2-Bladed Swubbers Scrub Windshields
Getting ready to replace the windshield wipers on your car before winter? Consider Swubbers, unusual windshield wipers that work just like the squeegees that are commonly used at service stations.
Swubbers have two blades: The first has a woven mesh cloth over a soft rubber core that scrubs away the grime; the second smooth rubber blade trails the first, wiping away remaining dirt for a clean, non-glare windshield.
A special tool, which comes with each set, allows you to easily install the wipers in just a few minutes. A minor adjustment to the blades may be needed, depending on the car’s windshield contour, to make sure the wipers clean properly without smudging.
Swubbers ($29.95, plus $4 shipping and handling) are available from Beverly Hills Motoring Accessories, 200 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90211; phone, in California, (213) 657-4800; outside California, (800) 421-0911.
Dishwasher Conserves Water for Your Shower
If you’re considering buying a dishwasher, you may want to take a look at a new water-conserving one from Bosch, a company headquartered in Germany.
Just introduced in the United States, the Bosch dishwasher uses about half the water--5.9 gallons during a full regular cycle versus 12 gallons used by most other dishwashers--according to a Bosch representative.
It also has an economy cycle that uses 4.8 gallons as opposed to 10. A Bosch spokeswoman says that’s a potential water savings of 1,500 gallons annually per home, or enough water for a month’s worth of five-minute showers.
The dishwasher’s triple filter system--with a self-cleaning micro filter--eliminates the need to pre-rinse your dishes. Adjustable, removable racks make it easier to fit in large pots, pans and serving platters.
The Bosch SMU 7052 model ($949) has six wash programs; the SMU 4056 ($849), four.
In Southern California, they are available at Designtek Baths Kitchen Plus in Los Angeles; South Bay Kitchen & Bath Studio in Redondo Beach, Maxon’s in Glendora, Cagle’s in Ontario, Renwes( in Mission Viejo and Pacific Sales in Torrance, Brea, Industry, Irvine and Buena Park.
If you can’t find them in your area, contact the company’s U.S. headquarters: Robert Bosch Corp., Household Products Division, 2800 S. 25th Ave., Broadview IL 60153; phone, (800) 866-2022.
The Tumbler Won’t Let Kids’ Drinks Spill
Little Kids Inc., the Rhode Island company that makes the Sipper Gripper and Super Sipper juice box holders, has recently introduced The Tumbler, a children’s drinking cup that eliminates unintentional spills.
The Tumbler has a screw-on top with an opening for its flexible, reusable straw that extends down into the middle of the cup. When the 8 1/2-ounce cup is turned upside down or pushed on its side, the liquid stays in the cup.
“We wanted to re-design the ordinary drinking cup so kids could drink independently and comfortably,” says Jim Engle, founder and president of Little Kids Inc.
The Tumbler ($4.99) is made of dishwasher-safe plastic and comes in yellow and blue, yellow and orange and blue and orange. It’s available nationwide in department, children’s, toy and drug stores and supermarkets.
In Southern California, you can find it at Toys ‘R’ Us and Fedco stores; Litchfield’s Toys in Glendale; Bed, Bath & Beyond on West Olympic Boulevard in Los Angeles, Woodland Hills and San Diego; Carousel Baby Furniture in Pasadena; Lad ‘n Lassie in San Pedro; the Juvenile Shop in Sherman Oaks.
If you can’t find it in your area, call Little Kids Inc., in Providence, R.I. at (800) LIL-KIDS.
