If You Don’t See This on Your Amazon Purchase, Your Delivery Window and Returns Might Take Longer

When ordering from Amazon, I usually just hit the “buy” button without checking the seller’s identity. Mostly, my inattention works out fine. But, occasionally, I’ve had to wait longer for a delivery or send in a return without a prepaid shipping label.

That’s because products listed as “Sold by Amazon” have uniform delivery windows and return policies, whereas offerings from third-party sellers can vary. To ease this, in early 2026, Amazon began rolling out changes requiring more seller-fulfilled orders to meet Amazon’s in-house standards.

“But there remains a structural difference between items sold directly by Amazon and those sold by independent merchants,” says Chris Gray, CEO of Brandwoven. “Before buying, check who the seller is and what the stated return windows and methods are.”

Here’s more about the benefits and drawbacks of buying from third-party sellers, and how to protect yourself from frustrating setbacks.

What “Sold By Amazon” Means

Products listed as “Sold by Amazon” are items that Amazon owns. That means Amazon sets its retail price and is responsible for handling its customer service and returns.

“This is known as first-party retail,” says Gray. “When something is sold by Amazon, you’re entering into a sales contract directly with them instead of an independent merchant using their platform.”

How to tell if something is “Sold by Amazon”?

It’s usually stated on the product page, near the price and main “buy” button. One line indicates who is shipping the item, and another states who is selling it.

Why Products Not Sold By Amazon May Take Longer to Be Delivered

Products fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) versus sold by Amazon are still part of Amazon’s overall warehousing and logistics setup, so they will have identical delivery times. Seller-fulfilled products, however, ship from suppliers’ own warehouses and sometimes from overseas, which can slow delivery times.

“Amazon is a multi-billion-dollar business which has its logistics working like the military at this point,” says Gray. “Larger third-party sellers can match Amazon’s speed, but smaller merchants may have longer handling times, fewer collection slots and less automation.”

Alternatively, if you see the term “Seller Fulfilled Prime,” that means Amazon isn’t handling the logistics, but the seller is still offering the same speed, customer service and return rules as Amazon Prime.

“If you don’t see the Prime badge, then this is where delivery timescales will differ,” says Darren Ratcliffe, founder of Courageous. “It’s important to check listing delivery timescales, as I’ve seen products with timeframes of weeks and not days.”

Why Products Not Sold By Amazon Are Harder to Return

It often takes third-party sellers longer to approve and process refunds. Also, they don’t offer the ease of returns via QR codes, the way FBA sellers and “Sold by Amazon” do.

Also keep in mind that sometimes FBA returns can take longer than “Sold by Amazon,” says Ratcliffe, because “sellers can dictate return parameters, so this can mean that acceptable conditions for a returned item are higher, and fees may differ too.”

Why Are There Third-Party Sellers

Many independent brands use Amazon as a storefront because they don’t want to sell wholesale to Amazon directly or can’t meet the volume requirements that Amazon demands for first party retail, says Gray. Some also prefer to retain control over pricing, branding and stock.

“Amazon is a marketplace, so there should be a diverse range of sellers to give us a good variation of products to buy,” says Ratcliffe.

Is Buying Third Party Safe?

It depends. The majority of products on Amazon are sold by independent sellers, many of which are established brands and reputable small businesses. Amazon also provides its “A to Z Guarantee” for protection against issues like shipping, returns and product defects and misrepresentations.

“That said, some sellers have stricter return conditions, longer dispatch times or lower service levels,” says Gray. “There’s also a higher risk of counterfeit or poor quality goods from unknown sellers.”

Before buying from a third party seller, check its rating, review its return terms and read recent feedback and product reviews.

“Amazon is notoriously harsh with sellers,” says Ratcliffe. “Rogue sellers are often quickly picked up on and dealt with, which is one of the reasons I like shopping with Amazon. It’s a relatively safe experience.”

Reasons to Still Buy Third Party

Many third parties offer niche, specialized or imported items not available elsewhere, and some are actually more competitively priced than Amazon’s own listings.

While shipping and returns may be slower, remember that two-day shipping and near-instant refunds are relatively recent expectations, says Gray. “For certain products that’s a trade-off we can accept in exchange for a wider choice, more competitive pricing or just knowing that we’re supporting a small business,” he says.

About the Experts

• Chris Gray is CEO of Brandwoven, which offers full-service marketplace management services for Amazon, Walmart.com, Target.com and more.
• Darren Ratcliffe is founder of Courageous, an award-winning e-commerce and web design agency, which helps established businesses in the US, UK, Europe and Australia grow sales through Amazon, other marketplaces and their own e-commerce websites.

RELATED:

• See a Green Dot on Your Android Phone? Here’s What It Means
• If You Get a USPS Scam Text, You Need To Do This Immediately
• This Is How Often You Should Restart Your Phone

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Swapping These 9 Household Products Can Save You Thousands

Single-use products are convenient, but they come with a high cost — to the tune of hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year. “They are among the most frequent and easiest-to-fix cash flow leaks I see in household budgets,” says home budget expert Cody Schuiteboer. “Cutting that spending will lead to real savings.”

Of course, single-use products also come at a high cost to the environment and often to our own health, thanks to the chemicals they contain and the pollution created by their manufacturing.

Fortunately, cutting back on, or even eliminating, them probably won’t significantly affect your daily routine. I know, because I’ve personally managed to axe just about all of these from my home. While it took a minute to adjust, I’m all the happier, healthier and wealthier for it.

Here are some ideas for single-use items to eliminate from your home to save money, plus easy alternatives for getting by without them.

Paper Towels

The average household uses two or three rolls a week, for an annual cost of about $180. To save money and trees, cleaning expert Marisol Rivera encourages her clients to use paper towels only as an emergency tool for extreme messes, not as an everyday norm.

Affordably replace them with cotton towels, Swedish dish cloths or even old cut-up cotton T-shirts. “While the transition to this system takes about two weeks to become fully automatic, the benefit will last a very long time,” says Schuiteboer.

Plastic Wrap

Swapping out plastic wrap for glass containers with lids, reusable silicon stretch lids or beeswax wraps saves money, plus cuts down on pollution. “Plastic wrap is a product that should be banned from every kitchen drawer in America,” says Schuiteboer. “It is one of the most used single-use plastic items, and it is almost impossible to recycle, so every single piece that has ever been used still exists in a landfill or in the ocean.”

Grocery Bags

Unless you live in a state or city that has placed fees on them, plastic grocery bags don’t directly cost you money — but their environmental cost is enormous, from animals ingesting them to the pollution and greenhouse gases created during their manufacturing.

The average American uses a whopping 365 plastic bags per year, but considering that in Denmark that number is just four, it should be pretty easy to make the switch to reusable totes. To streamline the process, Rivera recommends keeping a few foldable bags in your car or purse at all times.

Disposable Cups

Single-use disposable cups and lids can accumulate quickly, especially if you make daily coffee runs or host a lot of entertaining. To replace them, Rivera recommends purchasing a basic set of lightweight cups or mason jars for guests, and a good-quality insulated travel mug for drinks on the go.

“Once the travel mug becomes second-nature to grab, that greatly reduces the amount of disposable cups you throw away,” she says. Many coffee shops are also happy to refill your reusable mug with your favorite beverage.

Bottled Water

Regularly buying bottled water can add up to $500 or more a year, plus all of those plastic bottles introduce harmful toxins into your body and create a tremendous amount of waste.

“Bottled water demonstrates a clear lack of financial consideration,” says Schuiteboer. “I advise clients to cut this spending, as it is both quick and easy.”

Instead, invest in stainless-steel water bottles for on-the-go hydration. And if you don’t trust your tap water, use an under-sink or pitcher filter. To make the transition easier, Rivera suggests filling reusable bottles the night before and leaving them ready to go next to the door.

Disposable Razors

“The disposable razor industry operates on the assumption that it must normalize disposables,” says Schuiteboer. But, a quality cartridge razor or a safety razor with disposable blades, will pay for itself in well under a year, plus save on plastic waste.

It will also save on frustration, says Rivera, by eliminating that drawer full of possibly still good disposable blades.

Cleaning Wipes

Pre-moistened cleaning wipes are convenient, but expensive and easily abused, says Rivera. She recommends substituting them with a spray bottle of all-purpose cleaner and a set of microfiber cloths. Then, reserve a small canister of disinfecting wipes strictly for illnesses.

Microfiber cloths also clean better, says Schuiteboer, since they’re more effective at trapping bacteria and dirt. Pro-tip: color-code your cloths, with separate colors for the kitchen, glass and bathroom.

Fabric Softeners and Dryer Sheets

These chemicals don’t just cost money outright, they can damage your appliances and cause health issues ranging from skin irritation to asthma, migraines and hormone disruption.

“They also leave a waxy coating on fibers, making them absorb less dirt and water,” says Schuiteboer. “This makes your towels less effective.” Instead, add white distilled vinegar to the rinse compartment to remove buildup and odors, and use wool dryer balls and low heat to eliminate static cling, says Rivera.

Shower Puffs, Sponges and Loofahs

Save money by switching to regular washcloths. “Loofahs and mesh shower puffs in your bathroom are popular, but rarely cleaned well,” says medical expert James J. Chao. That results in organic material and moisture becoming trapped in the pores, promoting microbial growth. “They can also cause folliculitis or minor skin irritation if you continually rub them on your skin,” says Chao.

The same goes for kitchen sponges. Switching to dishcloths you wash and replace daily, or a brush that can dry standing up, will save you money and microbes. “A few dollars spent on rags can literally save you thousands in skin infections,” says Chao.

FAQ

What counts as a single-use item?

A single-use item is a product designed to be used a limited number of times, then discarded. “Even if the packaging is not labeled ‘disposable,’ the product’s price point dictates its purpose,” says Schuiteboer. “If it’s low-cost enough that washing it or keeping it for future use isn’t rational, it is single-use.”

Won’t reusable items create more laundry?

Yes, a little more. “But the math doesn’t support this as a meaningful argument,” says Schuiteboer. “Most homes can easily fit the additional items into laundry cycles without adding an extra load.”

Rivera recommends combining those additional cloths with existing loads of towels, then line-drying them for extra savings.

About the Experts

• Cody Schuiteboer is president and CEO of Best Interest Financial, where he talks to customers about household budget optimization every day.
• Marisol Rivera is a cleaning expert and professional organizer at Sparkly Maid Austin.
• James J. Chao, MD, FACS, is co-founder and chief medical officer of VedaNu Wellness in San Diego, California.

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The States With the Least and Most Expensive Car Insurance

We’ve looked at the average car insurance by state, but what about the cheapest car insurance? While it’s hard to narrow down the absolute cheapest quote in each state, given that there are so many factors that go into pricing, it is possible to find the cheapest companies in each state. We took a look at what goes into a quote and which companies offer the lowest rates across the country.

What Factors Go Into Pricing?

Bankrate recently ran an article looking at the cheapest car insurance companies across the country. As part of the piece, they also broke down some of the factors insurance companies use when calculating the cost of your policy. According to them, the price of you coverage depends, in part, on “your driving record, the car you drive and the level of protection you choose.”

There are also some factors that you don’t have as much control over, but that go into this calculation as well. In a second article by Bankrate, this one looking at the average cost of insurance state by state, the company cited other factors including “road conditions, the number of licensed drivers, uninsured driver statistics, traffic density and the cost of living as it relates to repair and labor costs when calculating your rate.” Laws and climate are also factors; things like “weather conditions, local claims history and state laws that specify the minimum insurance drivers are required to carry,” round out some of these calculations.

Cheap Car Insurance for Special Cases

ValuePenguin looked into automotive insurers who offer good rates for special cases. While not every insurer covers every state, their article notes that “ValuePenguin’s cheapest picks each offer insurance in at least 25 states.” According to them, these are the insurers offering the best rates for different special cases:

• American Family: full coverage or poor credit
• Auto-Owners: liability-only, teen drivers, record of speeding tickets, teen drivers with a record of speeding tickets, and teen drivers with an accident
• State Farm: accidents
• Progressive: DUIs
• USAA: military families

Cheapest Car Insurance by State

Nerdwallet ranks out the cheapest insurer in each state, along with their median rate. While your exact quote will vary based on the factors listed above, this will still give you a good idea of what to expect.

State	Insurance Company	Annual Cost
Vermont	Union Mutual	$779
Idaho	Travelers	$808
Nebraska	American National	$900
South Carolina	American National	$904
Virginia	Virginia Farm Bureau	$940
South Dakota	Kemper	$950
Wyoming	American National	$956
Wisconsin	Travelers	$991
Ohio	Central Insurance	$1,068
Maine	Progressive	$1,081
Washington	Kemper	$1,097
Alabama	Travelers	$1,199
North Carolina	Progressive	$1,174
Massachusetts	GEICO	$1,209
Tennessee	Travelers	$1,209
Minnesota	Travelers	$1,277
Oregon	State Farm	$1,287
Iowa	Progressive	$1,297
Hawaii	GEICO	$1,317
Indiana	American Family	$1,321
Michigan	GEICO	$1,321
Texas	Texas Farm Bureau	$1,321
Colorado	American National	$1,327
Connecticut	Travelers	$1,349
California	GEICO	$1,358
New Hampshire	GEICO	$1,389
New York	Progressive	$1,391
Nevada	Progressive	$1,414
Arizona	American Family	$1,419
Alaska	GEICO	$1,455
Maryland	GEICO	$1,457
New Mexico	Central Insurance	$1,464
Illinois	Travelers	$1,490
Pennsylvania	Encova	$1,506
Arkansas	Travelers	$1,535
Utah	Nationwide	$1,550
North Dakota	Nationwide	$1,576
Montana	State Farm	$1,603
Georgia	Georgia Farm Bureau	$1,605
New Jersey	GEICO	$1,648
Kansas	Travelers	$1,691
Missouri	Shelter	$1,700
Rhode Island	Travelers	$1,770
West Virginia	Encova	$1,772
Washington D.C.	Erie	$1,870
Delaware	Travelers	$1,950
Mississippi	Travelers	$1,961
Oklahoma	American Farmers and Ranchers	$1,996
Kentucky	Shelter	$2,096
Florida	State Farm	$2,101
Louisiana	Louisiana Farm Bureau	$3,059

RELATED:

• Do You Know What That Little Button on Your Seat Belt Is For?
• What Those Lines on Your Backup Camera Really Tell You
• Here’s What The Small Panel On Your Car’s Front Bumper Is For

Sources

Cheapest Car Insurance in February 2026, Bankrate, January 2026.

Car Insurance Rates by State for February 2026, Bankrate, 2026.

Top 10 cheapest car insurance companies, ValuePenguin.

Cheap Full Coverage Car Insurance for 2026, Nerdwallet, 2026.

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1 in 7 Drivers Has No Insurance — Here’s What Happens If One Hits You

Getting into a collision with a driver who doesn’t have car insurance is more common than you’d think. Insurance claims work differently when an uninsured driver causes a crash. Not understanding your insurance policy coverage may surprise you about who pays for damages and lost time.

Without the right type of coverage, you could be forced to pay out of pocket for an accident you didn’t cause. The good news is that most insurance policies include (or offer) uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Uninsured motorist insurance coverage covers medical payments, collision repairs, and may cover loss of income (up to policy limits) when an at‑fault driver doesn’t have insurance.

Knowing how these coverages work, what to do at the scene of the accident, and how to file a claim can help you avoid delays, as well as legal and financial headaches. Follow along as an insurance expert and an injury lawyer explain what can happen when you’re hit by someone without car insurance and how to ensure you’re financially protected when the other driver can’t pay following a crash.

How Common Are Uninsured Drivers?

According to a 2023 report by the Insurance Research Council (IRC), more than one in seven drivers nationwide (15.4 percent) were uninsured. Other data by the IRC shows that in the U.S, “one in three drivers are either uninsured or underinsured,” a staggering ten percentage point increase since 2017.

Melanie Musson, auto industry expert at Clearsurance.com added, “In some areas, uninsured drivers make up a quarter of all drivers.” Considering those statistics, “How many uninsured motorists do you think you pass on a trip to the grocery store?” she asked.

What Happens Immediately After the Accident?

First, determine if anyone requires medical attention. Then call law enforcement. Getting law enforcement involved ensures that an official record of the accident is filed, especially if one of the drivers lacks insurance. “All involved parties need to exchange information —driver’s licenses, license plate numbers and names on the registration, and insurance information, even if the other party doesn’t have insurance,” said Musson.

Carefully and methodically document the accident scene [photos, location, time of day, weather conditions, names of any witnesses if they come forward] and “contact your insurance company right away, they can help you understand your next steps,” said Chad Watwood, Attorney at LawBike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers. Then, request a copy of the police report. It will indicate whether the at-fault driver has insurance coverage. Depending on the jurisdiction, “the uninsured driver will likely be cited,” said Watwood.

Who Pays for the Damage?

Even if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, “They should still pay for the damages,” said Munson. Your own insurance policy will pay for damages, assuming you have Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Insurance. Uninsured Motorist and Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UM‑BI) Insurance (usually packaged together) is mandatory or strongly recommended by every state and normally covers:

• Medical bills.
• Lost wages.
• Pain and suffering.
• Long‑term disability.
• Funeral expenses.

Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UM‑PD) covers your vehicle’s damage if the at-fault driver is uninsured and unable to pay for repairs. UM‑PD is not available in all states. Some states require you to carry collision insurance, and that will cover the repairs to your car, less your deductible.

Your UIM-BI and UM-PD coverage fills the “gap” between what the other driver’s insurance will pay and the actual cost of damages. “UIM-BI and UM-PD usually cover medical payments, collision repairs or even health insurance,” said Watwood. That’s why it’s critical you check, read and understand your automobile insurance policy, including coverage limits.

Can You Sue an Uninsured Driver?

You can absolutely sue. However, both Musson and Watwood agree, it’s usually not worth it. “Uninsured drivers often have little or no assets, so collecting money for damages becomes difficult,” said Musson. Watwood added, “It depends on the assets or income that the person [you are suing] possesses. If they have no assets, any settlement probably won’t be much [financial compensation].” It’s better and less stressful to have uninsured motorist coverage.

Do State Lines Matter?

Yes. “State lines impact insurance requirements, as well as the UM/UIM structure,” said Watwood. If a crash happens in another state, that state’s rules often govern fault and claims.

Here’s an example. “If you have minimum liability coverage in your state but cause an accident in a different state that has higher minimum requirements, your policy automatically adjusts to meet that state’s minimum requirements, and cover [if necessary] the higher limits required in the state where the accident happened,” said Musson.

In addition, some states mandate Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Also known as “no-fault” insurance, you don’t have to prove fault to get benefits. Devised to speed up medical treatment and reduce lawsuits, your auto insurance coverage pays for your injuries and certain other expenses after a crash, no matter who caused the accident.

FAQ

Is car insurance required everywhere in the United States?

“Most states and their jurisdictions mandate liability insurance, or some financial responsibility bonds,” said Watwood. Musson pointed out, “Interestingly, in New Hampshire, where car insurance is not required, the rate of uninsured drivers is lower than the US average.” (New Hampshire law does require residents to show proof of financial responsibility if you’re liable for someone else’s injuries or damages, however.)

So, even when it’s not required, the vast majority of drivers choose insurance because it provides such valuable protection. Up until 2024, you could legally operate a vehicle in Virginia without auto insurance by paying an annual $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee. Now, when you apply for or renew your vehicle registration, you are obliged to show your vehicle has minimum liability insurance coverage.

In my state of Pennsylvania, you must carry $5,000 in no-fault medical coverage and show your PA Financial Responsibility Identification Card before your vehicle can be state safety-inspected and emissions-tested.

What are minimum coverage limits?

Minimum limits of liability are the lowest amounts of coverage a driver needs under state law, and each state is different. For example, New Hampshire’s UM/UIM bodily injury auto insurance minimum is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, while medical payment coverage is $1,000 per accident. Virginia’s UM/UIM bodily injury minimum amount is the same as New Hampshire’s, yet it has no requirement for medical payment coverage. Pennsylvania, a no-fault state, requires a minimum of $15,00 per person and $30,000 of bodily injury liability coverage, First-Party Benefits (your medical costs due to an accident, regardless of who’s at fault) of $5,000 and UM/UIM bodily injury amount of $15,000.

Experts

• Charles (Chuck) Watwood Jr. founded Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers in 1996 after graduating from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. (Email interview Feb 19, 2026.)
• Melanie Musson, a published insurance and finance expert, is the fourth generation in her family to work in the insurance industry. Over the past two decades, Melanie has gained in-depth knowledge of and specializes in state-specific insurance laws and how insurance fits into every person’s life, from budgets to coverage levels at Clearsurance. (Email interview Feb 20, 2026.)

Resources

• Insurance Research Council: “One in Three Drivers are Either Uninsured or Underinsured in the U.S, Exposing Themselves and Other Drivers to Significant Financial Risk, New IRC Study Shows”
• Kelly Blue Book: “In Some States, 1 in 5 Drivers Are Uninsured”
• LegalClarity: “Are You Required to Have Car Insurance in Virginia?”
• National Association of Insurance Commissioners: “Auto Insurance”
• Insurance Research Council: “One in Eight Drivers Uninsured”
• Insurance Information Institute: “Facts and Statistics: Uninsured motorists”
• Progressive: “At-Fault vs. No-Fault Accidents”
• Progressive: “Car insurance requirements by state”

Related

• Do You Know What That Little Button on Your Seat Belt Is For?
• What Those Lines on Your Backup Camera Really Tell You
• Here’s What The Small Panel On Your Car’s Front Bumper Is For

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Quick and Easy Guide To Cleaning a Dirty Phone Charging Port

Use a flashlight to investigate

Be sure to turn off your phone and remove any protective phone cases before working on the charging port. Check the phone port with a flashlight before cleaning it out. You may be able to identify accumulated dust or something wedged there where it shouldn’t be, making it easier to proceed.

If you notice visibly bent or broken pins, excessive corrosion, a physically loose port (not just dirty), or if cleaning doesn’t resolve your charging issues, stop and consult a professional.

Remove compressed dust particles

Gently remove built-up dust and debris with a small wooden or plastic toothpick. Over time — especially if the port has been exposed to moisture — dust can compact into the bottom of the port and collect around the delicate terminal pins, so it’s worth taking the time to clean it out thoroughly. Work carefully and never force anything. Once you’ve loosened a clump and moved it toward the opening, a pair of tweezers can help pull it the rest of the way out, but don’t insert the tweezers any deeper into the port than necessary.

Brush out remaining debris

Switch to a small artist’s brush to reach the deepest corners of the port. Use it to sweep out the bottom and any remaining crevices. A nylon-bristle dental pick works well here, too.

Follow up with compressed air

Some fine debris may be too stubborn to remove with a brush or toothpick alone. A short burst of compressed air on a low, gentle setting will clear out whatever’s left. Avoid blasting it at full pressure — too much force can push particles deeper into the port rather than pushing them out. Save this step for after you’ve already cleared out any compacted buildup.

Wipe it down with alcohol

Lightly wipe a clean artists brush with an isopropyl alcohol wipe and do one final pass inside the port. The goal is to disinfect without leaving any moisture behind, so use as little as possible — just enough to wipe the surface. Alcohol evaporates quickly, which helps, but you should still let the phone sit for at least an hour before plugging it back in to make sure it’s completely dry. Finish by wiping down the phone’s outer surface with the same alcohol wipe to sanitize and remove fingerprints.

FAQ

Is it bad to leave a device charging overnight?

It is not recommended to leave a phone charging for many hours overnight. Once fully charged, the phone may overheat, leading to accelerated battery degradation. For battery efficiency, charge the battery to at least 80%. Always charge a phone on a cool, hard, flat surface.  Avoid using poor-quality phone chargers, and never block the phone’s ventilation holes with pillows or blankets. Overheating a phone can potentially become a fire hazard.

How to tell if a charging port is damaged or dirty?

If your phone is having a difficult time charging – whether that is intermittent or slow, check to see if your port is dirty or clogged with dust and debris. Dust and debris will prevent the port from making a solid connection with your charger. If you have to hold your phone at an angle or it feels loose of wobbly when trying to make a connections to charge may be a sign your phone port is clogged and dirty. You may also be able to see with a flashlight if the pins in the port are broken or damaged. Bent or damaged pins will not allow the port to make full contact with the charger. Sometimes, a phone port may be damaged but, a phone will still be able to be charged with a wireless charger. Investigate these options to best diagnose your phone.

How often should I clean my charging port?

Clean your charging port every 3-6 months, or whenever you notice charging issues. Frequent exposure to dusty environments, pockets with lots of lint, or sandy/dirty conditions may require more frequent cleaning.

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Tips for Using Every Square Inch of Plywood

Set Up a Cutting Plan

Start with laying out your project on graph paper, a 3D modeling program like Sketchup or a cut-optimizer app, so you can efficiently plan how to nest pieces together to minimize waste. Next, map that onto your plywood sheet with a pencil or cardboard stencil, accounting for the 1/8” of material the saw will remove (aka blade kerf).

Pro-tip: Grain direction matters. “We used to optimize for material savings, but now we cut with grain direction in mind first, and packing the cuts tighter second,” says remodeler Todd Cechini. “Counterintuitively, we actually get more usable scraps this way because they’re oriented correctly for future drawer fronts or small panels.”

Optimize Cutting Technique

Cut the largest pieces from the sheet first. “This will keep it more stable and manageable, to help preserve clean, usable offcuts for smaller parts later on,” says professional organizer Christina Giaquinto.

Properly support the sheet while cutting, to prevent flexing, binding and splintering. If you’re worried about freehanding cuts using a jig or circular saw, DIY enthusiast Rusty Meador recommends building a straight-edge jig. “A wavy line messes up the cut, and the cut on the next edge, and before you know it, your whole plan is thrown off,” he says. “Plan a little, slow down your cuts.”

Keep the Blade Sharp

A sharp, fine-tooth blade that’s designed for cutting plywood will minimize tearing and uneven cuts. “It’s not different than cutting veggies in your kitchen,” says roofer Mike Feazel. “A dull blade frays edges and forces you to trim things down after the fact.”

Safety tip: When cutting plywood, always wear safety glasses and protective hand and footwear.

Protect the Edges

To keep plywood from splintering, place a piece of masking or painters’ tape directly over the line you want to cut. “This will keep the wood from splintering, and you will end up with a nice, smooth cut,” says builder Anthony Shirk.

For off-cuts that don’t match the sides and top, remodeler Zachary Smith recommends adding iron-on veneer tape. “It delivers professional coverage at a fraction of the cost,” he says.

Pro-tip: Use a sharp chisel and cut excess tape with the grain to avoid it tearing out.

Consider a Router

Using a router helps minimize splinters and mis-cuts. While they’re not always practical, Shirk finds them invaluable in situations such as cutting excess plywood from door frames.

Fasten your plywood to the surface you are mounting it to, then use a router with a down-cut spiral bit to remove the excess plywood, says Shirk. “These bits leave a perfectly cut edge that is perfectly even with the edge of your frame. We then use the cut-off pieces for material on the structure’s roof overhangs.”

Layer Pieces

If you need a thicker or stronger panel, layer thinner sheets of plywood rather than buying an expensive thick board, says realtor Ryan Fitzgerald. “Gluing two sheets can provide a strong panel for cabinets, shelving or worktops, while also conserving material and being very cost-effective.”

Evenly spread the glue, then clamp the panels firmly until the adhesive sets. To prevent spots, clean up excess glue before it dries. Once cured, sand both sides together to ensure the thickness is uniform. “Take your time in alignment of the sheets and use steady pressure for the best results,” says Fitzgerald.

Save the Scraps

Nearly every bit of scrap plywood is usable for some sort of project: think edge banding, cleats, shims for leveling furniture, a push stick for your table saw, garden bed edging and drawer dividers. As a kid, Shirk even used small strips to create rubber band guns.

“My wife doesn’t like it, but I rarely throw out anything wider than 1.5 inches,” says Feazel. “It always comes in handy later for DIY projects!”

About the Experts

• Mike Feazel is CEO of Roof Maxx and has been in the roofing and construction industry for more than 30 years.
• Anthony Shirk is operations manager at Sunrise Structures, an Indiana-based shed builder.
• Todd Cechini runs Dun-Rite Home Improvements, Inc., a four-decade-old Colorado home remodeling company.
• Zachary Smith is the founder and CEO of Ready House Buyer in Dallas, Texas, which has rehabbed more than 100 houses in the past seven years.
• Rusty Meador is the founder of Beach & Barn, a coastal menswear brand based out of Wilmington, NC, which began as a carpentry and restoration company. He is host of WaveFarm Podcast.
• Ryan Fitzgerald is a realtor, home expert and the owner of Raleigh Realty in North Carolina.
• Christina Giaquinto is a professional organizer and brand ambassador of Modular Closets, which makes customizable DIY home closet units.
• Curran Clark is co-founder of ContractorNerd, an insurance agency for contractors.

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This Genius New Gadget Uses Your Patio Lights to Repel Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes have always loved me, although the feeling is certainly not mutual. Instead of looking forward to outdoor gatherings each summer, I’ve grown to dread them because of the itchy, angry welts those annoying buzzers leave on my arms and legs as tokens of their “affection.”

Citronella candles and insect repellent spray work, but I’m always up for improving my line of defense. So when I heard that Tiki Brand released a new mosquito repellent, I found myself looking forward to the summer—and a showdown with my nemeses. Here’s everything you need to know about the BiteFighter Plug & Repel.

VIA MERCHANT

Tiki Brand BiteFighter Plug & Repel

This handy mosquito repellent plugs directly into your outdoor string lights for pest-free protection.

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What is the Tiki Brand BiteFighter Plug & Repel?

The name is spot on: The Tiki Brand BiteFighter Plug & Repel is an outdoor plug-in mosquito repellent. This set-it-and-forget-it device won’t get in the way of any backyard party aesthetic you’re going for; in fact, it might just enhance it.

If you’ve got string lights in your yard, you’ll definitely want to get this nifty device. The concept is genius: Just unscrew a single bulb from your string lights and replace it with the BiteFighter. The discreet bulb creates an odor-free zone (up to 110 square feet) that repels mosquitoes. The plug-in pod lasts 12 hours, although there are also 48-hour replacement pods available for purchase separately. Your invited guests won’t even notice it, but your uninvited guests certainly will get the hint that they should buzz off.

The BiteFighter Plug & Repel is compatible with 120Vac string lights with 6W bulbs and E26 sockets. The manufacturer recommends hanging the lights anywhere you want mosquito protection, but no higher than 10 feet above the ground. Then, activate the repellent for 45 minutes to create a no-mosquito zone in your yard.

Editor’s note: Deputy Editor Katie Bandurski has the BiteFighter Plug & Repel and is eager to test it out when mosquito season arrives. We’ll update this page with an honest review in the near future, including how it compares to devices like Thermacell.

Where to Buy

Some more bad news for mosquitoes: Not only is the Tiki Brand BiteFighter Plug & Repel available for purchase on the Tiki Brand site, but it’s also sold at Lowe’s, Target and Amazon.

Now, this handy little gadget will attach easily right to your existing string lights, but if you’re in the market for an additional strand, you might also consider the BiteFighter Mosquito Repellent LED String Lights, which come with three refillable pods and are ready to illuminate your next outdoor gathering. Bring on the warm weather!

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