flavour too.

Tried both of them for over a month, got way better satisfaction from Crest.

Air Purifiers

I purchased an air purifier today from Canadian Tire.

The reason?

Lately my allergies have been bothering me more - possibly due to the fact that I was recently doing some woodworking and the sawdust is still in the air.

So instead of taking allergy pills constantly I have decided to buy an air purifier and see if that provides a permanent solution to my dust allergy problems.

The air purifier I purchased was a Honeywell HEPA Clean Air Purifier with Ionizer.

I took it home, removed all the plastic wrap - including the plastic wrap around the air filter, installed the air filter and then plugged it in and turned it on.

And voila!

Its a fan.

A $69.99 + tax fan.

Okay, technically it is a fan that cleans the air. I am not being fair by calling it just a fan. It does come with a lot of features.

#1. Three stages of air purification - Pre-Filter, for large air pollutants, which is hand washable; HEPA filter, which filters 99% of air pollutants; air ionizer... which presumably runs an electric current through the air and filters out even more air pollutants somehow.

#2. A Night Light - No seriously, a night light you can turn on and off. I guess it is so if the air purifier is on the floor you don't kick it.

#3. Different settings for the fan - I stuck mine on MAX. Why would anyone stick it on medium or low...?

#4. The HEPA filter is permanent and never needs to be replaced. It does however need to be vacuumed once in awhile. They are pretty clear also that you should never get the HEPA filter wet (because then it will turn into gremlins and run amok). No seriously, it will just ruin it if you get the HEPA filter wet.

#5. Reminder light to let you know when it is time to vacuum your HEPA filter. I am guessing it is on a timer because in the booklet that came with my air purifier they recommend cleaning it once per month.

And that is it.

So I shall run it non-stop for a week or two and see how much cleaner my air is. Honestly it has only been running 30 - 40 minutes already and already my air feels cleaner. But I want to wait a week or two before passing judgment on how well it is working.

I wonder if it also sucks out moisture from the air? Acting a bit like a dehumidifier? If so that would be awesome because I need a dehumidifier during the summer months. If it filters out contaminates in the air then in theory it should also filter out moisture which is stuck to contaminates.

Mouthwashes Review - Scope Vs DualBlast Vs Listerine

When it comes to cleaning your teeth toothpaste is very important.

But I would argue that rinsing your mouth out afterwards with a good quality mouthwash is every bit equally as important to kill all the germs in your mouth.

Or at least 99.9% of them.

Scope is the brand I've been using for years. It is the brand my parents use, continue to use and the brand I am most accustomed to.

However a number of years ago Scope came out with several new flavours including Citrus and Cinnamon. I didn't really like the cinnamon, but the Citrus flavour was so good I completely switched over to that and ditched my old Scope.

But then they took the Citrus version off the market a few years ago.

Arg!

So now I am back to the old mint flavour, which sucks in comparison.

As a result I am now in a constant search for a new mouthwash that tastes as good as the citrus version.

I've tried various bottles of Listerine. They ALL taste horrible and ingredients wise its the same stuff (alcohol) which is cleaning your teeth and killing the germs. I'd rather swish my mouth with vodka than use Listerine.

The old mint Scope is boring... But I still buy it regularly.

Today I tried DualBlast Scope - the Icy Mint flavour. Meh. It is okay but nothing special.

Hey Scope executives, if you bother to read this, bring back the Citrus scope!!!

Scrub Free??? Pfff!!!

Ever tried Scrub Free on your bathtub, sink, toilet or shower?

Chances are likely you still had to scrub the bathtub, sink, toilet or shower afterwards.

In order for Scrub Free to do what it claims in the TV commercials you have to spray a LOT of it on the surfaces you are trying to clean. And then wait 3 minutes to see if it worked or not.

And sometimes you may need to go back and spray it twice, and even then have to scrub the specific surface you are trying to get clean.

That being said it is still better than some older products on the market because this product does still reduce the amount of time spent scrubbing.

See my new post on this topic at Scrubbing Bubbles Vs Scrub Free.

However there are also lots of similar products now on the shelves too, including:

Scrubbing Bubbles
Clorox Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner

As to which of the three products is BEST, I haven't had a chance yet to try out the other two. But seeing as my current bottle of Scrub Free is almost empty I shall try to remember to buy 1 of the others and test it out.

Leather Moisturizers

A good leather moisturizer can help restore the beauty to dry, stiff leather products. It basically works the same as a skin moisturizer, and indeed, you can even use skin moisturizers to treat your leather products if you don't have any leather moisturizers handy.

Most leather products, if they have not somehow been chemically sealed during the manufacturing process, tend to become dry and brittle as they age and a way to fix that dryness is to apply a moisturizer. A moisturizer applied to the leather will slow down and prevent the leather from cracking or splitting - you will need to do this on a regular basis to prevent dryness, especially if your leather products are stored in a warm, dry place.

When leather is cleaned you should also use a moisturizer to protect the leather after the cleaning is done to protect it from water damage. Cleaning leather with just water and then leaving it to dry is a sure way of robbing your leather of its moisture and causing it to dry out and harden. (I had a baseball glove that that happened to when I was a kid because I left it out in the rain.)

Now you might wonder why did I bring up this subject?

Well truth be told I am currently restoring an old pair of hockey skates. I didn't have any leather moisturizers handy, so instead I used Aveeno Creamy Moisturizing Oil.

And it worked wonderfully! I am very pleased with the results (and it gave the old skates a nice pleasant smell too, which was good because it was in a basement for 20+ years).

Types of Moisturizers

Lotions and creams are offered by many different manufacturers of leather goods specifically for the products they make - mostly because selling moisturizers is very profitable because the chemicals themselves are very cheap.

Neat's Foot Oil and Saddle Soap are two such products. The soap is for cleaning leather and then the oil is a traditional way to keep leather soft and supple. After cleaning with the soap, the oil is applied and rubbed into the leather with a soft cloth. Many soaps also contain lanolin, which also acts as a moisturizer - but its not the only kind of moisturizer out there, there are many oils that make a good leather moisturizer.

How Do Moisturizers Work

Moisturizers work in exactly the same way oils or lotions work on dry or chapped skin. They fill in the pores of the leather with needed fluids to bring the leather back to a soft, pliable state. When the leather is cleaned, the soap or solution used can strip the moisture from the leather. This can cause the leather to dry and form cracks or become stiff with time. Like skin, age can cause moisture loss in leather, giving the hide a brittle, dull look. In this case, the moisturizer serves to restore the leather to its previous beauty.

For best results apply the moisturizer every team you use the item so it eventually becomes "as good as new". There may still be permanent cracks in it, but the rest of the item should be fine.

Applying the Moisturizer

Either apply a small amount of the moisturizer directly on the product and rub it around with a soft, clean cloth or saturate the cloth with the moisturizer and then rub it into the leather. When the leather has absorbed the oil, lotion or cream, the excess is then wiped away with a second clean, dry cloth. If the leather is extremely dry, it is often recommended that the moisturizer be allowed to stay on the hide overnight in order to absorb deeply into the leather.

Moisturize Regularly

Leather goods should be moisturized any time they are cleaned or otherwise show signs of dryness, but a routine cleaning and fresh moisturizer works best. By catching the problem early, a moisturizer will prevent the leather from cracking or dulling in appearance. Leather moisturizers can be found at most shoe or leather goods stores and are applied by the consumer. Most dry cleaners also offer leather moisturizing services for their customers.

If you can't get a leather moisturizer then skin moisturizers work equally well. Skin moisturizer will be more expensive because of the types of oils and lotions inside them, but I would argue they actually work better.

Things to Consider

Not all leather needs to be moisturized. For example suede doesn't need to be moisturized.

The consumer should ask the sales clerk if the manufacturer of the product recommends the use of a moisturizer, and for recommendations on how the product should be cleaned - and of course they will probably say yes because they want you to buy more things.

In general leather products such as shoes, boots, coats and purses, the consumer should be considered water and stain repellent - and if they aren't then you should be applying things to them to protect them. Stain repellent will help prevent staining of the leather, making cleaning and moisturizing less frequent.