America takes on spring cleaning

Nearly 77 percent of Americans will undertake some type of spring cleaning this year, according to a recent survey by the Soap and Detergent Association (SDA), a cleaning-products trade group. Men and women tackle these seasonal chores, though more women (86 percent) than men (68 percent) tidy up behind furniture, wash windows, clean appliances and floors, and tend to bedclothes/linens.

Not surprisingly, many survey respondents admit to not liking the task, which is nowhere near as fun as that other rite of spring: the start of a new baseball season. Indeed, nearly a third of respondents would pay $100 to hire someone to do their cleaning for them.

I’d have thought that more people would give up household cleaning, but it seems that Americans do like this chore: Only 8 percent of respondents to the SDA’s 2004 spring-cleaning survey described house cleaning as a job they dislike, while 88 percent considered cleaning as important to keeping their families happy, healthy and safe; maintaining a presentable home; or providing a sense of satisfaction when finished.

The benefit to spring cleaning? More than 50 percent of respondents feel a thorough cleaning once a year cuts down on their cleanup work the rest of the time.

Seventy-five percent of those surveyed look for product effectiveness as key in the cleaners they buy (they also like multipurpose cleaners), and they also consider cost and convenience when shopping. They’re  increasingly seeking out green or organic cleaning products, like those recently introduced by Clorox and SC Johnson. See our blog on this industry trend.

Consumer Reports, of course, is here to help you get through these annual—and arduous—chores. Refer to our Spring Cleaning Guide for expert advice on keeping your home and your car looking their best. If you’re in the market for a new vacuum cleaner, read our latest report and watch the video buying guide at right. And for any heavier-duty tasks in the garage, basement, or workshop, learn about wet/dry vacuums.—Cyndi Schoenbrun, Senior Research Analyst

Black Friday sales for the home

Sales the day after Thanksgiving—Black Friday—can mean big savings on home items both big and small. Whether you’re talking tools, appliances, or home furnishings, deals are available at the major retail stores as the end-of-year holidays approach.

While Consumer Reports has not tested many of the products listed here, our free buying advice (listed with each section) can help you make wise shopping decisions. Also check out our all-star appliances and kitchen gear, and be a smart shopper when you’re looking for new kitchen and laundry appliances.

Check local store locations for product availability, and note that prices and models are subject to change. (Prices have been rounded up to the nearest dollar.)

For more information on Black Friday deals, visit Black Friday 2007.—Helen A.S. Popkin

• Blenders & Mixers
• Coffeemakers
• Cookware & Cutlery
• Dishwashers
• Food Processors
• Gas & Electric Grills
• Heating, Cooling & Air
• Mattresses & Mattress Toppers
• Microwaves
• Ranges, Cooktops & Ovens
• Refrigerators
• Sewing Machines
• Steam Irons
• Toasters & Toaster Ovens
• Tools & Power Equipment
• Vacuum Cleaners, Wet/Dry Vacs
• Washers & Dryers
• Wine Chillers

Buy the best appliances and kitchen gear

Shopping for appliances and kitchen gear shouldn’t be a race against the clock. You’re going to live with these products for years, so it’s important to choose models that blend performance, value, and brand reliability.

But if you can’t dedicate loads of time to researching your purchases, scout our all-star lineup of appliances and kitchen gear below. They’re the top performers from a year's worth of testing at Consumer Reports. Note that models within groups are listed in performance order, and prices for dishwashers, dryers, ranges, refrigerators, and washers are for models with a white finish.

Watch Bob Markovich, editor of the Consumer Reports Home & Yard franchise, present five top-performing appliances on NBC's Today Show, from November 19, 2007.)

(Click on each appliance name below to see models, then learn more about this gear using the links in the "essential information" section.)

• Cooktops & wall ovens
Essential information: Read our buying advice.

• Dishwashers
Essential information: Read our latest report and buying advice and find out which dishwasher detergents work best.

• Gas grills
Essential information: Read our latest report, prepare our easy, delicious grilling recipes, and watch a video buying guide.

• Microwave ovens
Essential information: Read our latest report and buying advice and take our microwave safety quiz.

• Ranges
Essential information: Read our latest report and buying advice.

• Refrigerators
Essential information: Read our latest report and buying advice and find out how much storage space refrigerators really offer.

• Vacuum cleaners
Essential information: Read our latest report and buying advice and watch a video buying guide.

• Washers & dryers
Essential information: Read our latest report on laundry appliances and buying advice for washers and dryers. Use our washing tips to keep you clothes looking their best, and learn how to avoid dryer fires.

• Wet/dry vacuums
Essential information: Read our latest report.