The Wirecutter Show

Andrea Barnes, a senior staff writer at Wirecutter and expert in cleaning products, shares her secrets for tackling even the most stubborn stains. She discusses techniques for reviving dingy whites and removing tricky substances like oils and gummy bears. Practical advice includes the importance of high-quality detergents and proper soaking methods. Listeners learn about effective stain removal strategies and recommended products, like Tide and Amodex, to help achieve pristine laundry results.

Discover the often-overlooked importance of digital hygiene as our tech expert reveals essential tips for decluttering your devices. Learn how to tackle slow phone performance and optimize your digital life. Find out why strong, unique passwords are crucial and how password managers like 1Password and Bitwarden can save the day. Plus, get insights on managing your smartphone photos and keeping your devices clean. Say goodbye to digital hoarding and hello to a streamlined digital experience!

Get ready to revolutionize your cleaning habits! Experts share the best vacuums for every need—from budget-friendly options to premium picks. Discover the hilarious mishaps of robot vacuums and the critical factors to consider for your home, especially with pets and allergies. With insights on lightweight and cordless models, gear up for effortless spring cleaning. Plus, enjoy relatable stories of messes and a clever breakfast hack to keep kids motivated!

It’s time to turn the clocks forward – but don’t let Daylight Saving Time mess with your health. Here’s our best advice to overcome the time shift ahead. Guest: podcast co-host Caira Blackwell Products we recommend:The best blackout curtains: IKEA Rosenmandel Black-out Curtains or Target Pillowfort Blackout Chambray Cotton Kids’ PanelThe best eye mask: Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep MaskThe best sunrise alarm clock: Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520Caira loves this alarm clock: Hatch Restore 2 Additional Reading: How to Survive Daylight Saving TimeThe Best Sunrise Alarm Clock of 2025 The 4 Best Blackout Curtains of 2025The 3 Best Sleep Masks of 2025  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Joel Santo Domingo, a senior staff writer at Wirecutter specializing in consumer tech, shares invaluable insights on improving internet connectivity. He unveils three simple fixes most people overlook for faster speeds and discusses the importance of router placement and wired connections. Listeners learn about the advantages of fiber internet versus traditional options like cable and the necessity of understanding upload speeds. Santo Domingo also provides tips on negotiating internet plans and highlights essential tools for testing and improving home networks.

Jackie Reeve, a staff senior writer at Wirecutter specializing in textiles, shares her expertise on the art of towel shopping. She humorously demystifies the towel dilemma and offers practical tips on selecting and caring for towels to ensure their longevity. The conversation dives into the distinctions between terry, waffle, and peshtemal towels, exploring personal preferences and relationships influenced by towel choices. Jackie also reveals quirky insights, like the fascinating lack of wetness receptors in humans, making the topic unexpectedly engaging!

Uncomfortable beds can ruin your sleep, so the hosts dive into how to enhance your current mattress and make informed choices when shopping for a new one. They share insights from a two-and-a-half-year mattress testing journey, discussing luxury versus affordability. Discover practical tips to improve sleep quality and maintenance, alongside expert advice on the importance of the right fit. Plus, a comprehensive guide to navigating the mattress market, including sales strategies and testing options to ensure your ultimate sleep comfort.

Samantha Schoech, a talented staff writer at Wirecutter specializing in gift recommendations, breaks down delightful and unconventional ways to celebrate Valentine's Day. She emphasizes the importance of meaningful gifting over clichés like chocolates and roses. Listeners discover luxurious gift ideas such as silk hair accessories and exquisite cookies. Schoech also shares insights on self-love and thoughtful presents that cater to every relationship, highlighting unique options like paper flowers and simple gold chains.

Dive into the world of laundry troubles as listeners share their most frustrating stain experiences. From mysterious spills to stubborn marks, each story reveals the creative and often comical attempts at removal. Tune in for expert advice from a stain guru, who offers tips and tricks to tackle even the toughest blemishes. Join the fun as common laundry woes are turned into engaging tales of perseverance and problem-solving!

Join Bianca Alba, a non-binary sexual health educator and Wirecutter's sex toy writer with a master's in public health, as they dive into the often-overlooked world of personal lubricants. Discover why lube enhances sexual pleasure and how to choose the best one for your needs. They break down the different types of lubricants—water-based, silicone, hybrid, and oil-based—while sharing tips on ingredient safety and addressing common myths. Plus, find out about coconut oil as an eco-friendly alternative!