BALTIMORE — Companies making cleaning products are having a hard time keeping up with the demand while more hand sanitizers are making the FDA’s ‘do not use’ list. And another shortage is costing Americans money.
Clorox CEO says wipes won’t be full restocked until 2021
Consider yourself lucky if you’ve managed to get a hold of Clorox wipes. The popular cleaning product continues to fly off shelves, and the shortage could continue into next year.
In an earnings call earlier this week, Clorox CEO Linda Rendle reportedly said the company might not be able to restock the product in stores until next year and it could take a full year to get up to the supply levels they need to be at.
If you can’t find wipes, disinfectant prays are also effective. In July, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved two types of Lysol disinfectant sprays to protect against the novel coronavirus.
The manufacturer said the spray can kill the virus at two minutes of use.
If Lysol isn’t available look for products that have at least 70 percent alcohol.
There are also ways to make your own wipes with bleach or alcohol. Click here for instructions.
FDA issues warning for certain hand sanitizers
More than 100 hand sanitizers have made the Food and Drug Administration’s list of products to avoid.
The agency recently found that certain hand sanitizers had concerningly low levels of ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol, which are active ingredients in hand sanitizer products.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend consumers use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent ethanol (also referred to as ethyl alcohol).
Also, be careful of any products fraudulently marketed as “FDA-approved.” There are no hand sanitizers approved by the FDA.
Click here to view a list of the 115 hand sanitizers.
Americans being shortchanged following coin shortage
A pandemic-related shortage is costing Americans money.
The U.S. Mint slowed down coin production for a few months to keep employees safe from COVID-19, and now some businesses are running low on coins or not offering change.
The Federal Trade Commission provided consumers with the tips below to avoid losing money:
- If you do plan to pay with cash, bring coins from home so you have the exact amount.
- If you’re short and the store rounds up, ask if they can offer you store credit for the leftover amount or if they can donate it to charity, which more stores are now offering.
- Pay using a credit or debit card or by check.
Also, if a store doesn’t offer change, it should clearly state or display this policy. If you find a store that’s intentionally misleading or deceptive about this policy, file a complaint with the Maryland Attorney General Consumer Protection Division by clicking here.
