• A vacuum cleaner should be economical, effective and quiet - all the parameters that may facilitate your choice can be found on the energy label.
• Read the information on the packaging of detergents, keep them away from children.
• Before Easter, we also advise how to buy heat-resistant dishes.

The last week before Easter is the time of Easter shopping, general cleaning and baking. What should we pay attention to in the store? What products should we choose, and which ones should we avoid? Our mini-guide will make your Easter preparations easier. It includes the results of the last Trade Inspection Authority checks carried out at the request of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection.

Vacuum cleaners

Has your vacuum cleaner broken down just before Easter and you have to buy a new one? In the store pay attention to the energy label, which must be in a visible place. It includes important information, presented in a clear manner, that facilitate the comparison of different models.

The most important is the so-called energy efficiency class on the scale from the highest - A +++ to the lowest - D. The higher the energy class, the lower the energy consumption, and thus lower electricity bills.

Thanks to the label you can also compare, among other things, the average annual energy consumption (it should be less than 43 kWh/year), the sound power level (the more decibels, the louder the vacuum cleaner, maximum 80 dB) and the effectiveness of vacuuming carpets and floors - on a scale from A (highest) to G (lowest ).

In the third quarter of 2017, the Trade Inspection Authority checked 60 vacuum cleaners and contested 8 models (4.8 percent), e.g. due to the lack of the energy label or product card.

Detergents

Before cleaning, it is worthwhile to purchase effective cleaning agents. Here is some advice what to look for when you go shopping.

Dishwashing, washing and cleaning liquids. Look for information on the content of anion-active compounds on the label. The higher the amount, the higher the effectiveness of the liquid - it cleans and removes fat more accurately. Low content of these compounds is below 5%, high - from 15 to 30%. Please keep in mind that the manufacturer’s declarations about a “super concentrate” or “highly concentrated agent” not always translate into higher cleaning efficiency, if the concentration of anion-active compound in the product is not very high. That's why you should always read the labels - you'll find the quantitative composition of the liquid and dosing recommendations there. Also pay attention to substances from fragrances that may cause allergies.

Washing powders. Choose them depending on the type and colour of the fabric - thanks to this you will not destroy clothes, bedding or curtains. Powders for coloured clothing contain compounds that protect colours and prevent dyeing. Powders for white clothing contain bleachers and optical brighteners. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the washing temperature and dosing. Some of the powders contain enzymes that work at lower temperatures and bleaching agents with a bactericidal effect. However, in the case of compact powders (a type of concentrate), a dose smaller than the standard one is enough. On the packaging you will find the composition of the product, and below is a short guide:

• carbonates reduce water hardness, increase washing efficiency
• silicates protect against corrosion in washing machines,
• zeolites facilitate wetting of washed clothes,
• phosphonates improve the quality of washing,
• oxygen bleaching agents remove stains from white fabrics at a temperature of about 80 degrees Celsius,
• TAED - bleach activator, causes the powder to be active already at 40-50°C,
• anionic surfactants help to remove stains caused by fat,
• nonionic surfactants remove greases,
• enzymes help to remove stains of organic origin, some protect the colours.

In the third quarter of 2017, the Trade Inspection Authority audited 209 batches of detergents, including washing powders, dishwashing liquids, cleaning milks, bleaches. 33 were contested (15.8%). The marking, protection against children were checked, among other things. The latter is particularly important for washing machine and dishwasher capsules that have soluble packaging and there were cases of poisoning or eye damage. Inspectors found irregularities in 8 out of 20 checked lots of capsules, including: the lack of warnings and information in Polish.

Heat-resistant dishes

Heat-resistant dishes are useful for preparing Easter dishes. They are made of either tempered and lead-free glass or ceramics. They must be resistant to very high temperatures - even up to 300°C. Ceramic vessels are also resistant to very low temperatures. There are over 400 models of heat-resistant dishes on the market, which cost from about PLN 10 to even PLN 1,200 per piece. What should we pay attention to:

• check if the name of the standard is on the packaging: PN-EN 13834 + A1: 2009. In this way the entrepreneur declares that he checked whether the product is safe,
• make sure that the dish has no sharp edges or burrs that can cause cuts,
• look at the handles - can you hold them, for example, through a kitchen glove. All knobs and handles must be made of a material that is resistant to high temperatures and does not release toxins under such conditions,
• the dish should not have unnecessary corners, gouges and decorations that will make it difficult to clean,
• Look for the following information on the packaging or in the manual, among other things: maximum temperature, method of correct use, maintenance method, material from which the dish was made.

In the third quarter of 2017, the Trade Inspection Authority checked 139 dishes and contested 51 (36.7 percent). The main reason was incorrect marking. Nine lots went to the laboratory, three turned out not resistant to high temperatures.

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