Water systems in Kansas, Texas and Pennsylvania have already been hit by hackers in China, Russia and Iran. Plus, clothes that block 5G waves, AI coming to Alexa, and Walmart’s new digital pricing. We also chat with Joseph Cox about his book “Dark Wire,” which is about Anom, the FBI’s secret app used by criminals.
How to clean clothes, gloves and coronavirus masks (Hint: Avoid the microwave)
One thing has become evident during the COVID-19 pandemic: People are desperately searching for information. Whether it’s about symptoms, where to buy essentials or how to protect oneself from contracting the virus, knowledge is in high demand.
Unfortunately, because this is an unprecedented situation, a lot of the information spreading online is untested, evolving or just plain wrong. What is accepted as fact one day is disregarded as baloney the next. Tap or click for some wacky 5G coronavirus conspiracy theories spreading across the web.
One thing with many versions of the truth is how to disinfect packages, groceries and clothing. Here’s how we recommend you sanitize all your packages and deliveries, and now we’ll dive into proper disinfecting for clothing, gloves and masks. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s the difference between cleaning and disinfecting?
First, let’s get on the same page. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines cleaning as “the removal of germs, dirt and impurities from surfaces.” Cleaning doesn’t, by this definition, kill germs — but by removing them, it lowers the number of germs and the risk of spreading infection.
VIDEO: Tap or click to discover three proven coronavirus prevention tips.
Disinfecting “refers to using chemicals, for example, EPA-registered disinfectants, to kill germs on surfaces.” Killing germs on a surface after cleaning can lower the risk of spreading infection even more.
When it comes to your belongings and coronavirus germs, we’re aiming for a combination of thorough cleaning and disinfecting. How does that work when it comes to fabrics?
The proper way to clean and disinfect clothes
Turn to social media or do a quick search and you might think a microwave is the ideal way to disinfect items like a face mask. Not so fast.
The truth is, certain materials can catch fire in microwaves — causing the end of your microwave or even your kitchen. This is especially true if you use a fabric mask supported with pieces of metal. Metal and microwaves don’t mix.
To prevent you from burning down the house, we turned to the experts. We found washing and drying fabric items, including reusable (washable) gloves and masks, is sufficient for removing viruses.
💦 I’ll tumble for you: Forgetting about clothes in the washer is the worst. GE’s new Profile Ultrafast washes and dries. It’s super energy-efficient, saves space and can finish a load in two hours. Hey, look! It’s on sale on Amazon. I have a similar machine on my boat, and I’m lucky if I can get three towels in it.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
‘90s party at Polly’s: New to Airbnb, a life-sized Polly Pocket house in Massachusetts to celebrate her 35th birthday. You can try on clothes, make bracelets, and glam up with press-on nails and butterfly hair clips. The catch? Just like Polly’s house, there’s no roof, shower or blankets. You’ll be roughing it on a pullout couch.
American tourists are big targets abroad: You can thank Hollywood stereotypes that paint us all as wealthy. In some countries, you could be robbed, drugged or worse. If you’re traveling, keep your voice down (everyone knows an American accent), ditch USA-branded clothes and if something feels off, get outta there.
📸 Sayonara, snoops: A Japanese sportswear brand just launched infrared-blocking fabric to protect athletes from creepy photographers looking to take naked pics. Clothes already block visible light, but this new material stops thermal cameras from capturing heat signatures. Neat, right?
Your cheap clothes could cause cancer
Bought anything from fast fashion company Shein? You might be putting your health at risk.
Cheap clothes online could make you sick
Major fashion retailer Shein was caught selling millions of clothes containing toxic chemicals, some of which are linked to cancer. Plus, an Amazon driver ignores a house fire, Samsung washing machine drama, and police drones are here.
Play to pay: At 22, Kyasia Watson is raking in over $100,000 a year from Roblox. Nope, she’s not streaming; she’s a digital fashion designer who collabs with big brands to craft in-game items, clothes and accessories for player avatars. Roblox has 77 million daily active users, btw. Cha‑ching!
👕 Toxic threads: Millions of clothing items from cheap Chinese retailer Shein are packed with toxic chemicals linked to cancer, autism and infertility. They’re sold on Amazon under different names, too, with some containing over 400 times the safe levels. Check your clothes: Drop a bead of water on the fabric. If it stays beaded up, rolls around and leaves no residue, you have a problem. Return or trash it.